Resources for Small Businesses

There is no doubt these times are challenging for our small businesses and for the tourism industry as a whole. Mecklenburg County Tourism is here to help you think of new and creative ways to continue to service your customers and to keep your business moving. Here are some ideas to consider during this Covid-19 Crisis.

Resturant / Food Industry
Think about how you can continue to serve your customers with health and safety remaining a priority. Consider offering curb-side delivery service or delivery within a radius of your restaurant. Let your customers know the extra measures you are taking to keep surfaces sanitized.

Retail Shops
Do you have an online presence? Consider using technology to reach your customers. If you don’t already have an online store on your website, now is a great time to start one. There are many affordable services, such as shopify to accomplish this. Don’t have an online presence? It’s time to get one. Start with setting up a Facebook page; it’s free and easy. From there, you can share pictures of your products and even take orders for pick up or delivery.

Arts / Entertainment
Your industry is dependent on live audiences, so this is especially challenging but not impossible to overcome. You’ll want to continue to stay in front of your audience; keep their attendtion for when the situation lifts. They’ll have you top of mind and will be more than ready to come catch a live show again. If you have any previously recorded content, create a YouTube channel for people to tune in to or consider Facebook live to broadcast small performances. There are also subscription-based video streaming programs available for broadcasting to online subscribers.

Museums / Attractions
Consider using free technology – like Facebook Live to give virtual tours of your attraction. People will appreciate you sharing while they’re shut in; even more importantly they’ll be looking forward to an in-person visit when the situation allows.

Hotels / Lodging
Reservations may be down right now. Make sure you’re letting the public know of any health and safety related actions you are taking for your guests – they need to feel safe. One idea to increase over-all bookings is to offer off-season rates for an in-season stay if they book now. Couple this with a no-risk, no-fee cancellation to increase confidence. If you normally offer a continental breakfast, add an in-room delivery option. Promote the restaurants that have delivery services to your hotel. If you already have an in-house restaurant, offer free room service.

I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you and your business. None of these suggestions are CDC-Official. They are merely ideas from your local Mecklenburg County Tourism Coordinator to help you think outside the box and get creative in a time when creativity is key!

Please let me know any other ways I may be able to help, or if I can help you set up any of these online solutions. Call me directly at 434-738-6191 x 4438 or email me.

Be safe, and stay creative!

This page will be updated continuously as we receive information. Please keep checking back.

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