How Atlanta Businesses Are Helping People and Small Businesses During COVID-19

COVID-19 is affecting people and businesses all over the world. With self-isolation, schools closed, businesses temporarily closing, and even whole cities shutting down, small businesses have never been in a more stressful position.

Trying to focus on the positive during odd times like this can be challenging, but ultimately, it’s what keeps our spirits and morals high. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. And we have the opportunity to help each during this pandemic.

All of this being said, we really wanted to highlight some incredible businesses in Atlanta coming together for the greater good. Here are a few ways Atlanta-based businesses are helping citizens and small businesses during COVID-19.

  • The Giving Kitchen is providing emergency assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19 and will also help workers who contract the coronavirus.
  • Lecrae has partnered with Love Beyond Walls to plant portable wash stations around metro Atlanta.
  • Atlanta-based Kabbage Inc. launched www.helpsmallbusiness.com to support small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19.
  • Truist Financial Corporation pledged $25 million in philanthropic support, and the Atlanta Braves created a disaster relief fund to help gameday workers and others impacted during this time.
  • The Gathering Spot founders Ryan Wilson and TK Petersen are hosting hotlines on how small businesses survive during COVID-19. Learn more here.
  • Mailchimp is offering free Standard accounts to eligible groups sending critical public health information about COVID19 through June 30, 2020.
  • Old Fourth Distillery in the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta has stopped producing vodka, bourbon, and gin, and started producing hand sanitizer.
  • Six Flags is donating more than 1,600 pounds of fruit, vegetables and dairy to the Center for Children & Young Adults in Marietta amid school closures and quarantines.
  • Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms issued an executive order to create a $7 million emergency fund to provide assistance to those impacted by COVID-19. The resources are designated to fund food programs for seniors and kids, and support for small businesses, hourly wage earners and the homeless. 

Seeing communities come together is something that warms hearts and puts a smile on our faces. That’s what we all need right now.

How can you help support local small businesses? Many restaurants are still offering delivery or curbside pickup, and other businesses may be offering gift cards for use now or later. If you have a favorite local retailer, they still may be selling products online even though their storefront is temporarily closed. Reach out to these small businesses and see what you can do to help – as you’ll be helping them to ultimately stay in business and survive this pandemic.

Are you a small business that needs assistance? Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website for additional information.

How are your communities supporting small businesses during COVID-19? If you are a small business, what steps are you taking? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.

Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com