Video challenge offers opportunity to support favorite businesses from home
Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, encourages consumers to support small businesses in their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Small businesses are critical to our economy. They create two-thirds of net new jobs and drive economic innovation and competitiveness. According to the SBA Office of Advocacy, small businesses comprise nearly half (44 percent) of economic activity.
Yet, measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus have negatively impacted small businesses in Florida and across the country. According to a recent study by Thryv and America’s SBDC, 42 percent of businesses indicated they could only survive one to two more months if not allowed to re-open in early May.
The Florida SBDC Network encourages consumers to support small businesses in their communities and is pleased to announce a social media campaign as a way consumers can support businesses from the safety of their homes.
As part of the campaign, the network will launch a six-part video series beginning Sunday, May 24. Each day, the network will share a challenge to encourage consumers to support local businesses. Examples of the challenges include tagging small businesses on social media, purchasing gift cards, writing online reviews, and sending caring messages to small business owners.
“Small businesses are vital to our communities and economy,” said Michael W. Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “During these unprecedented times, we wanted to provide an easy way for consumers to make a difference by supporting their favorite small businesses.”
To access the videos, visit floridasbdc.org/disaster/5-day-challenge. They will also be available daily, from May 25 - 29 on the Florida SBDC Network’s social media channels.
The Florida SBDC Network is a public-private partnership that leverages the resources of higher education and economic development to serve the needs of aspiring and existing small businesses. The mission of the Florida SBDC Network and SBDCs nationally is to provide the resources and expertise for small businesses to grow and succeed.
As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are also available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting and direction to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 assess their options and receive assistance in preparing loan applications.
Florida SBDC disaster specialists can also assist with other post-disaster challenges. The Florida SBDC Network recently developed a guide and other resources to help small businesses understand available federal disaster loans and provide tips for impacted businesses.
To access the guide, and for more information on resources available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.
