The recent coronavirus pandemic has sent a shockwave through global healthcare systems, economies, and people in a matter of a few short months. And while international news reports are overrun with concerning statistics and apocalyptic predictions, there are some positive stories surfacing during this time of crisis.
From neighbors singing from their balconies in Italy to communities participating in social distance workouts in Spain, many of us are finding relief in these stories of helpful hands and courageous citizens coming together. In an effort to share the love and show their support, many businesses around the world are shifting their priorities to benefit those most in need.
If you’re looking for ways to contribute to the cause, or just need some good news to brighten your day, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll be sharing stories of 6 businesses that are taking a constructive stance against the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. From Promotional Products to Healthcare Essentials
After facing devastating consequences as a result of the pandemic, Chicago-based promotional product manufacturer iPromo quickly shifted their entire business model to support their staff, healthcare workers, and families looking for hard-to-find gear. By launching their line of iHealth products, the company was able to get production back in motion while also helping to increase the much-needed supply chain of bulk face masks, along with protective eyewear, medical gloves, thermometers, and more.
iPromo has reserved certain products in their inventory for healthcare organizations and other essential services in an effort to keep these individuals safe so that they can continue to support demand in their communities.
2. Brewery to Business Resource
Despite having to close down business operations in their tasting rooms and restaurants, one San Diego brewery is using the resources they do have to help out other local business owners. With encouraging words and a message of solidarity, Modern Times brewery released a blog post filled with helpful finance and management tips for businesses dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the post, the employee-owned brewery highlights some tips that have helped them so far:
- Stay connected with lenders
- Cut credit spending and automated expenses
- Ask about payment plans with lenders and creditors
- Protect payroll by getting creative with temporary pay cuts
- Check if your state is deferring payroll taxes and business taxes
3. A Social Network Becomes a Small Business Support System
Social networking sites and digital spaces in general are seeing an increase in user activity, and many are taking their good graces as an opportunity to lend a hand. To show their support for small businesses who are dealing with some of the most severe consequences, Facebook recently pledged to invest $100 million in ad grants for impacted small businesses.
There’s no question it will be challenging for small businesses to get back on their feet, and many won’t survive the crisis, but positive acts like this will surely provide some relief.
4. Online Classrooms Become Free, Accessible Resources
Much of the United States, and countries around the world are enacting social distancing and quarantine orders to slow down the spread of the virus. While this has proven to be effective in several circumstances, staying home 24/7 isn’t easy to adapt to, especially for kids and students. To foster a new, engaging learning environment, many online classrooms and virtual workshops are offering free learning courses and memberships. From workout classes to professional skill development, there are so many opportunities to keep you entertained and active while flattening the curve.
5. From Fashion to Charitable Foundations
Before COVID-19 struck the U.S. and Europe, fashion brands around the world jumped at the opportunity to save lives and support scientific efforts by donating money and offering to buy and produce medical supplies for healthcare workers.
6. Movers Start a Movement
As a response to public health concerns about the spread of COVID-19 among shared spaces, many universities have suspended classes and made the difficult decision to evict students from college housing. In an effort to ease the financial and logistical burden of this change, U-Haul has decided to offer free 30-day storage for students displaced from their housing due to the coronavirus.
Navigating these unprecedented circumstances isn’t easy to do, but coming together to show support will certainly make it much more manageable.
