Don't forget to go local.
Five Ways to support small businesses.
Before our team launched Southside Craft Soda I spent many years doing marketing consulting with several organizations in the San Antonio area. Additionally, I was able to be a part of establishing an economic development non-profit on the south side of San Antonio. This experience, with my passion for food and beverage led to starting our manufacturing company.
One of the many pleasures I have in running a scrappy start-up is that I get to meet other people just as scrappy as us. Food truck owners, coffee shop proprietors, people who own bars, restaurants, retail stores and boutiques. It's a diverse cross-section of small business, hardworking people who are pursuing their dreams. Dedicated individuals taking risks and who have in many cases poured their hearts and own money in something they believe in.
During this moment of high precaution many people want to know how they can help their local business. Here are some things I compiled based on my experience. Feel free to add your own so we can share and support our communities.
ORDER TO GO OR USE ONLINE DELIVERY
In most cases you can call in an order and they'll have it ready for you. You can pick up quick and it gives you a chance to check on your favorite place. Most establishments are now connected to Uber Eats or Favor. Great ways to get things delivered.
ONLINE SHOPPING
Many local shops have online stores that make it easy for you to order and have it delivered. If they don't just give them a call. Most small businesses will accommodate you especially if it means there is a sale! Don't be shy.
STOP ON BY FOR A BIT
Social distancing is the key word. Use good judgement here. It's okay to visit your favorite spot and eat a burger or shop at the boutique. If it's not crowded, you are keeping some space and following health guidelines you should be alright. Here is a great article from the Atlantic speaking to experts about social distancing click here.
BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS AT THE GROCERY STORE OR ONLINE
This one is near and dear to us and many other local producers. There are a lot of great products being developed in communities throughout this country. Your buying of the product is the only bail out they'll get. Buy the essentials, but make an effort in buying their product. This will serve as motivation and is a great sign of support.
IF YOU KNOW A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER - CHECK ON THEM
One of the hardest, most emotionally draining things to face as a small business is uncertainty. Many times your whole life is invested into your business. More than likely, there are very little safety nets when things start slowing down. A simple check on a local business can keep them motivated. Buying something is important but their well-being is most important. We just all gotta hang in there.
Experts say that it'll be a few months before this crisis slows down. If that's the case, it's going to take a large local effort - no matter what city your in - to keep our small businesses open and producers manufacturing products.
About Andrew M. Anguiano
Andrew is the CEO and Co-Founder of Southside Craft Soda. A San Antonio start-up that began in 2017. Along with co-founder Gregg Spickler he and his team launched TexaCola in 2019. The crafted cola is currently in over 180 H-E-B grocery stores and in locations throughout Austin, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Corpus Christi and as far north as Waco. Additionally, the company is launching two new products Limoncito and Beeville. The soda's are inspired by the flavors of South Texas.
Anguiano also has been an independent marketing consultant in San Antonio since 2007 and has experience in communication design and business strategy for various size companies, non-profits and government entities. Additionally, he served as the first executive director of the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce's economic development "think tank" Southside First. The non-profit is instrumental in bringing small business assistance and community development initiatives to the forefront.