As COVID-19 has rapidly moved through the Charlotte community in recent days, startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Mecklenburg County have rallied together to support local businesses of all shapes and sizes. When Governor Roy Cooper recently announced the executive order to close all bars and restaurants, effective at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, the community scrambled online to find ways to support these businesses.

Local business owners Corri Smith of Black Wednesday and Garrett Tichy of Hygge rallied together to launch a new network, Support Local Or Else, that aims to promote and support local businesses during these difficult days. Small businesses have the opportunity to submit their business listing and a promotional opportunity for others to purchase. Current listings include a variety of deals from restaurants, apparel, breweries, fitness, services and more.

Resourcefulness and ingenuity are traits that many small business owners and entrepreneurs have in common, both of which are particularly important during times such as these. Restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops are moving from dine-in establishments to take-out opportunities. Businesses that offer in-person events are pivoting their strategies to bring their customers virtual opportunities to learn and connect.

Below, Charlotte Inno has begun to compile resources and articles that Charlotteans can use to navigate their business options during this pandemic. If you have additional resources to share, please let us know.

We will continually update this guide as new resources are discovered, but for the latest news, sign up for The Beat.

 

original article via Charlotte Inno