April 21, 2020
As students, we’ve definitely been affected by COVID-19. Some of us were forced to move early, others are changing their college classes to pass/fail with life changing so drastically, and still others are trapped at home, unable to work. COVID-19 has touched all of us in varying ways, but it’s probably hit small businesses the hardest.
Lack of patrons, inability to provide seating, strapped pockets and due rent are making our local favorites’ lives really difficult. But Colorado Springs is getting creative with how customers can help local businesses make it through this crazy time.
Below are some amazing opportunities to help.
To-go Alcohol
Thanks to new legislation, custom cocktails, and craft beer can be ordered to-go or even delivered right to your door. Now you can support most of your favorite bars from a distance and be a classy alcoholic while never getting out of your pajamas. For a list of businesses, check out downtowncs.com/supportlocal or give your favorite spot a call.
First Friday is Going Virtual
Galleries and restaurants depend on patrons getting out during this three-city-wide event to help stimulate the economy in Colorado Springs. With social distancing and quarantine rules, studios have gotten extra creative by doing virtual tours on First Fridays. And, thanks to the Bee Vradenburg Foundation, if you make a purchase of at least $50 between 5-8 p.m. on First Friday, they will match your purchase. For more info, go to peakradar.com/Virtual-First-Friday.
Bars Converted to Grocery Stores
Many bars and meeting houses are converting their businesses into grocery stores. Instead of body-slamming someone in Walmart or King Soopers, go shop at places like The Warehouse, Good Neighbor or Green Line Grill.
Family Meals
If your family or roommates want a break from cooking all the time, lots of restaurants are doing family meals for delivery and pickup. These include Jack Quinn’s, Spice Island Grill and Craft Social.
Paint From Home
Paint with a Twist is doing take home paint sets. Now, instead of getting drunk and painting a horrible piece out in the world where everyone will see your “masterpiece,” get drunk and paint from the comfort and privacy of your own home. We’re all looking for something to pass the time, and this might be a great option.
Buy gift cards
Now is the time that you can buy gift cards to help local businesses stay afloat. Maybe you’re totally content binging Netflix and cooking every meal and drinking water like a good person. But eventually, this will end. By making purchases now, you can ensure some of your favorites make it through this crazy time.
Meals to Heal
Besides local business, healthcare workers are absolutely the most affected by COVID-19. Working long hours and being exposed to the virus is isolating our much-needed friends. Through Meals to Heal, you can support local business and the healthcare system, purchasing a meal for medical personnel. Find out more at mealstoheal.co.
Buy a Sign
Creative Consortium is doing pro-bono work. Any time you make a “Support the Springs” yard sign or sticker, 100% of the proceeds go to the Support the Springs effort. Their goal is to serve as an informational and motivational platform and resource for our residents and local businesses to unite and become a stronger community through this pandemic. To make a purchase and help Colorado Springs, go to https://creative-consortium-colorado.myshopify.com/
For more information about how you can help, go to https://supportthesprings.com/ and http://downtowncs.com/covid19. They’re both amazing resources for helping Colorado Springs’ businesses survive COVID-19.