Like everywhere else in the world, the local economy in Southeast Volusia County has been decimated by the coronavirus. Until very recently, shops were shuttered, beach access was restricted and many small business owners found themselves on the rails.
Many businesses have awakened from their two-month slumber to find that the world has completely changed. Customers are slow to return, restaurants and stores are open to limited capacity, and those who can, have shifted heavily into online sales. While the situation is still desperate, many local entrepreneurs have joined forces to help local business owners discover resilient strategies and to receive much-need financial and resource support.
Social Distancing Kits and Save Local Campaign Benefit Small Businesses
Back in March, Yaupon Brothers kicked off a drive-thru farmers market concept that is still going today. We also began selling “Social Distancing Kits,” which include our local tea, and items to help customers cope with the new normal. A percentage of profits from the sale of these kits was donated to Feeding Florida, and to date the proceeds have provided almost 10,000 meals to needy Floridians.
In May, a group of business owners kicked off Save Local NSB, headed by Chelsea Preston and Alonda McCarty of The Florida Local. Save Local NSB is a cohesive marketing and fundraising initiative across the small businesses of New Smyrna Beach to encourage consumers to integrate small businesses into their daily life and pledge to support local post-pandemic.
Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Safe
From groceries, home repairs and dining to spoiling yourself with a little spa treatment and retail therapy, the creators of the program are challenging shoppers to step out of their routine and choose to shop at a local small business instead of a big box store. Think Coronado Hardware over Home Depot.
The initiative raises funds for the City of NSB Small Business Grant program by selling sponsorships and maps created with Preston’s signature Jelly Press artwork, which has become largely synonymous with New Smyrna imagery.
“What I love most about ‘Save Local NSB’ is that the heart and soul of it is all about one simple message: community,” Preston stated. “The idea and energy behind the project came from a group of local New Smyrna Beach small business owners who came together from across our bridges to work collaboratively to do what we can to preserve what makes up the character of the community, our charming small local businesses.”
Curious in learning more about Save Local NSB? Check out their website at SaveLocalNSB.com, on Instagram @SaveLocalNSB and Facebook @SaveLocalNSB.
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