As residents know, Chicago is home to many wonderful communities. And at the heart of these communities are the local restaurants, cafes, shops, and other small businesses that contribute so much to a town’s character. While we still might not be out and about enjoying these communities in the same way we were a couple years ago, we still need to support them if we want them to stay around. So, if you’re wondering how you can support your local Chicagoland community this season, here are a few ideas to help out your favorite local businesses:

Your Favorite Restaurants

With so many of us still mostly cooking at home, it’s no surprise that restaurants, especially the smaller ones, are continuing to struggle. Luckily, going out for a sit-down meal isn’t your only way to support them. Even if it might feel like a bit of a splurge to order from your favorite restaurant only to eat in your living room, this is more than just a treat for you. It’s an investment in a business that you care about. And it’s those investments from their local community members that will help these restaurants survive.

Grab a Gift Card

The holidays are nearly over, but you may still have gifts to give (or even if you simply want to treat yourself). Gift cards can be a great choice all around. Whether it’s paying for a few cuts in advance at your local hair salon or buying a class card from your favorite yoga studio, paying now for services you can use later on is a perfect way to support your local small businesses.

Shop Small Online

Sure, online retailers might be able to ship a bit faster or save you a couple of dollars, but seeing which of your favorite local shops have online stores allows you to help them stay afloat. Order from your local bookstore or gift shop — with so many places still offering curbside pick-up, you likely won’t even need to get out of your car.

Remind Your Community

Bought something recently that you love? Have a favorite shop or restaurant? Share it with your community! Posting on social media and telling your friends and families about the great local businesses that need their support is another wonderful way residents can support their communities.

Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. They make up the communities we love to be a part of, and if we want them to stick around, we’ve got to help them make it through.

If you’d like to talk more about supporting local businesses, or if there’s something else we can help you with, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.