Advocate says downtown Columbia businesses still need support as coronavirus threat lessens
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The outlook is improving for small businesses in Columbia with low numbers of new coronavirus cases and the pending end of local health orders, an advocate for downtown business said Tuesday.
However, Nickie Davis, executive director of The District, said small businesses here continue to feel the effects of a pandemic that has lasted more than a year and depressed economic activity as people stayed home, either by choice or by government order.
Davis said within the last year, 25 businesses have closed while 23 have opened up.
"This year more than ever, it's just as important to continue to support small businesses as much as possible," Davis said. "That's kind of what keeps Columbia unique and interesting are our different businesses that we have here."
The District said Wednesday it is holding three scavenger hunts with $4,000 in gift cards it purchased from local businesses to help boost their revenue during the pandemic. Clues will be posted on social media throughout the week. Hunts will focus on the True/False Film Festival and downtown.
Davis said the True/False scavenger hunt will take place at Stephens Lake Park.
The District put $20,000 into its COVID-19 relief gift card program in total. Davis said businesses signed up and the district spent $500 in gift cards at each business. Some of the gift cards were handed out to nurses and local "heroes" in the community, Davis said.
Davis said even if people aren't able to monetarily support businesses, they can help them in other ways.
"Go and write them a great review on Google, or Facebook, or Yelp," Davis said. "I think those are just some of the easiest ways to continue to keep their name out there. Share their stories on your social media and with your friends ... I think those are fantastic ways to support your small businesses."
More than 16,000 Boone County workers have claimed unemployment because of the pandemic but the county's unemployment rate has stayed relatively low. The rate was 3% in March.
