Supporting Greater Seattle Small Businesses Amidst COVID-19

Update – March 12, 2020

We understand that the situation in (and beyond) Seattle is rapidly evolving and want to reiterate the importance of following the recommendations of federal and local officials to safeguard the health of ourselves, our families, and the most vulnerable members of our communities. The Intentionalist team is working hard to continue sharing a variety of ways to support the small businesses we love.

Sign up here to join the Intentionalist community and stay up to date on ways to connect with and support the people behind the small businesses at the heart of our communities.

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First of all, we encourage everyone to take care during this anxiety-provoking time, observing recommendations by public health officials, including washing your hands, practicing social distancing (our CEO has been greeting folks with jazz hands + spirit fingers), and of course, staying home if you feel unwell.

At a time when large public events are being cancelled, many are being encouraged to work from home, and there are concerning news headlines, we have been heartened by the number of people who have reached out to us, wondering about how to support small businesses in need.

Here are 10 ways you can help:

1. #SpendLikeItMatters in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Unfortunately, Chinatown communities and Asian-owned businesses have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 fears.
2. Join us for #LunchLikeItMatters on Friday, March 13th at House of Hong in Seattle’s International District.
3. Prefer to dine at home? Consider ordering take-out! While food delivery apps offer convenience, it comes at a 20-30%+ cost to the small business.
4. Get rewarded when you support women-owned businesses via Ready. Set. Spend Like It Matters – Women’s History Month! Check-in at 4 woman-owned businesses this month, and we’ll send you a $10 Intentionalist Gift Card.
5. Encourage a friend to #SpendLikeItMatters! We all know (and are) people who care about community – remind folks in your life that the local businesses at the heart of our neighborhoods are counting on our support.
6. Wondering which brick + mortar businesses you can support online? Check out this list, and let us know of any additions – we’re making regular updates!
7. It doesn’t cost a thing to shout-out your favorite local businesses via social media. It’s an incredibly difficult time for small business owners, and every bit of visibility and amplification helps.
8. Purchase gift cards from local businesses (or Intentionalist) – gift it to a friend, or save it for a rainy day!
9. Tip generously. As a result of the slowdown, service workers need our support as well. Not-so-random acts of *intentional* awesomeness are encouraged!
10. Let us know as you hear about businesses that can use some extra support! We’re here to do our darndest to amplify, encourage, and connect small brick + mortar businesses in need to consumers who care.

Bonus: If whiskey is your jam, keep an eye on the Intentionalist Instagram account – we’re working on a Saturday (3/14) collaboration with Uncle Nearest’s Sailor Guevara so folks can #DrinkLikeItMatters!

Thanks for all that you do to #SpendLikeItMatters! Discover awesome brick + mortar small businesses in your community, suggest your favorites, and be sure that you’re following us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).

Intentionalist is your local guide to small businesses and the diverse people behind them. We believe that where you spend your money matters, and we’re sure glad you do too! Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, we make it easy for you to connect with, learn about, and support small businesses in your community through everyday decisions about where you eat, drink, and shop.