As of March 16, 2020, many restaurants, bed & breakfasts, and local businesses are still staying open in the area. Here are a few alternative actions that can make a big difference to small business owners during this difficult time for folks staying home:
- Purchase gift cards now, and use them later
- Buy items now for future pickup
- Consider food delivery and curbside checkout
- Order online, and also many shop businesses can be found on Facebook Marketplace
- Give your favorite businesses love and reviews on social media
- Keep your memberships current at places that rely on recurring monthly payments such as the YMCA
- If you know a business owner, ask them how you can help them at this time
Please consider CDC recommended best practices if you choose to patronize our local businesses in person.
1. Social distancing – Avoid physical touch with others.
2. Hygiene & Cleanliness – Please prioritize your health first and take measures to protect others. Cover your coughs and sneezes and regularly wash your hands with soap and water when dealing with others. If you are feeling any cold-like symptoms, fever, cough or shortness of breath, or been in close proximity with anyone with the virus, please do stay at home and call the doctor. Older people and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk. Please review the CDC recommendations and updates here.
Resources for Small Businesses & Employees
Outside of human impacts of the virus, COVID-19 will likely have a long-term impact on many of our local businesses, workforce and local economy. Here are a few resources for small businesses to consider in the wake of COVID-19:
- Small Business Survey Regarding Impact of COVID-19 for Virginia data through the VA Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
- Virginia Small Businesses – Preparing for COVID-19
- Seven Actions for Small Businesses to do now
- Business Resiliency Toolkit – Washington Case Study
- Business Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters
- Middle Peninsula Alliance list of resources and opportunities for the region.
- CARES Act for Small Businesses
- CARES Act for Non-profit Organizations
- Virginia.org extensive lists for business resources, webinars, podcasts, CARES Act information, health and travel.
- Facebook Small Business Grants Program for cash grants and ad credits
- Google Ad Credits Program for small and medium businesses
- Coronavirus Relief Dominion Energy Grants available, decisions April 15.
- Keep up-to-date with State press releases
- Unemployment funds are available through the Virginia Employment Commission. The Governor has waived the one week waiting period so that workers can start receiving benefits right away. Affected workers or businesses can contact the Virginia Employment Commission for information on how to apply for help
- National Main Street Resources and Tools including webinars, marketing suggestions and more
- Online Learning Sessions pertaining to the coronavirus through Workandfriends.com. Get access to exclusive relevant training opportunities, business-to-business networking, and tips for resiliency
Restaurants Doing To-Go/Curbside:
Post Date:03/23/2020
Celebrate Restaurant Takeout week by purchasing food to-go from March 30 – April 5
The following restaurants in Mathews County are offering take-out services during the public health emergency:
-Linda’s Diner: (804) 725-7070
-Mathews Grill and Deli: (804) 505-1024
-Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina: (804) 725-7272
-North Star Market: (804) 725-7777
-Salty Dog Pizzeria: (804) 505-1014
-Southwind Pizza: (804) 725-2766
-The Island Stop: (804) 725-2323
-Shun Xing: (804) 725-4682
-Richardson’s Cafe: (804) 725-7772
-White Dog Bistro: (804) 725-7680
Beach Bum BBQ and Hole in the Wall Grill are Currently Closed.
