It's no secret that the Coronavirus has hit the world like a lightning bolt and left most of us feeling uncertain about times ahead, and Malta is no exception. As restrictions tighten, further social distancing measures are implemented, and multiple new businesses are going into forced closure, businesses in Malta are starting to feel the heat, especially those who were already suffering from a slow winter season. The government has implemented some measures to help alleviate the pressure, yet entities have come forward saying these will not be enough to prevent mass redundancies. 

These unprecedented times call for the community to come together in support of each other, hoping that when we're past the worst of the situation, the self-employed and small business owners still have a business to go back to, upon which their livelihoods as well as that of their employees depends. So how can we get through these tough times together? 

As you might have guessed, we're echoing everyone else's call to shop local. It might cost you a few more euros, but those euros might just be what a small business needs to make it out of this still in business and to still have a job for their employees. So without further ado, Here are a few ideas of how we can help the community of small businesses, across a variety of sectors, stay afloat. 

1. Make a list of all upcoming birthdays and events (hint: Mother's Day and Father's Day) and purchase your gifts in advance from local stores (or local e-shops). This will help the smaller businesses with much needed cash flow, and you can set your mind at rest that presents for all your upcoming occasions are sorted.  

2. Buy craft supplies and do something fun with you kids. Here are some easy Easter craft ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

3. If you're into art, now's the perfect time to get yourself some supplies and enjoy practicing your hobby. 

4. Even if you're at home all day and have plenty of time to cook, why not buy 1 meal per week from your favorite restaurant or cafe and have it delivered? The restaurant sector has been one of the industries which was hit hardest by this health emergency and especially newly-opened places are finding it very difficult to cope. If every family who can afford to do so buys one meal per week, it can provide a ray of hope for restaurateurs. 

5. Experiment with seasonal vegetables from your local fruit & vegetable market or farmer. We also have you covered with some recipe inspiration. 

6. Is there a room in your house which desperately needs a new coat of paint? Why not buy yourself some supplies from your local DIY store and get that wall sorted? And in case you're staying at home at all times (rightly so), there are some retailers who also offer online shopping services with deliveries.  

7. If you need shampoo, conditioner or any other hair care products, consider buying from your hairdresser rather than off the supermarket shelves. Although hairdressers are currently closed, we've seen plenty of posts going around of hairdressers offering products to clients through Facebook. And if you need some hair-care tips, we've got you covered with tips on how to fight frizz like a pro.  

8. Beauty parlours are often run by a singular self-employed who depend on their daily customers for income. If you buy yourself a gift voucher from your beauty salon or nail technician during this period, your next visit will be free!

9. Planning on stocking up on toilet paper? think of the village grocery store too. 

10. Buy your pet some treats and teach him a few new tricks, why not teach your dog how to give you a high-five or crawl? Here are a few tips on how to raise a well-behaved dog.   

11. Give your car some much needed TLC, the garage counts as self quarantine right?

12. Buy your loved one a bouquet of flowers, because it doesn't need to be valentine's day to show them how much you care. If you're not into flowers, a gardening kit might be the perfect new hobby to fill your loved one's time. If they're completely green when it comes to gardening, here's some advice on how to grow your own herbs. Consider contacting florists or garden centres to ask whether they deliver now that their shops are under forced closure, or purchase from a retailer who sells online.

Bonus tip: Take advantage of discounts offered by local online e-shops, you might just find the perfect bargain for the item you were looking for! 

It may seem counterintuitive to spend money in such a scenario, but if you can afford to spare a small percentage of your earnings, it could literally save someone else's livelihood. Let's help each other lift this burden together and look forward to brighter times ahead.