The Covid-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for small business owners and their staff. With the constant changes of restrictions that come into affect with every phase that is introduced in New Brunswick, it is challenging for local businesses to know what to expect. Many small businesses in Fredericton were forced to shut their doors these past few weeks due to the recent lockdown the province underwent.
Small businesses do not have the same luxury that franchises have when it comes to the pandemic. Many franchise businesses can remain open by deeming themselves essential services. For example, fast food restaurants can stay open and continue to make money, while local restaurants are forced to become take-out only, or to close completely. The owners and employees of local businesses have been suffering immensely during this unprecedented time, but many business owners feel that these past few months have been some of the hardest for not just the livelihood of the business but their staff who depend on their paycheck to live.
Many local business owners in Fredericton have found that the support surrounding shopping and eating local has severely petered since the first lockdown the city saw. Fredericton Tourism heard that local businesses were struggling and have stepped in to help kickstart a contest to help promote small businesses in Fredericton. The idea behind the contest was to encourage people to continue to support local restaurants, shops, and stores. Whether it be by getting take-out from their favourite local restaurant or coffee shop, Fredericton Tourism wants to hear about. On their website Fredericton Tourism briefly explained the contest. “Don’t forget to enter our contest where you share a photo how you’re supporting a local business, could be todays’ yummy take-out dinner, you and your purchase from a local shop or café. In addition to random giveaways throughout the contest period, there will be a Grand Prize – and it is worth [one] grand! Our winner will receive $250 in Business Fredericton North Dollars, $250 in Downtown Dollars AND a $500 Gift Card to a local business of their choice”.
The contest went from January 18th to January 29, 2022, but Fredericton Tourism encourages people to continue to support Fredericton local businesses whenever and however they can.