 Hi I'm Darlene from GoDaddy's How To and I'm Emma from The Journey and we want to share how you can support your favorite small businesses during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Given the unprecedented shutdown or slowdown in businesses across the country, it's likely that small businesses will need help beyond what the Small Business Association or SBA is able to do. These are very difficult days for a lot of small business owners. They have to think about the safety of their employees first and foremost, how they're going to pay each employee and how they can continue to serve their customers as best as they can. Supporting local and small businesses is vital during this uncertain time. While the government has pledged financial support to help small businesses, customers, you, also play a role in helping them survive. Today we wanted to talk about four ways that you can support your local small businesses. Number one, buy gift cards to redeem at a later date. Not only is this a gesture of customer loyalty but buying a gift card from a local business and saving up for the future use gives businesses cash flow that they can use now. It also supports social distancing and limits non-essential services such as packing, shipping and delivery that may require a person to go to work or come into contact with others unnecessarily. Number two, shop local but online. Keeping the revenue flowing via online sales allows owners to keep their businesses running even if their doors are closed. Yeah, when it comes to local restaurants you can support them by ordering takeout or delivery if they offer it. I know I've definitely taken advantage of that and supported some local businesses here in San Diego. Yeah, me too. Ordering takeout food can help restaurant owners continue to employ their staff and keep the lights on. You can also buy local authors books online and buy a musician's music or merchandise through their websites as well. Number three, if you have a platform use it to promote work and services. Supporting local businesses on social media and leaving positive reviews can help drive more customers to local vendors. In addition, many small businesses post initiatives and events to help support them. Yeah, share any resources to your social circle that might be beneficial. Help looks different for every freelancer, entrepreneur or small business. The best way to find out what they need is to reach out and to see how you can support them. I love that. Amid the uncertainty, your support helps show small business owners and workers that they are an integral part of the community. And while support from banks and the government is vital, so are positive messages from the community. Small businesses are community members and they're also a resilient group of people. These are people who get by under tough circumstances a lot. And we will get through this. We just need to think of creative ways to help one another get through this as well. Stay safe and stay healthy.