As the owner of a Providence restaurant, The District, I can say that this has been a year unlike any other. As we continue to navigate uncharted waters, I am so grateful for the support of Rhode Islanders who make a conscious choice to support small businesses, particularly women-owned small businesses. In order to stay afloat, I took advantage of every program and opportunity that was available to a woman-owned small business. Since our political and business leaders have been vocal about their support for small businesses, we connected with Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, Sharon Steele of the Jewelry District Association, Robert Gaumont of Coastline Trust Co., and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association multiple times. They were all very responsive and reassured us that we were not in this alone because sustaining small businesses was a primary priority.
We are all struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s the death or illness of a loved one, or whether it’s a job layoff, lost income or simply the disruption caused by social distancing, every one of us is facing challenges. As we consider how we move through these difficult days, I ask all Rhode Islanders to consider ways that they can intentionally support each other and support small businesses all year long.
When I started my restaurant on South Street in Providence more than three years ago, I wanted to have a restaurant that reflected the changing dynamics within the Jewelry District. I also wanted a place where newcomers would quickly become regulars. I’m so proud of how we have grown and thrived as the neighborhood has changed around us.
When COVID-19 first hit, we closed for two months. Since we couldn’t see each other in person, I knew that we needed to keep our customer base informed and engaged. I took to Facebook and Instagram to keep customers updated on what we were doing, when we were reopening and, most importantly, to thank them for their support. Our ability to reach our customers and friends directly was critical then and remains critical today.
To continue our success, we have a few asks for our fellow small-business owners and the Rhode Island community.
To my fellow small-business owners: Work together! I am so grateful for my neighbor at Xaco Taco for their support and advocacy. Xaco Taco supported our initiative to close the street on weekends so we could provide outside live music during weekend dining hours. Those extra tables made a difference for us, our employees, as well as the local musicians that we employed. Buy local products! Contract with local tradespeople and recommend them both in person and via online reviews! If you are hiring, try to hire within your neighborhood! Mentor those employees so they understand and appreciate the value of local businesses. Every dollar that we can keep locally benefits our businesses, our families and our communities.
To my fellow Rhode Islanders: Please buy from small businesses! Dine in our restaurants! Shop in our stores! Contract for our services! You can target your spending by using tools such as “Businesses Nearby” on Facebook. Share your experiences! Post positive reviews and photos on social media! Since we cannot afford additional expenses toward advertising, you are our marketing team!
COVID-19 isn’t going away any time soon. We need local businesses to survive and thrive. On behalf of the thousands of small business that struggle every day, thank you for your continued support.
Jennifer Freitas is the owner of The District, located at 54 South St. in Providence.