Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is encouraging all who are financially able to support local businesses during this COVID-19 pandemic. People who are able can support these businesses by purchasing gift cards to use at a later date, by shopping locally online, and by ordering curbside or takeout.

The Coronavirus pandemic has devastated many small businesses throughout the country and at home in Georgia. In Georgia, 99.7% of registered businesses are classified as small. These businesses employ thousands of Georgians and help our local economies thrive. Raffensperger wants to encourage Georgians who can to keep supporting these local and small businesses that make Georgia the #1 state to conduct business in.

“With the current hardships facing small businesses and the unforeseen future, we must come together to lift up our local economies,” said Raffensperger. “You can help your local businesses without leaving the comfort of your own home. Give them a call or email asking to purchase a gift card.”

On Wednesday, Governor Brian Kemp announced that Georgia has received small business relief from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses can be rest assured that they will have the loans they need to pay their employees. This is great news for business owners across all 159 counties. However, Georgians who are financially able must continue to contribute to their local economies by shopping at small businesses. 

“On day one Secretary Raffensperger set out to make small businesses a priority for his administration,” said Deputy Secretary of State Jordan Fuchs. “During times of turmoil, we cannot forget the businesses that fuel our local economies and make our communities great.”

The Office of the Secretary of State encourages all who are able to shop locally online or over the phone, to purchase gift cards to use at a later date, and to order curbside or delivery.