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Navigating the pandemic Presented by and¨ Five ways to support small businesses After more than a year, it's understandable if you're hitting a pandemic wall. A lot of us are worn out from a year of what feels like nonstop bad news; we've heard the phrases "lockdown," "case counts" and "test positivity" more than we ever wanted to. But in addition to patients, families and frontline workers, there's another group for whom COVID isn't just an inconvenience: busi- ness owners. Even in places with fewer restric- tions, small businesses are having a hard time getting back to pre-pandemic sales levels, and they've taken on huge amounts of debt just to avoid shutting down. Here are some ways to keep your local businesses afloat. 1. Write a review: Where do you go when you want to learn more about a new business? Probably Google. So why not tell other con- sumers about a favourite spot of yours by leaving a glowing review online? 2. Follow them on social media: Not only do more followers help their visibility, but fol- lowing is also a great way of learning about new products and sales. 3. Try something new: It's easy and tempting to just stick to known quantities: the place where you always get burritos, the book- store you order from, the stationery store where you've bought every card for five years. Spread the love a little and shop at a business you've never been to before. 4. Buy a gift card: Not sure what to buy? Decide later! Purchasing gift cards, for your- self or as a present, is a great way of helping a business' cash flow. 5. Give them feedback: Businesses have been forced to try all sorts of new initiatives in the pandemic, whether that's opening an online shop or offering new products. It's uncharted territory for many of them, so let them know how they're doing, Drop them a short message to say what you like or don't like. Article provided by Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Learn more at cfib-fcei.ca. in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A pr il 8, 20 21 | 22 Limited-time offers. MSRP of $28,995/$25,795 on the 2021 Forester 2.5i CVT /2021 Crosstrek Convenience. *Advertised pricing consists of MSRP plus $1,800/$1,800 freight and PDI, $199 Admin, $199 Secure-Gard. $100 Tire Tax, $10 OMVIC, $20 Tire Levy, $28 PPSA Service fee charge, includes a full tank of gas. Taxes, license, registration and insurance are extra. $0 security deposit. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km per year for 36 months, or 60,000 km total, with excess charged at $0.10/km. Advertised price and weekly payments include an additional $750/$750 in Subaru Bonus Dollars. Subject to credit approval by Subaru Financial Services by TCCI. Leasing and financing programs available through Subaru Financial Services by TCCI. Other lease and finance rates and terms available; down payment or equivalent trade-in may be required. Contact Budds' Subaru for details. Models shown: 2021 Forester 2.5i CVT /2021 Crosstrek Convenience with an MSRP of $28,995/$25,795. Dealers may sell or lease for less or may have to order or trade. Vehicle(s) shown solely for purposes of illustration and may not be equipped exactly as shown. See Owner's Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Forester, Crosstrek and Subaru are registered trademarks. Offers end April 30, 2021. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. See Budds' Subaru or visit www.buddssubaru.ca for complete program details. www.buddssubaru.com 2430 South Service Rd WOakville, ON L6L 5M9 | 905-845-2800 For 36 months with $1068 up front. 156 payments required. HST not included. AT LEASE WEEKLY FOR $89 1.99%**APR2021 FORESTERWELL-EQUIPPED FROM $28,995* For 36 months with $500 up front. 156 payments required. HST not included. AT LEASE WEEKLY FOR $68 1.49%**APR2021 CROSSTREKWELL-EQUIPPED FROM $25,795* Handle any forecast this spring • Symmetrical Full-Time AWD • Award-winning safety • Generous cargo space Shop safely - book your appointment online.