One thing is obvious, whether you are in Bucharest, Vienna, New York, or any city impacted by COVID-19, local hospitality businesses are struggling. On the 24th of March, a few of us had an online meet-up to discuss these matters and start thinking about solutions. Together.
Here are the highlights of our discussion
– Delivery doesn’t really work and it’s not a long-term solution. People need raw products more than cooked food. Plus, it can be risky.
– There is a lack of clarity around government policies and new measures. A recurrent theme of the call was the fact that nobody knows exactly what their government is doing or how to apply for relief.
– Given the uncertainty and daily changes in measures taken by local governments, it is hard to build a long-term plan.
– While vouchers are great, they are not enough to support local businesses.
– A lot of business owners cannot assume the responsibility of asking their staff to be working during this period.
– It is important to stay active and relevant and do good these days. On the platforms that are available to us, be it on social media, or on a video conference. This will help local businesses keep their communities engaged and show them that they care.
– A solution to keeping businesses afloat may be reinventing and repurposing them. This is not only to be able to keep some cashflow coming in, but also to support local communities.
– It is a time when big businesses that are flourishing (for example supermarkets) should make a difference and support local businesses and local communities.
– If businesses cannot do anything now, but will somehow manage to survive the crisis, what is it that they can do once this is over?
– Although unfortunate, maybe the death of some local businesses is something we all have to be ready for. And think about reopening when it’s time, again, be it in a year, two, three, or more.
– It would be helpful if accountants, lawyers and business consultants could provide some form of pro bono support for local businesses to help them during the crisis.
Here is a gallery of the most inspiring thoughts from the call
If you find any of them as inspiring as I did, save it/them on your device and share it/them on your social media.
What are the next steps and how can you get involved?
With Food on our Tables, my purpose is to create a small global community of entrepreneurs from the food sector and come up with creative solutions to tackle this crisis.
This was the first online meet-up, but we are not planning on stopping here. I will continue hosting these events and update you on the conversations we are having.
Here are a couple of things you can do to help:
– If you are passionate about the hospitality industry or work directly in it, and are interested in joining our conversations, get in touch and I will keep you updated with what’s happening next.
– If you know any accountants, lawyers or business consultants who would be willing to share their knowledge with local entrepreneurs, please reach out.
– If you like this initiative and believe in the power of thinking globally and acting locally, please share it further.
Stay safe,
Ioana
