Businesses are not facing pandemic challenges alone. The City of Phoenix and its partners have ideas and resources to make businesses resilient. The Phoenix Small Business COVID support page has ideas to help your small business consider new approaches to marketing and promotion, ways to improve social media marketing and connections to the resources of TeamPHX.​​

Built to deliver solutions to Covid-19 health emergency small business challenges, PHXbizConnect​, TeamPHX and Co+Hoots stocked the Learning Library with webinars and short videos covering a variety of challenges facing businesses like yours. Become a member of PHXbizConnect and use these resources. There is no charge for joining or using the site. New resources are added periodically.

The City of Phoenix Covid Resources page, Phoenix.gov/Resources, is a constantly updated page of information for businesses. Use the blue “For Businesses" button to go immediately to a list of grants, special programs and new resources to help maintain a growing and resilient business during the health emergency.​

Social Media Content Suggestions​

Social media is a powerful tool for your business and to increase interest in shopping locally. You could post these or similar social media messages to your sites, like Facebook and Twitter. Consider posting to NextDoor.com for your neighborhoods if you haven’t tried this hyper-local marketing opportunity.

Remember to use the #LoveLocalPHX hashtag on every message you post. The combined use of the tag across social media and participating businesses helps increase the reach of the shop local message. Here are some messages that the City is using. You may be able to use these as idea-starters. If you find yourself facing social media writer's block, call TeamPHX to connect you to resources with social media expertise.​

• Keep Phoenix thriving! Support local businesses with your holiday dollars. Find unique gifts and new experiences! #LoveLocalPHX
  

• ​Love a Phoenix restaurant? Share that business with friends and family with a gift card. Support your favorite local eateries with a visit or takeout! #LoveLocalPHX

• Find holiday gifts and shop online locally with the new Shop Arizona Marketplace from Local First Arizona powered by SRP. Support dozens of locally-owned businesses and set up a gift list at Shop.LocalFirstAZ.com #LoveLocalPHX

• Eat fresh! Eat local! Shop Phoenix Farmers Markets for meats, fish, fresh produce and handmade gifts. Meet local producers. Find a market near you at GoodFoodFinder.com #LoveLocalPHX

• Remember all the local businesses that you’ve asked for years and years to donate to your sports clubs, school events, organizations and more? Let’s return the favor and support local retailers now! #LoveLocalPHX

• ​Check out the online stores of dozens of local businesses and shop local online. #LoveLocalPHX

Marketing Support​

In addition to the ideas listed above, here are some other ideas to help grow your business:

• Join a merchants’ association or business alliance if there is one in your area. Check out the PHXNetWorks​ page for lists of chambers of commerce, associations and business organizations that can help you.
  

• Check with your local chamber of commerce to see what they’re doing to support local enterprises.

• Cross-promote with a nearby business – agree on a discount program and promote each other.

• Develop your own loyalty card program because your best source of business is your existing business.

• Encourage online reviews and word of mouth endorsements. ​​

 

When many use the same hashtag on social media, it generates a trend on social media. During this holiday season, add #LoveLocalPHX to your social media to spread the word. Download the #LoveLocalPHX (PDF) window poster or counter sign to display and encourage your customers to also use the #LoveLocalPHX hashtag on their personal email.

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Looking to offer your products or services online? ​The Shop Arizona Marketplace by Local First Arizona provides an online presence for local retailers and businesses. This is a program for new or existing Local First Arizona members who want a low cost-of-entry option to showcase products online. The e-commerce site is set up to handle all transactions for internet-based sales. Businesses receive 100% of the proceeds​. Contact Local First Arizona for information and participation.​​

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​Reach out to TeamPHX to connect with resources from marketing and sales to human resources and business operations. TeamPHX (602-262-5040) acts as your single point of contact to connect with the variety of resources available to small businesses in Phoenix. There’s more information on the Toolbox Concierge Services or Small Business Solutions pages.​

Additional Phoenix COVID Resources

A  list of resources, including financial and technical support, is available on the City's COVID-19 Information Page, Phoenix.gov/Resources.

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​The Phoenix Management and Technical Assistance Program from the Neighborhood Services Department offer small business owners the opportunity to work with experienced consultants to enhance their operations at no cost! Areas of expertise include general business, marketing, accounting and finance, and much more. Visit the MTA page​ to learn about the services the program offers.​

Phoenix Planning & Development Department has relaxed many retail and restaurant requirements to accommodate safe shopping and dining experiences. 

Shop Safely and Keep Employees Safe

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Arizona Department of Health Services has significant resources for workplace and shopping safety. The Workplace & Community Locations website provides access to the department’s requirements, recommendations, and services. This site is regularly updated with new information.

​Maricopa County Public Health Department​ has additional resources for business and shopping safety. The Businesses website provides access to the department’s requirements, recommendations, and services. This site is regularly updated with new information. There are some requirements that vary in Maricopa County, such as the Phoenix and County mask requirements.

​​​Reach TeamPHX at 602-262-5040 

or email TeamPHX@Phoenix.gov​​​​

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Sign up for the Small Business Email List

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Small Business Toolbox is managed by PHOENIX COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT​

For media, contact Eric Ja​y Toll, Communications Manager at 602-617-3797​​​​​​