At Indiana Originals, we promote independent businesses. We help Hoosiers and visitors discover and support local faster and easier while helping our business members find affordable resources to be successful, stand out from their national competitors, and get in front of new customers.

With that said during this unsettling time, we want to help spread the word about changes in those local businesses and how Hoosiers can best support them. We recently sent out a survey to our members to hear what they had to say about what they’re doing to keep our community safe:

“Local events have been canceled. The best way Hoosiers can support our business during this time is by shopping online.” – Tawni Reller, Unsoaped

“We are implementing strategies to accommodate for tax meetings online via Zoom or on a call. We have a private portal for document transfer so clients don’t have to come to the office. Continue to make phone and Zoom appointments. Don’t cancel as the tax deadline has not been pushed back and there won’t be enough time to process everyone’s taxes if they wait. We can accommodate remotely.” – Tifney Fields, CRS Tax Solutions

“All client meetings are virtual. Hire me to help you stay focused, talk through fears and challenges you are facing during this unsettling time. If you’re starting a business, now is the perfect time to develop the business plan.” – Sandi Ballard, Growing Forward Success Coaching

“Order as usual and engage with social media posts. We want to hear from you!” – Brian Clar, CEG & Supply

“We are working on more pickup locations and a delivery option. Shop with us to avoid stores and support local businesses by purchasing items through the co op.” – Odessa Wallace, Indy’s Community Food Co Op

“We have had events cancel or postpone. Hourly workers are being cut hours and event staff is not working. Order food for pickup or drop off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.” – Kassidy Edwards, Hoaglin Fine Catering

“Paint something!” – Allen Cranfill, ABC Custom Painting

“Limited access, heightened cleaning, some working from home, canceled travel. Shop online! ECOM is still our strength.” – Caleb Stokes, TFI Inc.

“Strictly online presence. Offering free shipping. Stop buying soaps and lotions from Walmart or other big box stores. We have the capability to offer hundreds of options right now.” – Corey Cole, The Rugged Company

“I have been working for free making sure all my clients are safe and getting back as much money as I can. Please reschedule your vacation, do not cancel. If canceling, offer to pay a fee.” – Tiffany Richards, Tiffany’s Travel

“Many weddings and corporate events are canceled. Schedule your future events now!” – Troy Hanna, T-Bone Disc Jockey

“Our events are canceled, we are working from home except when we need to fill production orders and ship packages. If your events are re-scheduled, consider keeping your custom product orders intact. We will extend longer payment terms to help offset. Since so many things are switching from in-person to virtual, consider buying inexpensive mailer items to keep your advertising and marketing program going like lip balms, stickers, and magnets. For under $1 each, you can still reach your clients and stay top of mind!” – Tamara Hoffbauer, Stand Out Custom

“There’s free delivery. The best way Hoosiers can support our business during this time is by purchasing products, to stay well.” – Melanie McCloud, Melz CBD

“We’re giving options to still go forward with learning other than face to face. Take advantage of this slower time to take advantage of learning new skills to better help them land on their feet when business does pick up.” – Denise Praul, Whiteboard Learning

“Make an effort to encourage clients to work electronically to complete their tax returns and be open to the electronic tools that can get things done without face-to-face meeting. Not as fun, of course, but it’s effective and efficient.” – Michael Wright, Taxwright

“Employees are telecommuting. We are handling all client meetings via conference and online. We have canceled public events and made others webinars. Support my small business clients’ businesses and continue to reach out to them and identify if they have made changes to their deliverability or audience to be more accommodating.” Amanda Parker, Collective Alternative

“Working from home except to produce and fill orders. Take advantage of our COVID-19 sale! ALL items in our Etsy shop are 19% off until March 31st for Indiana Originals fans. Use coupon code STAYHEALTHY or this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DecorativeDesignWKS?coupon=STAYHEALTHY.” – Tamara Hoffbauer, Decorative Design Works

“We canceled major revenue generating events, no in-store hours. The best way Hoosiers can support our business is to shop the website and engage on social media.” – Rachel Huffman, The Girls in Grey

“We’re only offering takeout and delivery services through Uber Eats and Total Takeout. Call ahead orders for quick pickup and use our delivery services. Call to purchase gift cards.” – Kristina Mazza, Hoagies and Hops

“Online and Etsy orders are still accepted. The best way Hoosiers can support our business during this time is to continue online shopping.” – Vicki Howarth, American Garden Barn Quilts

“We are limited to carry out or delivery options for our cooked food, but we still have our fresh seafood markets open. Our staff is doing as we always have by washing hands, using gloves and sanitizing much more often. We have hand sanitizer available in multiple locations throughout our stores. We are handing out all condiments, plasticware and not having customers use the iPad screens during checkout. Please continue to support us by placing carry out orders, delivery orders and shopping our fresh seafood markets. You can order cooked food online by visiting caplingersfreshcatch.com.” – Andrew Caplinger, Caplinger’s Fresh Catch

“Employees are working from home and we are implementing online meetings with clients to maintain forward progress. Continue to engage through social media and help make connections to other small businesses in the community. If the work slows down, we can still be proactive and use this time to collaborate and plan for the future.” – Brooke Winings, A Dreamer and A Doer

“We are suspending visits to clients in the higher risk categories and are opening up the option for a digital walk-through if clients do not wish to have us at their home or business at this time. Keep reaching out! TEN by Kristen will happily schedule online consultations and discuss options for moving forward with your home improvement projects!” – Kristen Murney, TEN by Kristen

“We’re seasonal, but considering changes to processes and timelines should be the need for social distancing to continue past May. Shop from our artisans who are experiencing extreme loss of revenue during show cancellations. They money they make now pays for participation and stock for our November event. We will likely feel the ripples.” – Megan Martin, Hoosier Artisan Boutique

“No changes but I did have a canceled appointment since the person was a bit nervous about going out. I’m good, but I think restaurants and bars could use a boost. Maybe suggest as you always do to, “Support Local.” We can drive through or do curbside pickup for restaurants offering.” – Tina Dalton, Poppy’s Petals

“All my spring events have been canceled. I have to rely on online sales only. Promotion that I make soap bars and liquid, and have a stock of hand sanitizers.” – Joyce Acuti, Dragonfly Bath Works

“Live workshops are being redesigned to go online, which will continue even after we get an “All Clear,” after which live workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions will resume. Don’t panic. Support local businesses. Assist those who need assistance: family, friends, neighbors, charities. Be “one of the helpers…” that Mr. Rogers talks about. Exercise common sense. (I promise you won’t even break a sweat). Go to my website to check out and register for upcoming workshops. Contact me for a complimentary phone consultation to get a few sales tips and determine if we’re a match for further coaching. I can also offer several opportunities for promoting your business online and through networking events once we’re again allowed to congregate.” – Christian Tombers, Charlie Tango Productions, LLC

“Aside from a major consumer show that I was to participate in, I have gone back to trying to drum up business from online sales. Stay positive. Share success stories. Buy Local.” – Holly Hospel Ahh Hah! Organizer Kits

“We are doing Zoom meetings and phone calls. We have an online portal to safely deliver private documents for review, transfer. Contact us at (317)-844-5100 to set up a meeting that’s most convenient.” – Tifney Fields, Comprehensive Retirement Solutions

“It’s production as usual. The best way Hoosiers can support my business during this unsettling time is through more online venues to sell my art.” – Pam Cooper, Hazzpizzazz