New site shines spotlight on small businesses trading through COVID-19

Heather McIlvaine

16th Apr 2020

A new website has launched to shine a spotlight on small businesses trading through the global coronavirus pandemic.

Still Open for Business is an online directory launched by creative advertising agency MMR to help people find businesses still operating under the tightened restrictions the Government has introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“The idea was initiated when we started trying to find local businesses that were still open during the COVID crisis,” said Rob Kennedy, managing director of MMR.

“Like many others, work has slowed for us during lockdown and we thought ‘why not utilise our extra time to do some good?”

Since launching earlier this week, the database now has more than 500 listings, including including dine-in restaurants offering takeaway and delivery, fitness clubs and gyms offering live streaming classes and beauty salons selling ‘at home’ packages.

“[T]here are so many local businesses doing incredible things to transform their services during this time, but unfortunately it can be difficult for a small business to make people aware of their offering,” Kennedy said.

Businesses can upload their own details to create a listing themselves or use a contact form on the website, and the MMR team will upload their details for free. All business types can be included.

“We hope to provide a channel that Australians can use for all of their needs during this time,” Kennedy said.

“And ultimately, we hope to provide a platform that is not only useful to Australians but one that inspires them to continue supporting local businesses, which is so important for the economy once we come out the other side.”