How To Support Local Businesses Right Now In Bend, Oregon
*last updated 11/13/20 – we’ll keep updating this post as additional resources and business services/locations are announced *
Local and family-owned businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and while we are all navigating these unprecedented times, our local business community needs us now more than ever.
This is a stressful time for many restaurants and small business owners; Bend is known for its craft beers and breweries, fresh roasted coffee and gathering places, and delicious foodie hot spots. In a time where we’re practicing social distancing, we may not be able to physically eat out or meet for drinks right now, but we can remain strong in support of our friends, neighbors, and fellow local business owners. We’re all in this together!
** November 13, 2020 Update: Today, Governor Kate Brown issued a statewide two-week freeze to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19. which means that many businesses either have to close or offer limited services and offerings to remain in alignment with state mandates. The freeze is from Wednesday, November 18th to Wednesday, December 2nd.
Please continue to support our local businesses. We’re lucky to live in a place filled with entrepreneurs and small businesses; let’s do what we can to support them through this extraordinary time so we can continue to enjoy their services, products, food, and drinks long after the pandemic is over.
How to support local businesses right now in Bend, Oregon:
- Buy a gift card from your favorite restaurant, spa, or shop to use at a later date
- Start your day with local coffee or tasty treats to fuel up for your shopping trip
- Order takeout or delivery for dinner after a long day of shopping
- Shop online or in-person for locally-made products
- Encourage friends and family to shop, eat, and drink locally
- Shop small and win big in Downtown Bend – 2020
- Follow your favorite local businesses on social media and share their awesome products and services with your family, friends, and the world; don’t forget to leave a great review for the business, too!
- More ideas and local businesses to shop and support on our blog: How To Shop And Support Local Businesses In Bend, Oregon
Additional ways to help local businesses:
KTVZ + Z21 Local Links
Your Central Oregon Local Business Connection. A place where any Central Oregon business – not just restaurants – can share and update their current hours and information, for free, and others can look up that info from a map or search box — click here to view Z21 Local Links, search open businesses, or add your business to the registry.
SOS Bend
SOS Bend provides an opportunity for businesses in Bend to receive immediate funds via the sale of gift cards for future use. You can find more information and register your business at sosbend.com. Keep Bend open and support your favorite local businesses in three easy steps:
1. Find the business you want to support on the map
2. Purchase “future credit”. This supports your local store as they weather the COVID-19 storm.
3. You’ll get a code sent to you via text you can use to redeem your credit in the future.
Downtown Bend
Shop online, order takeout for curbside pickup or home delivery, or purchase gift certificates for all your favorite downtown businesses, shops, and eateries. You can also purchase Downtown Dollars in $25 or $10 certificates, and they can be used at any participating Downtown Bend location.
Click here to support businesses in Downtown Bend, Oregon and remember to Shop Small!
Per the City of Bend:
In support of downtown business, the City of Bend will temporarily relax parking restrictions and enforcement downtown. The City is creating some dedicated “Curbside Pick-Up Areas” that retailers and restaurants can use to easier serve customers so they can stay in business. Downtown parking adjustments include:
• No enforcement of time limits on City lots
• Free parking in the Centennial Parking Garage
• Creation of Curb-Side Pickup Zones in support of downtown business
Visit Bend
Visit Bend has compiled a robust and interactive resource guide spurred by the temporary closing of all bars and sit-down eateries. Many Bend area restaurants, breweries, pubs, and bakeries are offering takeout, curbside pick-up, and delivery so that you can maintain social distancing during the coronavirus crisis.
Click here to view the Bend, Oregon Delivery & Takeout During Coronavirus Pandemic guide
The Source Weekly
A running list—updated on the hour(ish)—of food service establishments serving takeout or delivery in Central Oregon.
Click here for the 2020 Takeout: A Central Oregon Guide To Pickup And Delivery
I LOVE BEND OR – Businesses
A Facebook Group founded by, and dedicated to, local Bend business owners. The group is a great way to engage with fellow business owners and share ideas, support, services, and products to support each other. The group rule: Be kind and helpful.
Click here to learn more or join the I LOVE BEND OR Businesses Facebook Group
Additional local Bend, Oregon business resources & quick links:
- Coronavirus Business Resources & Assistance – City of Bend
- Conronavirus HQ – The Source Weekly
- Bend, Oregon COVID-19 Information and Toolkit – Visit Bend
- News and Updates – the City of Bend
- Deschutes County COVID-19 Information
- Oregon Health Authority
As this situation is rapidly evolving, please send us any additional resources we’ve not listed above, and we’d be glad to add. And, let’s all do what we can to support our local businesses so that they will be here for us after the crisis has passed.
