Which Small Businesses Are You Supporting?

One of the things we have found helpful during this time of sheltering in place, is to implement ways to stay in safe, yet personal contact and communication with our community. We have been spending more time with our families, enjoying long phone calls with friends, and have been engaging in nearly daily Zoom meetings with our colleagues. In addition to these important and gratifying ways to stay in touch, we have also been supporting our local small business owners.

In previous blogs, we have shared small business resources for those who are unable to operate and need financial assistance.  And, what about those who are still open and operating?  Can you share a way you have found to support the local small businesses near you, in a safe and affordable way?  We would love to hear who they are and what you love about them so we and others can support them too!  Here are just a few of our favorite local small businesses and how we are supporting them during this time.

BBQ Weather!

The time of year for outdoor libations and good BBQ is upon us! And with that, one of our favorite local restaurants during this time is Aptos Street BBQ. Their carefully prepared meats, barbecued to perfection, are sure to hit the spot for any meal. A new favorite of Joell’s, and the newest addition to the menu, are the BBQ breakfast tacos, a delicious, easy and affordable breakfast on the go!

No Sushi Shortage Here!

There are many things to be grateful for in the beautiful town of Aptos. Now we can add a wide variety of great sushi places to that list! Whether it is Sushi Garden, Akira, or the newest addition – Poke Bowl Aptos, you are sure to get fresh and delicious sushi. Corin and her family have been getting takeout from Sushi Garden and Akira, while Jarah has been frequenting Poke Bowl Aptos a couple of times a week for her and her son – an avid poke bowl lover!

Cycle Safely!

With extra time at home and a shortage of things to do in public, many of us have been digging our old bikes out of storage. And with that also comes an array of bike necessities. Whether you have a flat bike tire, need a new helmet for your child, or are shopping for a new bike entirely, Epicenter Cycling is open and safely servicing our community. Corin experienced them strictly enforcing social distancing guidelines, only allowing one customer in the store at a time, and they are also offering curbside pickup for pre-ordered items. Check them out for all of your bicycle needs!

Finding a Way to Celebrate!

What better way to face adversity and depressive times than to find a way to be happy and things to celebrate? Wood Worm Party store in Capitola is helping us all do just that! Jarah was able to enlist their help in delivering a fun and exciting Easter celebration to her children with their creative curbside Easter basket delivery service. They are offering birthday balloon bouquets, available for curbside pickup or delivery, and have a wonderful variety of baking supplies for all of you who are spending this time at home getting back in the kitchen. Wood Worm Party store is a great long time local small business and we want them to stay!

Don’t Forget Our Non-Profits!

We understand that many of us are challenged financially and are on a tight budget. However, for any of you able to help, or looking for ways to have a positive impact, The Human Race of Santa Cruz is still active and working hard to raise money for all of our local non-profits.  You can find a variety of non-profits and worthy causes on their website and can donate during their online giving campaign which is running until May 9th.

On a personal level, each member of The Mower Group has been working hard to raise money for a local non-profit, DomiNic’s Place, founded by our very own Joell Mower.  We have been honored and amazed at the generosity still coming forth from our community during this time.

What Does “We are here for you!” Mean to You?

Like you, we have all received emails from different entities saying “We are here for you!”.  What does that mean to you when you receive the same from us? We really want to know the answer to that very important question, as The Mower Group is all about you. How are YOU doing? What do YOU need during this time? How can we be of service to YOU?  Our business has been and will always be built on the premise of “It’s all about you, our clients.”  Some things will never change!  We are looking forward to receiving and implementing your replies.  Thank you for your time and attention!