Small businesses in Nevada are just starting to recover from the coronavirus shutdowns. Some of those businesses are stepping up to help those who need it.
Local screen print and sports apparel company, Team Sports Ink, sounded the alarm when the pandemic shut down local businesses and sporting events.
"We service the youth little leagues, the pop warners, the high school sports, and none of that is going on right now. It's come to a complete stop. So our business went from booming to stopped and nothing," said Team Sports Ink sales manager Carl Baker.
The company created the "Through This Together" campaign, where they sell t-shirts to promote unity, and raise money for other businesses. So far, $10,000 has been distributed to more than 40 businesses in a month.
"People are nominating companies that they love that are suffering from the COVID pandemic. They drive their customers to the site to buy a t-shirt. The t-shirts are $20 and $10 of that sale goes directly to the local businesses," said Baker. "Every dollar counts. Every little bit helps. I think its amazing they were able to do this," said Anytime Fitness owner Amber Borden.
Borden was one of the first to get a check. She says it's not just the money moving her emotionally. "There's a true sense of community now when you're going to see other people walking around town with these shirts on," said Borden.
Team Sports Ink says the shirts have not just helped their business they've inspired and that what's needed right now. "We're engaging with each other. Giving each other pictures and marketing ideas. But we say to them to reach out to their customers. The customers want to help them. They want to love on them," said Baker.
Team Sports Ink says the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Reno Fire Department have helped them find businesses that could use help.
