Want to help small businesses in Charlotte? The city unveiled a new website for that.

The city of Charlotte has launched an “Open for Business” directory giving small businesses another way to reach customers amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On Wednesday, the city debuted the Open for Business dashboard, an online interactive map and directory of more than 300 Charlotte small businesses that are still open amid the COVID-19 crisis and stay-at-home order, according to a press release.

“The success of this Open for Business dashboard is dependent on small businesses registering and our residents using this tool to support these businesses,” said Tracy Dodson, assistant city manager and economic development director. “It is now on all of us to continue to spread the word and support these businesses.”

The dashboard is available on the city’s small business resource webpage and the CLT + mobile app.

It displays the business location with information like hours, delivery options and offers, the release said. Dashboard users can sort businesses by type and location.

The city’s stay-at-home order took effect May 26 closing several non-essential businesses and banning large group gatherings through April 29. Some businesses can remain open if following social distancing requirements, according to the order.

Mayor Vi Lyles tweeted about the new platform Friday and again Tuesday urging businesses to apply to be added.

‘This is huge for us’

On Wednesday, the list included 13 categories, such as auto repair, florists, food and beverage, hardware, health and beauty, home services, and marketing and advertising.

Fishy Fish Seafood Market on South Boulevard has its hours and phone number listed. Store manager Vi Zuong said the nearly nine-year-old market is owned by her father, Tom Ngo, and has three employees.

“We hope it helps smaller businesses during this time,” Zuong said of the city initiative.

Acting Out Studio owner Kamber Hejlick said the city offering this is “huge.”

“A lot of businesses have suffered and people don’t know what’s open,” she said. “We’re able to run our classes online so this is huge for us. Our doors aren’t open but we are open running just like we were before virtually.”

Hejlick has owned the south Charlotte studio for 10 years and has 16 employees. She said she sent multiple applications for the federal Paycheck Protection Program aimed at helping small businesses but has yet to hear anything back.

The city’s dashboard is important for giving small businesses exposure coping with “a different new normal.”

“A lot of small businesses thought they were going to get help and they’re not,” Hejlick said. “Helping small business is more important than ever.”

Southern Blossom Florist owner Giovy Buyers said she hasn’t received federal support but can’t keep waiting as bills will be coming due.

“I appreciate the city giving us the platform to tell customers we can still help you,” Buyers said.

She works closely with other businesses, like farmers who need to sell flowers, and sees this time as an opportunity to help others. “The little guys, we have to help each other out and we can be strong together.”

Buyers said the 13-year-old shop is open for delivery only. “I don’t want to jeopardize the health of other people,” she said.

A flower delivery can be uplifting right now. “My business is very personal and this is a time when people want to send flowers to a family member or neighbor,” Buyers said.

“Charlotte Open for Business” logos can be displayed in stores and on social media, according to the city.

Businesses can apply to be included on the city’s Open Data Portal. Businesses that have temporarily closed may also submit information to be included when the stay-at-home order is lifted.

This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Want to help small businesses in Charlotte? The city unveiled a new website for that.."