The Finch owner calls on Toowoomba locals to support small businesses during Covid

Many small businesses have struggled during Covid lockdowns and restrictions and a popular cafe owner says if we don’t support them now, they face an uphill battle to survive.

The Finch co-owner Dan Farquhar has called on the people of Toowoomba to support small local businesses. Picture: Rhylea Millar

A popular cafe owner has put out an emotional appeal for Toowoomba residents to back Garden City businesses by shopping local as they struggle in the face of repeated lockdowns.

Dan Farquhar, co-owner of The Finch, has urged the people of Toowoomba to support their local small businesses before they succumb to the pressure of Covid-19.

“Some of our local eateries are down as much as 70 per cent. These businesses are the beating heart of our community and what makes it special to be living in Toowoomba,” Mr Farquhar’s post read.

“We can support these businesses and help them survive this period of uncertainty by popping in and buying a coffee or ordering a meal.

“If you have a chat with the owners you will quickly understand they are all members of our community. Their kids attend local schools and they are often the first to put their hands up to support local clubs, charities and awareness campaigns.”

Mr Farquhar said he was inspired to pen the post to try and highlight the reality that many businesses were facing in the wake of reduced customer numbers as a result of lockdowns and Covid uncertainty.

“Speaking to some other business owners in the same field, as well as people involved in the wedding industry, the common theme was that customer count was down and they’re all hurting,” he said.

“People have lost function bookings, weddings have been cancelled, the spillover is huge and it’s impacting peole from accommodation providers to people that make cakes and serve lunches.

“It broke my heart when I heard the stories of people barely holding on.”

Mr Farquhar said if people didn’t support their local small businesses, they wouldn’t be around for much longer.

“All it takes is for people to get out and support their local business,” he said.

“Now is a good time to head out and support our small local businesses. The big guys have deep pockets and the government grants don’t go far enough.

“We want to make sure we have jobs for our young people and the hospitality industry is a training ground for many important life skills so we want to make sure there’s those opportunities for kids moving forward.”

Originally published as The Finch owner calls on Toowoomba locals to support small businesses during Covid