The corona virus has led to a real standstill in society, but also in the economy – this is particularly noticeable to SMEs (i.e. medium-sized companies) and EPU (one-person companies). Because while systemically relevant companies such as supermarkets continue to open, small restaurants and cafes, but also boutiques and bookstores, among others, have to close. They have all been unable to receive their customers since March 16, so they make no sales. You struggle with falling liquidity and thus with economic survival.
+++ Coronavirus: All initiatives against the crisis +++
But giving up is not a solution, Stefanie Kurzweil and Sascha Manhart believe. That is why they launched “Together Leiwand”, a voucher platform that they use to counteract the corona crisis. Here, SMEs and EPUs from various industries – from hairdressers to cafes to gyms – can sell vouchers that customers can redeem at a later date. Because one thing is clear: the next visit to the hairdresser will definitely take place – as soon as the crisis is over.
Voucher platform is free for everyone
“We do this to enable companies to generate sales even during the measures,” says Kurzweil: “We want to do our part to support the local entrepreneur scene and have implemented the project fairly quickly and with commitment. It is constantly being developed. “
The platform is free for both companies and customers. Payment processing takes place in direct correspondence between the companies and the buyers. The first goal is to get as many companies on the platform as possible, says Kurzweil.
Way to passion: buy vouchers from NGOs
Reinhard Herok and Thomas Peham, initiators of the Way to Passion website, are pursuing a similar project. However, this is not about supporting SMEs and EPUs, but about NGOs and NPOs. Because especially in difficult times, these organizations achieve great things, says the initiators: “Like many companies and industries themselves, they are exposed to economic pressure in this crisis situation.”
On a separate landing page, links to the non-profit organizations that sell vouchers have been collected and can therefore be used to help with liquidity in difficult times, similar to “Together”.
Here you will find social businesses like the Magda’s Hotel or full board as well as a list of sustainable startups. These include, for example, wasted, the Strawberry Week, endlessly smart, Rebel Meat, the Impact Hub Vienna and the digital DIY store markta, as well as many others.
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