Amid the historic COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants, coffee shops and similar institutions, have been required to close their doors or at least prohibit on-site dining and gathering. Limited hours and limited patrons are causing these businesses to hurt financially. Not to mention all the people who have lost their job during this time. Here are some ways to provide assistance to small business owners during these difficult times.

If you haven’t eaten at one of Katie and Chris Williamson’s restaurants, you are really missing out! There are three great options to choose from, Farmhouse Pizza, Farmhouse Tacos and Hare & Field Public Eatery. Well, the only thing you really need to choose is which one will be first!

On March 15, 2012 Advisors Insurance Agency had 0 clients, 0 revenue, 1 laptop, 1 cell phone, some space upstairs in a spare bedroom serving as an office, and a whole lot of hope. Thanks to the staff that came on board in those early days and to the first clients who believed in Miles, Advisors Insurance Agency is a thriving, growing business in the upstate of SC. Today Advisors Insurance Agency has a staff of 9 and over 5,000 active policies!

There is a better way and it’s even easier than you might think! Paul Chicky and Graham Flynn of Carolina Internet Autos, LLC dba The-CIA, have created a business that allows the customer to be in control and cuts out all the “games” involved in the vehicle buying process. Both Paul and Graham have backgrounds in the corporate world that eventually led to the auto finance division. Their positions allowed them to see the complicated process of buying a vehicle and the nightmare that it can be for consumers. They saw the worry it caused people (“Is this a good deal?”, “Am I getting ripped off?”, “I guess I have to settle on this option.”). Paul and Graham knew they wanted to build a business that would create the opposite experience for its clients and they did just that with their Vehicle Buying Service.

One of our favorite aspects of living and working in Greenville is that this community is full of passionate entrepreneurs. Daniel Lopez, owner of Time to Taste Catering , is one of those people. I have worked with Daniel on his business insurance and he has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. I’m excited to share his story of coming to America and following his dream.

One of the best aspects about living and working in Greenville are the great people I get the opportunity to meet -and meeting Tom Shinko was no exception. I was introduced to Tom Shinko, owner of Tip it Back Sports Grille , through a mutual friend at the gym we both go to. Not only is he a great guy to know, but his bar is one of the best in town. To me, it’s just like the bar in “Cheers” where everyone knows everybody and the employees are always happy to see you walk through the door. This month, I’m happy to share the story of Tom Shinko and Tip it Back Sports Grille !

Kim Berry was referred to me by Stewart Hudspeth, who now works here at Advisors Insurance. We provide Kim business and personal insurance and have enjoyed working with Kim, her family and their business, Kwik Kerb Carolina , since day one. Kwik Kerb Carolina provides a unique, but much needed service to the Greenville area and I think homeowners and yard-owners all over town are thankful for their services! This month, we are excited to feature Kim Berry and Kwik Kerb Carolina.

Every month we feature a business or businessperson who is doing things the right way. This means they are providing great customer experiences, creating an amazing product, and giving back to the Greenville community. This month, I’m excited to share the business and businessman who meets all three criteria: Marc Owens of Priority One Security . Marc and Priority One Security provide security services for my own business and my home, as well as the businesses and homes of a lot of our Advisors Insurance clients. I’ve been working with him for the past 10 years and have always been more than happy with the service we received.

Greenville Small Business Highlight: Poinsett Tire Pros