Small businesses in Canberra will be encouraged to share the word that they're open for business through a Business Hour on The Canberra Times Facebook page on Wednesday night.
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Between 6-7pm, local businesses are invited to comment on a dedicated post to tell our readers they are open for business.
Businesses can tag themselves in the Business Hour post and upload a picture of their wares. The aim of Business Hour is to thank and encourage businesses finding their way during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed.
Additionally, businesses will be encouraged to register themselves on our Open for Business web page.
Social media is the "ultimate answer to social distancing" said Small Business and Family Enterprises Ombudsman Kate Carnell, who hoped business would use this time to get on the front foot of the medium.
"I think this is a great opportunity for lots of businesses," she said.
"The new normal I think will be a mixture of online services."
Local media campaigns such as this one, which is being driven by all ACM mastheads, had helped push traders along, Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said.
"We've seen an encouraging escalation in the number of community support programs. Local radios and media networks encouraging businesses that are open to get involved in campaigns and get the word out there."
Canberra restaurants and bars took their first tentative steps into what they hope is a post-pandemic world at the weekend, when restriction easing made it possible to have 10 customers in at one time.
While some businesses are waiting for the next phase of restriction easing to make their move back, many across Canberra took what Prime Minister Scott Morrison said was the "brave" step to reopen.
On Monday, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he expected the next wave of changes would come next weekend, when up to 20 patrons would be allowed at one time.
The gradual easing has provided hope for businesses who remain vigilant of the impact of a second wave or outbreak of COVID-19 cases.
"As the community comes out of their shell it might give those businesses another chance," Mr Hawes said.
