At a time when restaurants and small businesses are essentially out of business, Instagram is stepping in to help relieve the pressure a little and provide a small boost in cash flow.
The social media company is making it easier for small businesses to use its platform to raise cash via their own customers. Businesses can share new gift card, food order, and fundraiser stickers in Stories and on their profiles.
When you see gift cards or food orders, you can tap to make your purchase through the partner's site. Fundraisers open on Facebook to a personal fundraiser created by business owners or their supporters. Gift cards and food orders for delivery and takeout are available in the US and Canada starting today and will roll out globally in the coming weeks, and fundraisers will be coming soon.
“Small businesses are the backbone of local communities and restaurants are the soul of neighbourhoods,” explained Instagram COO Justin Osofsky.
“They bring people together and build community. We want to do our part in helping them stay open, keep in touch with customers, and be informed on how to navigate this crisis.”
Instagram said it plans to bring this feature globally in the coming weeks, but it's starting with just the U.S. and Canada at the moment.
Facebook, Instagram’s parent company also announced a new $100 million program to help small businesses, offering grants for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries.
You can check out Instagram's small business support here.
