If you have a friend or significant other who’s taken the bold leap into entrepreneurship, here’s your friendly reminder to cheer them on—even if you’re not entirely sure what it is they do. (Trust me, they’ll explain it for the hundredth time with the same enthusiasm.) So we’re going to talk about how to support your friend’s business. And if you’re the one who started a business, don’t be shy! Send this to your family and friends (or your significant other!) as a little nudge.

Starting a business is no small feat—it’s a mix of grit, hope, late-night brainstorming sessions, and probably way too much caffeine. Your support, no matter how small it may seem, can make a world of difference.

So, exactly how can you support your friend’s business? Let me count the ways.

1. Engage with Their Content

We live in a digital world, and those little double-taps, saves, and shares are gold. When you like or save, it’s like giving your friend a virtual high-five and telling the algorithm, “Hey, this is worth seeing!” And if you share their post? That is like, “wow they believe in me so much they referred me to their network.” 

If you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling past your friend’s post because you’ve “already seen it,” pause for a second. A simple like or comment can boost their visibility in ways you wouldn’t believe.

2. Spread the Word

Your network is a treasure chest of potential clients, collaborators, and supporters for your friend’s business. Even if you don’t need their services, chances are someone you know does.

For example:

• Have a friend who’s planning a wedding? Mention your other friend’s photography business

• Know someone in need of a website revamp? Refer them to your designer friend (wink, wink)

Every referral, whether it’s casual or direct, helps your friend build their dream. PLUS, when you refer someone to your friend’s business, you’re not just helping them—you’re doing the person you referred a favor by connecting them with someone trustworthy. Everyone wins!

3. Buy From Them When You Can

If your friend offers a product or service that fits your needs, why not support their business instead of a big-box store or faceless corporation? It’s like choosing to fuel a dream instead of a CEO’s third vacation home.

But, if their offerings don’t quite align with what you need, that’s okay! Supporting definitely doesn’t always mean buying.

4. Cheer Them On

Sometimes, the best way to support your friend’s business is with your words. Send them a text reminding them that they’re doing great. Celebrate their wins, big and small. Show up to their launch events, pop-ups, or online webinars. Leave a thoughtful comment on their posts or webinars—it’s a simple way to boost their confidence and let others know how amazing they are.

Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, and knowing someone’s rooting for them can mean the world.

Be their hype person, ask them how it’s going and remind them that good things take time. Want to go above and beyond? Become their unofficial photographer at events or master the art of the “This is my friend’s amazing business!” introduction.

5. Be Patient and Understanding

Running a business comes with its fair share of growing pains. Entrepreneurs wear a hundred hats, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned, deadline slip and mistakes happen. Ask them how it’s going, remind them that growth takes time, and you’re proud of their progress.

Why Your Support Matters

As an entrepreneur, your network is everything. The people who like, share, refer, and encourage are the foundation that keeps dreams alive.

To everyone who’s supported me on this journey: Thank you. Your support is the fuel that keeps me going, even on the hard days. Every share, like, and kind word reminds me that I’m not walking this road alone.

Supporting your friend’s business doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s engaging with their posts, referring a friend, or simply cheering them on, your efforts add up in ways you may never see.

What’s one small way you can support a friend’s business today? I challenge you to pick one and do it. You never know the ripple effect you might create.

Ps. To my fellow entrepreneurs—don’t forget to return the love. Supporting others in the same boat builds an even stronger network for everyone. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to build something beautiful—and it’s better when we do it together.

And if you’re still not sure what your friend does, maybe it’s time for a coffee date to find out! ☕