It is no secret small businesses across the United States are facing financial challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a way to shine a spotlight on some of America’s small businesses, the parent company to QVC, Zulily and HSN partnered with the National Retail Federation Foundation “to shine a light on some of the small businesses that are the heart and hope of our communities.”

“Qurate Retail has a long-standing history of launching and fostering the growth of brands and small businesses,” a press release stated. “QVC, HSN, and Zulily all provide powerful platforms for small businesses to reach, engage, and sell their products to consumers around the world, and these platforms have never been more important than during the current crisis.” 

As part of its campaign, Qurate selected Rockland-based Loyal Biscuit Co. to be one of the small businesses it is showcasing. 

“It’s an honor to be selected by Qurate Retail Group as one of the 20 businesses across the country to participate in this initiative,” said Heidi Neal, co-owner of Loyal Biscuit Co. “More than ever, supporting local business is vital to the future and well-being of our communities. Working with Qurate Retail Group will help us navigate the next several months with a limited tourist season.”

Neal noted she learned of the opportunity to apply for the program through a colleague in mid-April. 

The application process, Neal shared, included a list of questions about the company, its history, how it supports local community endeavors and how it is working to survive the pandemic’s economic disruptions. 

“For me, this is incredibly important. By being one of 20 businesses throughout the country to be selected for this program, I will be able to work with Qurate Retail Group team members that will provide advice on solving a business problem related to COVID-19 through virtual mentoring,” Neal said. “This will be important to us as we are heading into unnavigated waters in how retail shopping will be changing. This program will provide guidance and information to me as I continue to run, and hopefully grow, my business during the new ‘normal’ of retail shopping.” 

Neal is also excited for the exposure of the other selected small businesses and how the showcase will remind Americans the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly during economic turmoil. 

“Not only am I excited about the exposure that this will give Loyal Biscuit, but my hope is that showcasing these 20 businesses to a national audience will help small businesses everywhere by proving just how important we are to the communities across America,” she said. 

Qurate Retail Group, the parent company to QVC and HSN, formed its partnership with the foundation to select 20 small businesses through the Small Business Spotlight initiative, according to a news release.

“These small businesses will be given access to production resources, television broadcasts, and digital platforms to help each participating business share its story with millions of consumers nationwide,” the release stated. “In addition, each business can tap Qurate Retail team members for advice on solving a business problem related to COVID-19 through a newly formed virtual mentoring initiative.” 

As part of its spotlight showcase, QVC and HSN is airing television spots showcasing each of the selected businesses in time slots exclusively reserved for each individual business.  

The live spots for Loyal Biscuit will run Thursday, May 28 at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on QVC and at 1:55 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. for HSN.

“We have a special relationship with the small business community, which generates so much of the innovation that drives our economy and has played a special role in the growth of our business,” said Mike George, President and CEO, Qurate Retail, Inc. “Ordinarily, the companies in our Small Business Spotlight would not be on QVC, HSN, or Zulily, because they are not part of our vendor family. Our aim  with this initiative is to help rally the public around these vital businesses, so they can come through this crisis and continue to anchor their local communities for many years to come.”

Additionally, QVC3 will air a Small Business Spotlight show for a half-four each Saturday from May 16 to June 6 showcasing the small businesses. More details on this show were not available. 

“Together, we can help give them the future they deserve,” QVC said on the portion of its website dedicated to spotlighting small businesses. “Because our communities wouldn’t be the same without them.”