These are unprecedented times and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak continues to be felt within businesses across Greater Manchester.
Big name firms to independents were forced to close their doors, bringing uncertainty for companies of all sizes and sectors.
Although the health of the country remains the biggest priority, the situation is having a crippling effect on our business community at a time when many traders would usually be busy.
As many beauty salons and bars to retailers, restaurants and attractions remain unsure of when they'll be able to safely open up and operate as normal again, businesses are adapting their offerings and finding new ways to function right now.
To help our local businesses during these difficult times, we want to give something back.
For an hour on Thursday (May 21), we will be launching #IAmOpen Hour on Twitter between 2pm and 3pm.
During #IAmOpen Hour we will be retweeting your business from the M.E.N Twitter account to our 575,500 followers, for free.
This serves as a reminder that we are there with you during these challenging times and we want to do all we can to keep bringing communities together.
All you need to do is tweet our @MENnewsdesk account with a short description of what your business offers, along with a picture of you or your staff inside or outside of your business holding an #IAmOpen sign, and be sure to include the hashtag #IAmOpen in your tweet.
We want to make sure that the people of Greater Manchester know that you are open for business and can see the friendly faces who will be ready to welcome them.
Jim Brinkley, director at Reach PLC Regionals which publishes the Manchester Evening News, said: "Local businesses are the life-blood of towns and cities, both as service providers and employers, and we must do all we can to support them.
"With trading restrictions changing every day, consumers are confused as to what businesses are allowed or not allowed to trade.
"The #IAmOpen campaign helps support local businesses to market themselves effectively in challenging conditions."
