LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Small businesses across the Commonwealth are struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. As some stores and restaurants brace to reopen in the coming days, they need support now more than ever.

The Louisville Independent Business Alliance has been hosting the Buy Local Fair for ten years now. With businesses still closed, the 24-hour event is going virtual this year. It kicks off Sunday at noon on the Louisville Independent Business Alliance website. 

During the event, people can buy gift cards from their favorite local businesses to help them financially until people can spend those dollars in person. Plus, they're giving away prizes as an added bonus.

"I think it will be a fun, extra incentive for people to support our local stores. We want them to get through this crisis. As they get ready to reopen, this is a great time to get some gift cards and look forward to spending them yourself," LIBA director Jennifer Rubenstein said.

If you do buy a gift card this weekend, you won't have to wait long to use it. As a reminder, retail stores in Kentucky are allowed to open Wednesday and restaurants can open Friday with special restrictions in place.