The Kansas City Star offers local businesses a way to reach customers. And it’s free.

The Kansas City Star is establishing an online directory to allow businesses in Kansas City and surrounding areas to better communicate with their customers during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The directory will also be a resource for residents who frequently seek information about the status of the places they shop and now look to for takeout food options.

The Star has established a form for business owners and managers to fill out to populate the directory with messages to their customers and information about changes they have made in response to the coronavirus.

There is no cost to participate, and the directory will be posted on kansascity.com.

Mike Fannin, president and editor of The Star, said the directory is an opportunity for the news organization to assist local companies.

“Kansas City businesses need to be supported in every way possible during this critical time,” Fannin said. “I’m happy that we can do something to give back.”

Gary Wortel, West regional publisher for The Star’s parent company, said the effort is a way for McClatchy to help its advertising partners, allowing them to provide essential information and updates to their customers.

“Whether your doors are ‘open’ for business at this moment, your customers will appreciate hearing from you and knowing what you are doing to help them weather this crisis,” Wortel said.

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 4:08 PM.