Supporting Friends' Small Businesses

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I have friends who, even prior to the pandemic, have decided to pursue creating a small business of their own. They all have an array of different reasons for doing so - financial stability, family dynamics, disability, etc. I admire them for taking that leap of faith and giving it their all. Starting your own small business is scary, it's so much work, and oftentimes lots of sacrifices has to be made. In order to recoup their investments, some friends end up charging premium prices for their products and/or services. As a supportive friend, I want to be able to support them. When I have the resources, I pay their asking price and never ask for a discount or freebies. Sometimes even if I do not need it or have no use for it, I still buy it and gift it to someone else. If they liked it, I send them their store names or links. If I cannot afford to do so, I help out by sharing their business links, or sending some new clients their way. I have friends who try their hand at making YouTube videos with hopes of making some money from ads. I have to admit that some of them have...uninteresting videos, so to help out, I will have their videos playing in the background while I do something else. Once I tried to make suggestions on, how as part of her target audience, I will find the video more engaging. It did not turn our well. I know I did it tactfully but I guess she was very sensitive about it, given that she is putting herself out there and apparently mine is not the only non-positive feedback she received. So I do not go to that discussion anymore unless they specifically asked me what I think, and if I know for sure that they can handle constructive suggestions. And then I have friends who tried writing e-books. I attended their book launching, or signing if I am free. I like that these wonderful people are trying their best to achieve their dreams. And to be honest, I do not even mind if they end up supporting me back. Otherwise, I do not think I will be able to continue doing this for them. If someday they become successful and they remembered me, I'd be grateful. If not, that will also be fine, as I have my own dreams to chase.