Fort Worth Star-Telegram offers local businesses a way to reach customers. It’s free.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is establishing an online directory to allow businesses in Fort Worth, Tarrant County 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-Telegram 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 star-telegram.com.

Ryan Mote, publisher of the Star-Telegram, said the directory is an opportunity for the news organization to help local businesses.

“There’s never been a more important time to support businesses of Fort Worth and Tarrant County than right now. So I’m excited we’re able to give back,” he said.

“Our community seeks information on COVID-19 and what businesses are open - right now,” Mote said. “And our local businesses need support - right now - from customers who have needs. So this is a win-win.”

Gary Wortel, west regional publisher for the Star-Telegram’s parent company, McClatchy, and a former Star-Telegram publisher, said the effort is also a way for the news organization 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,” he said.