FRASER Coast businesses are again being urged to sign up for the region’s ‘Open for Business Buy Local’ campaign.
The program encourages residents and visitors to shop locally and help build a stronger, united business fraternity.
Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour said more than 130 businesses are already participating in the program, which uses Buy Local gift cards to ensure the money loaded onto them is spent in the region.
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There is no cost to join up and interested businesses only need an EFTPOS terminal to participate.
The campaign was developed as part of council’s efforts to stimulate the Fraser Coast economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was developed using feedback from investigations into the impact of Covid-19 on the region’s businesses in 2020.
“Buying local is the best way for people to support Fraser Coast businesses, great for local jobs and great for our local communities,” Cr Seymour said.
The program will run for at least three years.
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With more than $46,000 worth of cards sold, one local business has scored more $3,000 in sales.
Cr Seymour said of the $46,000 worth of cards sold, only $11,000 worth of products have been redeemed so far, meaning it wasn’t too late for local businesses to sign up and reap the benefits.
New tires, electrical work and roast chickens are just some of the goods or services people have bought with their Buy Local gift cards since the program launched at the start of December.
The mayor said the gift cards were not just for Christmas.
“Anyone can buy a card at any time. Grandparents and relations who are unable to visit the Fraser Coast to celebrate a birthday, wedding or engagement can buy a card online to send to their grandkids, nieces, or nephews to spend in Fraser Coast shops,” he said.
“People living here can give them to each other as gifts for birthdays and clubs could use them as raffle prizes.”
Businesses interested in joining the program can sign up through the council website www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au or email economic.development@frasercoast.qld.gov.au to receive further information and express their interest.
For more information including a full list of participating business and reload stores go to – frasercoastgiftcard.com.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you bought a Buy Local gift card or given one to a friend or loved one? Where did you spend it and do you think the program will have long-term benefits? Let us know in the comments section below.