Nanaimo’s chamber of commerce will have $70,000 to spend on supporting “shop local” initiatives.
In a press release, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce said it secured a $70,000 grant from the Government of Canada, which will go toward efforts to encourage people to spend money at local businesses.
Businesses in the region have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the press release said, and the chamber is championing “Eat, Drink, Shop, Think Local” ideology in response.
The initiative will see customers bringing attention to the fact they’re spending dollars at local businesses to “deliberately keep spending close to home,” the press release said.
Kim Smythe, Nanaimo chamber CEO, stated in the press release that 52 Nanaimo business owners will be featured on a website in the new year, with additional local businesses listed in a 2022 directory. The website will allow community members to be more recognizable and will remind locals who they can buy from, he said.
The chamber is also designing an “I Am Local” digital and tactile point-of-sale program and a multi-platform initiative, supported by local sponsors and aimed at further promoting the impact of Nanaimo businesses on the economy.
“The financial benefits of this grant will allow us to extend the chamber’s ‘Think Local’ philosophy and try to turn it into a legacy,” Smythe said in the press release. “The campaign’s goal is to put the spotlight on specific individuals, partners and groups who own and operate the local businesses that drive 90 per cent of Nanaimo’s economy.”
The chamber said it will partner on the initiative with other Nanaimo organizations such as Tourism Nanaimo, Nanaimo Hospitality Association, Old City Quarter Association, City of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo and shopping centres.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks with a digital marketing launch slated for Jan. 1.
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