The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has launched a website to support businesses in Peterborough County looking to sell gift cards online. Officially launched on April 8, the website kawarthachamber.ca/shop was built by local agency acorn30 in partnership with the Kawartha Chamber as a way for the community to support local business during these times.
Heather Watson of acorn30, “We are fortunate to be able to continue our operations without any disruptions to service during this time. It only makes sense for us to be able to help the Kawartha Chamber support businesses in the County through this initiative.”
The website was built on the Canadian-owned platform Shopify which has stepped up to provide relief to businesses by waiving monthly fees for 90 days.
“Our experience is that many rural businesses have been caught off guard without a way to sell their products and services online. This online main street is to help address the need for businesses to have that functionality while they navigate new ways to do business,” stated Tracy Logan, Board President of the Kawartha Chamber.
This program is open to all Kawartha Chamber members and non-member businesses in Peterborough County and is designed to help small businesses during this challenging time. The only fees being standard merchant fees associated with payment processing. The website is live with new businesses being added daily.
Participating businesses that aren’t currently open will accept gift certificates when they resume their operations.
Logan, “Local business accounts for a significant portion of our economy. Remember when you asked that small business to support your fundraiser? It’s time to support them. It’s important now more than ever to help them through these difficult times.”
Kawartha Chamber encourages residents and shoppers to not only purchase these gift certificates but to also share this among family and friends to encourage local shopping! By word-of-mouth, social media and advertising we can spread the word and help these businesses; and in turn help our local economy!
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