A NEW initiative run by a Riverland business network is offering “free money” in an attempt to boost support for local shops.
The Renmark Paringa Network is next week set to launch its Promotional Vouchers program, which will see the value of vouchers – to be spent at local businesses – purchased by locals matched dollar-for-dollar by the network.
Renmark Paringa Network chair Clint Lewan said each Renmark Paringa Council resident would be able to purchase up to $50 of the vouchers.
“They’ll be on sale at the Renmark Paringa Council chamber and will be available from 5pm,” Mr Lewin said
“It’s a minimum spend of $10 to get a $20 voucher and a maximum spend of $50 per person to get $100.
“You have to be a resident of the Renmark, Paringa or Lyrup areas and be able to show proof. Only residents of the council area are able to purchase the vouchers.
“It’s a promotional voucher so it has a three-month expiry and the vouchers must be spent within a local member business.”
Mr Lewan said the initiative would be vital to local business recovery from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“It will invest some money back into the local community and our local businesses,” he said.
“It’s so important to shop and support local at the moment, so go out there and have a look what businesses are in the main street.
“There’s quite a few businesses now up the main street that have opened.”
Mr Lewan said a second release of vouchers had been planned for February, aimed at stimulating activity for businesses in the period following Christmas.
“That’s primarily because January and February are challenging times for businesses, because of the Christmas hangover,” he said.
“So that’s again aimed at boosting money going into our local businesses at that time, plus also at that time we figure people can use those vouchers for school fees, or sporting club membership fees, for our non-for-profit members.
“If you miss out this time, there will be a second release.”
Mr Lewan said supporting local businesses would also generate benefits for local sporting clubs and community organisations.
“Take advantage of the chance while you can to get free money,” he said.
“Support your local businesses, because they support your community. They support your sporting clubs, pay rates and prop up the community.”
The Renmark Paringa Network Promotional Vouchers will be available from the Renmark Paringa Council chambers on Thursday, October 29, from 5pm until sold out.
For further information visit the website (www.renmarkparinganetwork.com) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/renmarkparinganetwork/).