BUSINESSES in town are being encouraged to support each other under a $100,000 program to provide preloaded Spend in Singleton cards to boost the local economy in the recovery from the impacts of bushfires and coronavirus (COVID-19).
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The Business Supporting Local Business program is an initiative of Singleton Council and the Singleton Business Chamber under council's Community Support Package, offering cards loaded with $250 to help enterprises get back on their feet to purchase essentials such as food, office supplies, petrol or other goods and services.
Council's director community and organisation capacity Vicki Brereton said the beauty of the scheme was that in doing so, businesses would be assisting other businesses across the Singleton local government area (LGA) that were part of the Spend in Singleton promotion.
"Working together to support our community and our economy will be a critical step as restrictions ease and we move towards the rebuild and recovery phase," she explained.
"This program is a great way for businesses to help each other by 'buying local'.
"Businesses can apply for the pre-loaded Spend in Singleton Card for a share of $100,000 to use at any participating business, from retailers and restaurants to groceries and petrol.
"It's open to any business in our LGA that has been negatively impacted by bushfires and COVID-19, and has been closed or operating at a reduced level with reduced revenue but is re-opening or extending services again."
A condition of the program is the $250 Spend in Singleton card must be spent within three months.
Suggestions for using the cards include redemption for essential food or office supplies, fuel expenses, or as a gift for a staff member doing it tough or as a thank you for their support.
Singleton Business Chamber president Sue Gilroy said in excess of 70 businesses were part of the Spend in Singleton program - with more coming on board every day.
"You don't have to be a Spend in Singleton member to apply for a $250 card," she added.
"But, it's a great opportunity to get involved in the program and benefit from the other businesses who will be spending their cards in the next three months.
"Every little bit counts towards all of our businesses surviving and thriving under very challenging circumstances.
"I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for a $250 preloaded card and to be part of the Spend in Singleton program to support each other."
For more information about the Spend in Singleton Program, the Business Supporting Local Business Program or how to apply for a $250 Spend in Singleton card, visit spendinsingleton.com.au
