Goochland County residents and visitors can now save money while supporting small businesses with the new Open Rewards program. Launched as a partnership between Goochland County Economic Development, Goochland County Economic Development Authority, and technology company BluDot, this customer rewards program encourages customers to earn cash back rewards while spending at local businesses.
The goal of the program is to incentivize shopping local for Goochland residents and help stimulate the local economy. Small retail and restaurant businesses need the support of the local community, and this program aims to drive more customers to these businesses. Open Rewards launches in Goochland today, Wednesday, November 1st and will continue as funds last.
“We are excited to launch this program to support our small business community in Goochland County. Many of our small businesses rely on local visitation to support their business. Using BluDot’s unique Open Rewards program will keep Goochland dollars in Goochland County and support our local businesses and economy” said Sara Worley, Economic Development Director for Goochland County, “and that is a win-win for both the consumer and the business.”
The Goochland Economic Development Authority invested $5,000 to pilot the program. Goochland is the second locality in Virginia to participate in the program and the only locality in the Richmond region.
Goochland’s citizens and consumers can enroll in the program by downloading BluDot’s Open Rewards app to their smartphone. Consumers can earn rewards by linking their purchasing cards to their account or by uploading receipts from participating small businesses.
There are no costs for businesses or consumers to participate, and local businesses in the retail, restaurant, and personal service sectors are automatically enrolled. Consumers will earn 5% in rewards for each transaction at local businesses, which can then be redeemed on a purchase at another participating business.
BluDot is a technology company providing solutions for local economic development organizations. The Open Rewards program is in use in more than 100 communities across the nation.
Curious on how to redeem and claim rewards? Take a few moments to watch the videos below.