Small businesses, restaurants and nonprofits are being hit very hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County (CCGMC) has developed an economic stimulus initiative to help support businesses and charitable organizations through a gift card match program.

Purchasing a gift card today will help businesses with some much needed cash flow to support themselves while their doors are closed.

The Chamber is furthering this impact by matching the amount of gift card purchases made up to $2500 and donating those cards to area nonprofits. The total impact to businesses will be an increase of $5000 in revenue.

The process to participate is simple. First, buy a gift card in any amount from a local business or restaurant.  The Chamber has a suggested list of businesses in the directory found on their website, www.chambergmc.org.

Second, share the amount purchased and where it is from on the Chamber’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/chambergmc or email to info@chambergmc.org.

The Chamber is also asking larger businesses to join this initiative by contributing additional funding which will increase the match and provide greater support for businesses and nonprofits.

In addition to supporting businesses through gift card purchases, social media can provide the opportunity for a business to reach new customers, stay engaged with the community and increase their site ranking.  These options include like, share and comment on a site to introduce a business to potential customers that can help once they are back open.

Many businesses are setting up online events such as live-streaming classes, webinars and delivery and pick-up services.  Sharing these programs on Instagram and Facebook will help keep the community engaged.

Finally, take a few minutes to write a review for your favorite business.  A Google review will give a credibility boost saving the business money on advertising.

The pandemic has significantly impacted the way business is being conducted, but working together will help to ensure our favorite establishments will be able to continue operations once this crisis is behind us.

Serving Montgomery County businesses since 1913, the mission of the CCGMC is to provide connections, events, education and resources which add value for its members and the business community. The Chamber is the largest business organization in the County.

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