GREENFIELD — Greenfield Main Street is putting the cha-ching in spring with its Downtown Dollars program.
From May 1 through July 31, participants can purchase and redeem $25 in gift certificates to participating businesses and get an extra $10 in Downtown Dollars, courtesy of Greenfield Main Street.
The kickoff coincides with National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Downtown Dollars are designed to help support our local downtown merchants,” said Heather Condra, Greenfield Main Street’s executive director.
A dozen businesses are participating this year, including boutiques, spas, a chocolate shop, gift shop, T-shirt shop and juice shop, as well as a car wash and grill.
Amy Hughes, owner of A Focused Touch Day Spa, is a big fan of the program.
“I love any kind of program that encourages residents to shop local, especially in the summertime, which can be a downtime for small businesses. In my industry that’s going to be super helpful,” she said.
Hughes said the Downtown Dollars work just like cash.
“You can use it for treatments or services or to put towards a Mother’s Day package. If someone wants to spring for a larger priced package, they have a few more dollars in their pocket they didn’t wouldn’t otherwise have. Everybody loves free money,” she said.
Condra said the Downtown Dollars program has been so popular in the past that it will be offered twice this year, starting in the spring and again in the fall leading into the holiday shopping season.
“We have had huge success with it,” she said.
Downtown Dollars may be purchased online and mailed or picked up at a few locations downtown, including the Greenfield Main Street office on the first floor of the Bradley Hall Events Centre.
Condra said it’s a busy time in downtown Greenfield, where most commercial space is occupied and businesses are reportedly doing well.
Organizers of the newest business — Redefined Boutique, which opened in March — hope to welcome new customers through the Downtown Dollars program.
“We’re excited to be able to be part of this program and excited for new shoppers that maybe haven’t shopped with us before to come check us out,” said Rachel Kleine, co-founder of Redefined Hope Boutique, the proceeds from which support the Hope Center in Indianapolis.
“Because we are a nonprofit, anytime we get shoppers it goes directly to supporting our mission,” said Hughes, director of business at the Hope Center.
“We appreciate that Main Street is putting on this program, which is an exciting opportunity for downtown shoppers,” she said.
While the spring and summer months can be sluggish for small businesses, Condra said it’s a great time to get out and explore all downtown Greenfield has to offer, from shops and restaurants to salons and spas.
On Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued a proclamation declaring April 28 to May 4 as Small Business Week in Indiana, celebrating the impact Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses have on the state’s economy and communities. Indiana is home to more than 534,000 small businesses that support more than 1.2 million Hoosier jobs.
“Indiana’s economic momentum is incredibly robust today, thanks in large part to the commitment, the work ethic and the spirit of our entrepreneurial community,” said Holcomb. “Across the state, Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses are creating new solutions, providing critical services, and contributing to the vibrancy and prosperity of their neighborhoods. This week, we honor and celebrate these achievements as we continue to invest in Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem like never before.”
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. The week always kicks corresponded with the start of May, which is National Small Business Month.
To purchase Downtown Dollars to support Greenfield small businesses, visit greenfieldmainstreet.org/events.
For each $25 gift certificate purchased, an extra $10 in Downtown Dollars is provided by Greenfield Main Street. The limit is four combined $35 certificates per person.
The $25 gift certificates and $10 in Downtown Dollars can be used separately in different locations. Certificates and dollars cannot be redeemed for cash, and no change will be issued. Certificates must be purchased and redeemed by July 31.
Participating merchants this year include A Focused Touch Day Spa, Dave’s Express Car Wash & Express Grill, Ella June, Evolve Aesthetics & Wellness, Greenfield Chocolates, Keystone Cooperative, New Youth Aesthetics & IV Lounge, Organic Robot Designs, Parched, Redefined Hope Boutique, The Gilded Nest and Udders-N-Suds.
