Last December, Downtown Carleton Place Business Improvement Area (BIA) launched a new Gift Card to support local businesses and help the community to thrive.
The Downtown Carleton Place Gift Card replaces the BIA Bucks paper program which operated until 2023. Cards can be used at multiple participating businesses downtown, including stores, restaurants and services.
Paisley Woods, Coordinator at Downtown Carleton Place BIA, says the Gift Card offers enhanced inclusivity, flexibility and a “feel-good” factor.
“Nestled near the Mississippi River, downtown Carleton Place is a wonderful shopping district with an incredible selection of restaurants, boutiques, stores, a hotel, and many other businesses. An upgrade from our previous paper BIA Bucks, the new Gift Card is something people can enjoy spending, and they can feel good too knowing they’re supporting local businesses.”
One of the many businesses that accepts the Gift Card is Foundry Collective & Coffee Bar. Owner Kaitey Cosgrove explains: “I’m excited about the Downtown Carleton Place Gift Card because it gives the recipient the joy of exploration. Downtown has something for everyone, and the Gift Card has something for everyone. Not only will it keep dollars local, it will drive tourism too. We have amazing businesses in town, from craft breweries and great restaurants to kids’ boutiques, and it is our businesses that give the town its unique identity. For small businesses, every penny counts, and by supporting them through initiatives like the Gift Card, you’re supporting families and keeping unique businesses open.”
Another participating business is Black Tartan Kitchen. Chef and owner Ian Carswell adds: “By being part of the Gift Card program, we hope to encourage more people to visit our downtown and experience our eclectic shops and eateries. There are some pretty incredible shops downtown and we all hope this program will encourage local shopping and dining and introduce folks to our beautiful main street. We feel this program will help draw in new customers from in town and out, and highlight shopping in our community. Keeping dollars in our community is a fantastic way to help all the lovely businesses on our beautiful main street thrive!”
Find out more by visiting in person or online at downtowncarletonplace.com!