Greater Vancouver Chamber Launches Main Street Small Business Support Program (Photo) -03/04/25
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER LAUNCHES MAIN STREET SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM
Innovative SPEND IT LOCAL e-Gift Certificate Initiative Aims to Boost Downtown Businesses During Main Street Revitalization
Vancouver, Wash. — As downtown Vancouver embarks on an exciting transformation of Main Street, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is stepping up to ensure that local businesses not only endure but thrive. In response to the City of Vancouver’s Main Street Promise initiative- designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity- the Chamber is launching the Main Street Small Business Support Program to sustain and strengthen businesses affected by construction from 5th to 15th Street.
A key component of this initiative is the SPEND IT LOCAL e-Gift Certificate program, designed to keep customers engaged with downtown restaurants, retailers, and service providers throughout the reconstruction process. By rallying corporate partners and community members, GVC aims to inject $180,000 into Main Street businesses in 2025, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of Vancouver’s economy.
Corporations Champion Local Businesses
Recognizing the financial strain that construction can place on small businesses, the Chamber is calling on corporations to purchase SPEND IT LOCAL gift certificates for their employees—just $15 per month for a year. With the collective monthly engagement of 1,000 employees, this initiative will encourage ongoing patronage of downtown establishments, turning potential disruption into an opportunity for exploration and discovery.
Companies like NW Natural and Lincoln Property Company have already stepped up to support this program, setting an example for corporate leadership in community investment.
Spotlighting Small Businesses: The Merchant Highlight
To further drive customer engagement, the Merchant Highlight initiative will showcase one downtown business each month. On a designated day, the first 50 customers at the selected merchant will receive a $5 SPEND IT LOCAL gift certificate, providing an extra incentive to support local businesses.
Kicking off the program on Wednesday, March 19, Little Conejo—a local favorite on 6th Street—will welcome customers, as the highlighted merchant, with its signature tacos and expertly curated mezcal selection. More details will be forthcoming.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The Main Street Small Business Support Program is made possible thanks to the generous backing of local corporations, Merchant Highlight hosts, Supporting and Community sponsors. Supporting sponsors include NW Natural and Lincoln Property Company, with Washington Trust Bank serving as a Community Sponsor. The Merchant Highlight hosts—including Allen Gabriel, COMCAST BUSINESS, Greenhaven Landscapes, GRO, Mackay Sposito, Northwest Business Development Association, Pepsi, Tapani, and United Grain Corporation—are also playing a key role in making this program a success.
“Downtown businesses are the heart of our community, and we’re committed to ensuring they thrive during this transformation,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “By engaging corporations and the community in direct support of these businesses, we can turn a challenging time into a powerful moment of economic resilience.”
To learn more about the SPEND IT LOCAL program, become a corporate partner, or explore participating businesses, visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/main-street-small-business-support/.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
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