San Mateo County and seven cities have launched a new mobile app that encourages shoppers to support small businesses. The points-based app, Choose Local San Mateo County, rewards those shopping close to home by letting them earn cash discounts at participating locations.
Shoppers can automatically earn rewards by using the app at local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, spas, boutiques and yoga studios—to name a few. Participating businesses hail from seven pilot areas including Daly City, Half Moon Bay/Coastside, Millbrae, Redwood City and North Fair Oaks, San Carlos, San Mateo and South San Francisco; more cities are expected to be added soon, per a statement from the County.
More than 334 businesses have signed up to participate in the Choose Local San Mateo County program, said the County, with new businesses jumping aboard daily.
When using the app, one point equals one dollar that can be redeemed as cash discounts at participating local businesses. The County of San Mateo ultimately reimburses rewards via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding without financial impact to businesses or shoppers.
Community members can download the free app from Google Play or the Apple Store and securely link credit cards, debit cards, or prepaid debit cards to their account. As an added bonus, the first 700 users to download and link a card will receive 10 SMC points, per the County. Businesses wanting to participate can do so by signing up here.
Noting that COVID-19 has decimated many small businesses in San Mateo County, County Board of Supervisors President David J. Canepa said that “Supporting small businesses is supporting our economic recovery.” He added that as residents’ jumpstart their holiday shopping and other activities, “we invite them to visit local businesses…and participate in our collective economic recovery ahead.”
The County partnered with Colu Technologies to develop the app; per the statement, it is the first jurisdiction to adopt a countywide, regional strategy to economic recovery and leverage mobile app technology.
For more info about the Choose Local San Mateo County app, click here.
Image courtesy of San Mateo County
