The Cree Nation has announced a new app to promote local business
EEYOU ISTCHEE, Que.-The Cree Nation Government's Department of Commerce and Industry (CNG/DCI), in partnership with the communities of Eeyou Istchee, recently announced the launch of Keep It Local, a new mobile app that rewards community members for shopping in Eeyou Istchee.
Promoted with the tagline "When you buy local, we all win," the app is an innovative way to encourage support for businesses in Eeyou Istchee.
Community members can use the Keep It Local app to enter a monthly $500 prize drawing, earning contest entries for every eligible purchase at local retailers, simply by uploading receipts.
Community members can enter up to five receipts per purchase date, and two winners will be picked each month to receive $500 in gift cards to local businesses of their choice.
"The research is clear: For every dollar spent at a local business, 66 cents stays in the community-creating jobs, growing businesses, and building a strong future for our children and grandchildren," said Anthony MacLeod, Director of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce and Industry. "The simple act of buying local encourages people to invest in our communities."
The Keep It Local app is a key part of a larger Year of Economic Development movement to uplift local Cree businesses with modern tools and technology. The Cree Business Registry will also be launched in the coming months to help connect government and entities with local entrepreneurs and services.
Other CNG/DCI initiatives include improvements to the Cree Entrepreneurship Assistance Fund, revisions to the Cree Mining Policy, and a first-of-its-kind Cree Nation Business Summit.
Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty says the app will inspire pride in community members, turning everyday purchases into a collective effort to support the Eeyou Eenou economy. "Eeyou Istchee economic resilience is for our Nation's benefit," says Grand Chief Many Gull-Masty. "Encouraging our members to buy local contributes to that strengthening. This new app is innovative and showcases how you can participate."
The Keep It Local app is available for download on all Apple and Android devices. To download the app and see full contest details, visit http://www.creekeepitlocal.ca.
