Sarnia-Lambton's "Shop Local" campaigns could be getting a federal funding boost of upwards of $150,000.
The local Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 30-minute virtual Town Hall Meeting Tuesday at 3 p.m. to discuss how securing funding could be used to support area businesses.
CEO Allan Calvert said the money would be used to develop campaigns where the Chamber would amalgamate with some of the community's existing campaigns.
"And we're all familiar with campaigns that are on Facebook or Instagram. We're wanting to collaborate with those organizations and have greater consistency when it comes to delivering these shop local campaigns, in terms of branding, marketing and promotion, and overall, building consumer confidence."
The federal government is investing $33-million across the country in programs to support businesses as they reopen.
Calvert said the chamber is going to assemble partners that want to collaborate with the organization before submitting an application.
"There's no guarantees that we're going to get it, it's all based on the creativity and cooperation of a community. Potentially we could see upwards of $150,000."
Calvert said the applications must be submitted by July 27, and that they'll find out at the end of the month if they've received the necessary funding that they're requesting.
"These marketing campaigns are not only going to assist with the month of August, but believe it or not, we're going to be talking back-to-school before you know it, so it rolls right into that."
Calvert said 60 to 70 per cent of chamber memberships are made up of small and medium-sized businesses.
"That's a lot of businesses, those are small businesses and those are the ones that truly show the complexion of our region. Their success in bringing back our vibrant community is up to all of us as consumers."
To register for the event, click here.
