OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - A new sweepstakes program is launching in Oakland County to help small businesses during the holidays — and one lucky resident could win up to $1,000.
From now through Nov. 26, people are encouraged to take selfies at a small business in Oakland County that they consider to be a "local gem" and submit the photo to officials at OakGov.come/ShopSmall.
Those who submit photos are automatically entered in the sweepstakes for a chance at winning a $1,000 first prize or $500 second prize.
Executive Dave Coulter said the program is an effort to "increase visibility and foot traffic in the county’s small businesses" which are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Small businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and increasingly competing with larger online and in-person businesses,” Coulter said in a press release. “We want to do whatever we can to help these businesses thrive during this holiday season and beyond.”
According to the county, multiple entries can be made as long as the photos feature different Oakland County small business for a chance to increase the odds of winning.
To be eligible, participants must be 18 years or older. Any person who wants to participate, including business owners, does not have to be in the photo, but can enter each business only once.
The cash prizes, provided by Genisys Credit Union, will be announced on Dec. 15.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Oakland County again on their campaign,” said Genisys Credit Union CEO Jackie Buchanan. “When we support our small businesses, the local economy benefits, including the workers who are our neighbors, friends and family.”
Many downtown or main street businesses in Oakland County have been provided with shopping bags, community banners and posters from the credit union promoting shopping small and local.
You can follow all the local gems submitted on Facebook at @AdvantageOak #LocalGemOC.