SUPERIOR, Colo. — To help local small businesses that are struggling during the pandemic, the Town of Superior is sending out $20 gift cards to every household in town to be spent at local establishments.
“The reality is our small businesses have been severely affected by the COVID shutdown,” Neal Shah, one of the town’s trustees, told Denver7.
So the town decided to mail out two $10 gift certificates to every household in Superior, called Superior Cash, to be used at those struggling small businesses.
“If you want a quick bite, coffee, to get your nails done, those are ways you don’t have to spend your own money and you’re helping a local business,” Shah said.
Businesses taking part include restaurants, coffee shops, nail salons, and even CrossFit gyms. Once spent, businesses can redeem those gift certificates with the town for reimbursement in cash, paid out from the CARES Act funds the town received in the spring.
One of the businesses on Superior’s list that accepts the certificates is PJ’s Diner.
“I’ve cut (employee) hours in half and I work every day to try to keep our doors open,” owner Pam Brown said.
PJ’s revenue is down at least 40% this year, according to Brown. The Superior Cash has been a welcomed way to bring in additional business.
“Their free money is my money so it works out great,” Brown said.
Certificates were mailed out on Monday, and are already being spent at PJ’s. Brown says she’s received about $200 worth of Superior Cash each day since the program started.
“It keeps our doors open,” she said. “Keeps my employees here.”
For a full list of businesses taking part, or to learn more about the program, head to https://www.superiorcolorado.gov/community/superior-cash.