Kiwis are being asked to make a big impact by choosing small in Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Small Business Day, which takes place today. 

Small Business Day will be supported by a competition rewarding shoppers and businesses that get involved with $200,000 in prizes.

Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan is supporting the campaign and says small business forms the cornerstone of the local economy. 

"I get challenged a lot by people about empty stores in our towns and the obvious solution is that we buy local where possible, keeping local money in local pockets ad supporting local jobs."

Innovation company Indigo, in partnership with Xero, came up with the plan to give small businesses one day all to themselves after a year of hard knocks. 

With support from their partners, they will encourage Kiwis to put their money where their heart is and shop small on April 9th – in hopes that this will lead to Kiwis choosing small every day of the year.

“We hope that Small Business Day will be the start of a nationwide movement for us all to choose small. 2021 is just the beginning,” Pat MacFie, co-founder of Indigo, says.

Tell us your favourite small businesses and why you love to support them. Image: The Central App/Facebook.

Pat says the introduction of a Small Business Day allows groups who have led small business support initiatives, as well as Kiwis everywhere, to put forward a collective voice, show love and track our collective impact with one big boost.

“Whether it’s $5 for a coffee at your local cafe or $80 for a flash haircut, every dollar really helps a small business.”

“Ideally Small Business Day will encourage Kiwi consumers to start new local buying habits. Buying from a small business means supporting local families and that creates ripples across the community.”

Businesses and shoppers can get involved here.

The prizes on Small Business Day include 5x S20 smartphones from 2degrees, a 12-month Xero premium subscription, $100,000 of instant prizes and five $10,000 small business shopping sprees for lucky shoppers.

To enter the draw, Kiwis are being asked to:

• Make at least one purchase with a small business on Friday April 9th
• Share a photo or screenshot of that purchase on social media 
• tag @smallbusinessdaynz and use the hashtag #choosesmallnz.

Small Business owners are being asked to pin their business on the map. Five small businesses that put their business on the map will win $10,000 cash.

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