Bonds aimed to help local restaurants survive COVID-19 crisis

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Staff reports

In response to the significant economic impacts from COVID-19 in Florida, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and DigiPro Media have partnered together to announce the Save Florida Business Initiative to support Florida businesses during this unprecedented time for our industry.

The Save Florida Jobs Initiative will help Northwest Florida businesses create immediate cash flow using technology and networking solutions that will provide much-needed revenue to survive this economic emergency. The initiative connects local consumers with area businesses through the Save Florida Business website. Local businesses can register to participate, and consumers can search and connect with registered businesses, on the site. 

How it works: To participate, any Escambia or Santa Rosa County business must offer a $75 Gift Card Bond that has a retail value of $100. The purchase of the Gift Card Bond incentivizes consumers as they will earn $25 for every $75 Gift Card Bond purchased. There is no limit to the number of gift card bonds an individual can purchase. We are also leaving it to the participating business to decide when the bonds can be redeemed.

“The Save Florida Business Initiative will get money immediately to businesses as they are faced with  the economic impact of COVID-19 in our region,” stated Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Regional Director Corey Mobley.  “This program will also incentivize consumers to return to our local businesses once this has passed and will help us rebuild our retail community.”

“Many in our community have asked how they can help businesses during this trying time, “stated Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce President Todd Thomson. “The Save Florida Business Initiative is a way to provide immediate help for our friends and neighbors. I encourage all who can to participate in this program.”

The SaveFloridaBusiness.com website was built by DigiPro Media, in partnership with FRLA and the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. The website contains information on the program, a place for businesses to register, and a directory of businesses offering Gift Card Bonds.

“Our #1 priority, as DigiPro Media, in partnership with FRLA and the Chamber, is to arm and equip businesses to fight back using technology and our extensive networks to make it easier for customers to engage and pre-buy products and services so we can all make it through this together,” said Steve Barshov, CEO of DigiPro Media. “We’re living in unprecedented times and we need to think differently. The most important thing is that businesses and the community work together to support each other and act now before it is too late.” 

For more information about the Save Florida Business Initiative contact the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association at cmobley@frla.org.