News Flash

The Goochland County Economic Development Authority voted 4-0 to renew their funding of the Goochland County Open Rewards Shop Local Program at their October 9^th meeting. Launched in November 2023 as a partnership between Goochland County Economic Development, Goochland County Economic Development Authority, and technology company BluDot, this customer rewards program encourages customers to earn cash back rewards while spending at local businesses.

The goal of the program is to incentivize shopping local for Goochland residents and help stimulate the local economy. Small retail and restaurant businesses need the support of the local community, and this program aims to drive more customers to these businesses. With this renewed funding, the Open Rewards program will continue to be available. The Goochland County Economic Development Authority invested $5,000 to pilot Open Rewards in 2023 and invested an additional $5,000 to refund the program.

“We are thrilled that the Goochland Economic Development Authority renewed the Shop Local Open Rewards program.  Many of our small businesses rely on local visitation and this program encouraged spending locally to support our small business community in Goochland County. Using BluDot’s unique Open Rewards program will keep Goochland dollars in Goochland County and support our local businesses and economy” said Sara Worley, Economic Development Director for Goochland County, “and that is a win-win for both the consumer and the business.”

Since the launch of the program on November 1, 2023, Open Rewards has distributed $4,700 in rewards, for a total economic impact of over $110,000 spent at local businesses. There have been 400 users utilizing the app, with 68% of those users indicating that the Open Rewards app influenced them to shop and dine locally.

Goochland’s citizens and consumers can enroll in the program by downloading BluDot’s Open Rewards app to their smartphone. Consumers can earn rewards by linking their purchasing cards to their account or by uploading receipts from participating small businesses.

There are no costs for businesses or consumers to participate, and local businesses in the retail, restaurant, and personal service sectors are automatically enrolled. Consumers will earn 5% in rewards for each transaction at local businesses, which can then be redeemed on a purchase at another participating business.

BluDot is a technology company providing solutions for local economic development organizations. The Open Rewards program is in use in more than 100 communities across the nation.