As a Quebec company, Outgo's fundamental value is to encourage local purchasing . Bringing together exclusively local merchants on our transactional site, we are one of the rare companies to display 100% Quebec products in the recreational tourism sector. So, with the pandemic and the crisis facing our local merchants , we are constantly looking for new ways to help businesses . Here are some initiatives of which we are proud. These successes push our team to implement more local initiatives in order to go further in this direction!
A transactional site for local businesses
With the forced closure of local businesses caused by the pandemic, we decided to act to support Quebec businesses and our partners . In particular, businesses in the entertainment and catering sectors have been hit hardest by the crisis.
So we launched the Support our local merchants campaign. This campaign was aimed at all Quebec companies that do not have a transactional site. We helped more than 211 businesses during this campaign. With a reorganization within our company, we were able to increase the purchase of gift cards online by our customers by 25% . An amount of $35,000 was given directly to local merchants .
The Solidarity Village gift card
We also collaborated with Village Montréal, a globally recognized 2SLGBTQ+ destination , with the aim of encouraging local purchasing. We were able to offer a $20online gift card on our site, enhanced by the Village for a total amount of $30, to be spent at Village businesses. This project raised funds to help Village merchants hit hard by the pandemic.
A corporate service to encourage local purchasing
During the pandemic, Outgo set up a new corporate service to encourage buying local . Companies have contacted us with the aim of rewarding the work and involvement of their employees since the arrival of COVID-19. It was only natural for Outgo to support their initiative .
The corporate gifts service allows companies to offer online gift cards automatically to all their employees. These personalized gift cards feature the company logo and a message addressed to the employee. This possibility also makes it possible to offer new customers to local businesses . This is a sure way to encourage local purchasing through your corporate gifts .
Collaborations with Quebec associations and businesses
When it comes to collaborations or partnerships, Outgo favors Quebec establishments . We choose collaborations which, on the one hand, will have positive impacts on local businesses and, on the other hand, which will encourage local purchasing. Recently, we entered into partnerships with Quebec associations . These new collaborations have allowed us to encourage the Quebec economy in different ways.
Association of Administrative Support Personnel of Quebec (APSAQ)
We recently collaborated with the APSAQ as part of their 21st edition of the Administrative Support Staff Week Competition which took place on April 18. Outgo gift cards were among the prizes awarded to their members and non-members. These awards aimed to highlight the important role of administrative support and to recognize the excellence of their contribution. With such a collaboration, we offer unique experiences to winners who will be able to encourage a local business of their choice.
YEP – Entrepreneurs Club (HEC Montreal)
Another way to encourage local businesses is to help them get started. This is what our recent partnership with the YEP – Entrepreneur Club , a student association affiliated with HEC Montréal, has enabled. The YEP's mission is to help student entrepreneurs launch a business . As a student entrepreneurial association, the YEP organizes events aimed at providing information on the entrepreneurial ecosystem or contributing to the development of entrepreneurial projects . As sponsor of the event, Outgo awarded a total amount of $800 in prizes to 6 startups competing in a pitch competition in front of a renowned jury.
As an emerging company , Outgo is proud to have been able to be associated with an event stimulating Quebec entrepreneurship. We have contributed to the growth of new local businesses .
A daily team effort for local businesses
There are several ways to encourage buying local , whether as an individual buying from local merchants or a company offering corporate gifts to its employees . Outgo contributes in its own way by creating profitable partnerships for Quebec merchants.
One thing is certain, the Outgo team works hard to offer the best online services . We offer our partners visibility and service worthy of Quebec merchants. Outgo is also a company in constant evolution whose mission is the growth of Quebec businesses .
Encourage local purchasing with us
How do you encourage local purchasing with your business ? What actions have you taken so far to encourage the Quebec economy during the pandemic?
Share your actions with us in the comments!
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Outgo says, “Thank you!” »
Buying local, a safe bet!
