$1 million in support from the provincial government will be going towards a marketing campaign to encourage Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses and their employees.

The funding will go to the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce to work in partnership with other regional chambers to expand the “Together We Stand” campaign across the province.

“We recognize the significant role of local businesses to our communities and our economy, as well as the challenges they are currently facing. That is why we are providing $1 million to the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce to expand the campaign,” shared Trade and Export Minister Jeremy Harrison in a statement.

“With the challenges facing local businesses, we are encouraging Saskatchewan residents to support these businesses and the campaign is good way to get that message across.”

“Together We Stand” helps bridge the gap between consumers and businesses in the province and ensures the Saskatchewan business community is ready to move forward with recovery efforts in the critical weeks ahead.

“There are a number of ways residents can support local businesses here, and that’s true for people supporting their local businesses right across Saskatchewan,” noted Regina and District Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins.

“We thank the government for their strong support and continuing partnership with our business community on this campaign and other key projects to keep Saskatchewan working.”

While they may be closed to the public, many businesses remain open through other options such as delivery, pickup, online e-commerce services or other methods. The campaign will help increase awareness of these alternative options to safely buy local during the global COVID-19 crisis.

The campaign will also encourage consumers to support local businesses, including through online and phone sales, and curbside pickup and delivery options.