A program approved by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors went into effect this month and is designed to support small businesses throughout the county.

At a meeting in late May, supervisors authorized fund transfers to support local businesses with a shop local initiative, “Shop San Joaquin.” Based on a recommendation from the Employment and Economic Development Department (EEDD), the board members reallocated nearly $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to fund the Shop San Joaquin program with BluDot Technologies. Up to $1 million in consumer rewards will be available to San Joaquin County shoppers using the Open Rewards platform. By shopping at eligible establishments in San Joaquin County, users can earn rewards that can be redeemed at eligible local businesses, or the same local business. The grant is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and must be used to respond to the negative impacts of the public health emergency (COVID-19) including aid to impacted industries.

Escalon interim City Manager Jaylen French said several Escalon businesses are participating in the program, providing added value for local shoppers.

“The Board of Supervisors knows that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” commented Board Chairman Miguel Villapudua. “With additional federal funding, we want to continue to support and promote those mom-and-pop vendors in our local area, who provide quality services and jobs to residents. This cooperative approach not only keeps the economic benefits local but also serves as a powerful incentive for consumers to shop locally and support eligible businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Eligible Escalon businesses so far, said French, include Hula’s, Mi Taco Union Taco Truck, Mar-Val, Pizza Plus, Happy Gardens, D’Boni’s, Mi Tierra Taqueria, Waffle Factory, Modern Cuts, EscalonFIT, Rice Bowl, Oasis Nails & Spa, Iaa Studio, Shorty’s Sports Pub, Cancun, Makara, Rosa’s Bakery, and Pencie & Ginger.

“More businesses can be added and we are currently coordinating with the county to have them include our entire list,” noted French.

“Shop San Joaquin: A Rewards Program for SJC Shoppers” will be powered by BluDot on its Open Rewards platform. The rewards program will start with a 100 percent reward rate and a maximum reward cap of $50 per transaction. Consumers can earn rewards up to $200 per calendar year, subject to the availability of program funds. Eligible businesses include those that have less than 500 employees, are not chain establishments, and were established as of Jan. 1, 2020.

“Small businesses depend on local shoppers,” added Timm Quinn, CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. “With this investment of federal dollars into our local economy, the Board is encouraging local shoppers to build habits that will benefit our community. Small businesses and the Chamber of Commerce appreciate the Board’s support of the local economy to benefit business owners and consumers.”

To learn more about the program, visit https://45522635.hs-sites.com/shop-san-joaquin-bludot-2024

Residents can download the app and start earning rewards at https://www.bludot.io/download-app