A spending incentive program aimed to bolster small businesses in the Pella area has been well utilized by residents. According to the Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance, more than $82,000 in receipts have been submitted through the Pay it Forward Pella program, which gives shoppers 10% back of Pella Bucks for their total purchases made at local businesses, with some limitations, including:

-Maximum of $1,000 in receipts from any one business at a time
-Limit of $500 in earned Pella Bucks per person
-Receipts must be dated after the program starting date (March 20, 2020)
-Excludes receipts from: Walmart (effective 4/8/2020), grocery stores, gas/fuel, utility payments, payment on existing accounts

Here are some purchases that will help:

-Gift Certificates or Gift Cards
-Order carry out or delivery meals
-Shop small retailer’s online stores
-Buy someone in need a meal
-Prepay a membership to support a local gym or non-profit
-Buy movie passes to watch all the new releases that will come out when all this is over
-Send flowers to brighten someone’s day

Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance Executive Director Karen Eischen says the program will continue to help support local businesses at a time when many are hurting for revenue, especially with the cancellation of Tulip Time and other spring activities in the community.

For program details, visit https://pella.org/pay-it-forward-pella/