East Windsor launches program to support small businesses

Collin Atwood, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·1 min read

Aug. 18—EAST WINDSOR — The town is showing that it cares for small businesses in the community through its new East Windsor Small Business Passport Program.

Any purchase made at a local business participating in the program will earn the customer a passport sticker. One visit with a purchase equals one sticker.

Passports with at least 33 purchases by Nov. 26 will be eligible to win cash prizes. Earning 33 stickers qualifies customers for the $500 prize, 39 qualifies them for the $1,000 prize, and 45 stickers gives them a chance at the grand prize of $1,500.

"Programs like the town's passport initiative will help businesses like ours, and it's a great way to get to know small business owners in the community," said Susan Chadbourne. owner of At the Dam restaurant.

The passport program kicks off today during the Parks and Recreation Department's Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. at East Windsor Park. Representatives from 20 different businesses will be at the concert to distribute passports and promotional material.

Passports will also be available at any of the participating businesses.

Completed passports must be returned to the first selectman's office in Town Hall by the end of the business day on Dec. 5. Drawings for the cash prize will be held at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Dec. 13.

"Small businesses are the backbone of any local economy, including ours," First Selectman Jason Bowsza said. "This passport program is our latest attempt to encourage East Windsor's consumer dollars to be spent supporting local businesses here, and we're proud to do it."

Collin covers East Windsor and Windsor Locks for the Journal Inquirer.