The Core Area Construction Dollars program has returned for its second year to support downtown and Old East Village businesses during another busy construction season.
Over the course of the year, Londoners can receive Construction Dollars from the Downtown London and Old East Village BIAs, as well as their businesses through giveaways, contests, and promotions. Construction Dollars are coupons in $5-, $10- and $20-dollar amounts and can be spent at participating businesses.
“This program is designed to thank customers for supporting businesses in the downtown and Old East Village, and help mitigate some of the impacts of construction,” says Jeff Shaughnessy, Manager of Downtown Projects and Business Relations at the City of London. “This year’s Construction Dollars began to be distributed by the core area BIAs earlier this spring as construction projects started, and customers now have new opportunities to win and spend them as more businesses are beginning to reopen.”
Construction Dollars for this year’s program are marked with the year “2021” and can be spent any month this year. The program first launched in 2020 and is one of the City’s ongoing supports for local businesses.
“Every Construction Dollar spent goes directly towards supporting an entrepreneur, their staff, and their families,” says Jen Pastorius, Manager at the Old East Village BIA. “Old East Village businesses are planning promotions and contests using Construction Dollars in the coming months, so follow #DIGOEV on social media to stay up to date.”
“Construction Dollars help connect shoppers with the unique businesses that make our core special,” says Barbara Maly, Executive Director at the Downtown London BIA. “We encourage all Londoners to keep London local, and to safely support downtown businesses any way they can this year.”
The four-year pilot program is being funded through the City’s Core Area Action Plan, which was developed with local stakeholders to support the core and generate new growth and investment. Through the BIAs, this program will contribute close to $100,000 into the local economy each year, incentivizing customers to shop, dine and experience the core.
Orange signs in businesses’ windows indicate where customers can spend their Construction Dollars. The Old East Village and Downtown London websites also show a full list of participating businesses.
