Houston, the time has come to embark upon a journey of community support, economic vitality, and local appreciation! The City of Houston, through its Office of Business Opportunity, is set to unveil a game-changing initiative that will invigorate local commerce and uplift underserved neighborhoods. The H-Town Rewards Program, a six-month “Shop Local” initiative, is poised to transform the way Houstonians engage with their city and, in doing so, create thriving communities starting on Nov. 15.
This innovative program harnesses the power of a mobile app, offering Houston-area residents a unique opportunity to earn valuable rewards while patronizing local businesses citywide. It’s a win-win approach that fosters community cohesion and revitalizes economic growth, making the H-Town Rewards Program a beacon of hope for local commerce.
The program differentiates businesses into two categories: Participating and Redeeming. Participating businesses are located throughout Houston, providing users the platform to earn H-Town Rewards, referred to as H-Points. The beauty of this initiative lies in the symbiotic relationship it nurtures. Redeeming businesses accept H-Points from their customers, creating an incentive for patrons to shop locally, all while receiving reimbursements from the City of Houston, matching the value of these redemptions.
But there’s a twist that adds even more significance to this endeavor. The City of Houston has earmarked six targeted communities for the pilot phase of the H-Town Rewards Program, each chosen for its inclusion in Mayor Sylvester Turner’s transformative Complete Communities Initiative. These selected neighborhoods, which include Acres Homes, Alief-Westwood, Fort Bend-Houston, Gulfton, Second Ward, and Kashmere Gardens, represent historically underserved areas within Houston. They offer a rich tapestry of local businesses, aligning seamlessly with the program’s core objectives.
For businesses participating in the H-Town Rewards Program, benefits await:
- An Engaging Marketing Tool: With the mobile app at their fingertips, businesses can reach a broader audience, increasing their visibility and brand recognition.
- Attract More Customers: By showcasing their products or services through the app, businesses can attract new customers while also retaining the loyalty of their existing client base.
- Exclusive Deals and Promotions: Businesses can offer exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions directly via the app, thereby enhancing their appeal to customers.
- Engagement and Information: Keep customers engaged and informed by sharing updates, new offerings, and upcoming events, all facilitated by the mobile app.
- Community Contribution: By participating in the program, businesses become integral components of a thriving local network, contributing to the city’s overall growth while generating awareness about Houston’s culturally diverse neighborhoods.
Okay, Here’s Why Your Business Is Welcomed and Valued for the Program
- App users can earn H-Points from every purchase they make at your business.
- The app is completely FREE as the City of Houston is funding H-Points.
- App users can join reward offers, funded by the city, and earn H-Points for qualifying purchases at local participating businesses.
- App users can redeem their H-Points at select local businesses, which are marked in the app with the letter “R.”
- The redemption value of each H-Point is $1 dollar, and all H-Points are funded by the city
- H-Points appear in the user’s balance in the app after their payment at a business is confirmed
To become part of this remarkable journey, businesses can apply as Participating or Redeeming enterprises. For more information or to initiate the application process, please contact H-TownRewards@colu.com.
The H-Town Rewards Program is not merely an economic stimulus; it’s a catalyst for community-driven prosperity. The path to building complete, vibrant communities begins with you. Join us on this transformative journey and help make Houston’s neighborhoods even more exceptional.
