The Challenge

With the onset of the global pandemic, King Township created online resources to support local businesses, including a shop local campaign.  The campaign took a two-prong approach: one to support local businesses with up-to-date information and resources, and the second to promote local businesses to the community.

The Scope

During the first year of the pandemic, the Township posted real time updates pertaining to restrictions and policies, such as the official list of essential services, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the BDC Business Credit Availability Program and the Farm Credit Canada Loan Program.  Concurrently, on social media, it pushed out information on local businesses, including those offering curbside pick-up or remote shopping options.

The Impact

No consumer facing businesses in King closed down due to the pandemic. The ShopKing consumer-facing campaign has continued post-pandemic, with 448 followers on Facebook.  The ShopKing campaign was also picked up by the King Chamber of Commerce, which produced ten shop local videos.