Chamber looking for businesses to join online platform

It won't be long now until a new online portal for local businesses will be up and running.

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce said it is getting ready for the fall launch of ChamberMarket.ca, an online shopping platform highlighting local businesses.

"This platform is available for all businesses, members and non-members, with or without existing e-commerce capability," said Executive Director of the Chamber Marilyne Aalhus. "Think of it like the mall of Airdrie, online!"

The website is designed to showcase local shops and their products and encourages people to support the local business community instead of instantly turning to mega-corporate sites like Amazon.

The new website was made possible thanks to the federal shop local funds which were provided through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce earlier this summer.

Nearly $85,000 has been given to help local businesses still struggling from the effects of the pandemic.

The Chamber is giving a chance to win one of five - $1,000 cash prizes while the first 250 businesses will receive a free merchant account and a $25 credit to their company on the platform. About 40 other businesses, on a first come first serve basis, will receive access to a photographer to take professional photos of their products and services to promote on the site.

The Airdrie Chamber is hopeful the online marketplace will be ready to go by early October.