Framingham Offering Gift Card Match To Local Businesses

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Most businesses in Framingham will be eligible to participate in a gift card match program being offered this spring by the city's economic development department.

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) has set aside $10,000 for the program. Businesses that sign on to the program will receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $250 on gift cards purchased between May 1 and May 16. So if someone buys a $25 gift card, the EDIC program would multiply the value to $50.

The EDIC set up the program to help boost businesses still struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Retail businesses in Framingham continue to struggle, although we are hopeful that
with more vaccinations and more assistance coming, economic recovery is on the
horizon,” EDIC Chair Doug Lawrence said in a news release.

To be included in the program, business owners must apply on the Choose Framingham website. The program is open to almost any type of local business from clothing stores to restaurants, although some restrictions apply. The business application deadline is April 9.

Framingham recently received word that it would get about $28 million over two years from the latest federal stimulus bill. That money can be used for a variety of pandemic-related initiatives, including supporting businesses.