The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the launch of “Shop Small, Win Big,” a community-driven program aimed at encouraging local shopping while rewarding both customers and small businesses. Sponsored by Bank of America, this initiative aims to support Downtown Asheville businesses during the winter season and coincides with the highly anticipated Winter Windows Display Contest. From November 25 to December 22, 2024, shoppers who make in-person purchases at participating downtown Asheville businesses can enter to win a weekly prize of $500 for themselves and $500 for the small business where they shopped. “This program is a great way to celebrate and support our local businesses during the holiday season,” said Hayden Plemmons, Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association. “Shop Small, Win Big puts money directly into the pockets of our community while encouraging residents and visitors to experience the unique charm of Downtown Asheville.” “Bank of America is pleased to do our part in supporting small businesses in Downtown Asheville and across Western North Carolina during the holiday season,” said David Dowd, President, Bank of America Asheville. “We recognize the importance of the ‘Shop Small, Win Big’ effort to assist in boosting our local economy and how increased activity will help create real impact in the lives of families and business owners throughout our community.” How It Works Shop in person at any participating business featuring the Winter Windows contest poster, spending $25 or more. Submit a clear photo or scan of your receipt via the program webpage or QR code provided on the poster. Weekly winners will be drawn every Monday and notified within 24 hours. Each week’s prize is $1,000—$500 for the shopper and $500 for the business. Receipts must reflect purchases made in person at participating businesses and must include the business name, date of purchase, and total amount spent. Shoppers can submit multiple entries, but each receipt may only be entered once. Encouraging Community Support The program is part of the Asheville Downtown Association’s larger Winter in Downtown initiative, which seeks to foster economic vitality in the Downtown core during the slower winter months. The Winter Windows Display Contest, also sponsored by Bank of America, adds a festive flair to the shopping experience, with businesses creating beautiful, themed window displays that invite exploration. Why Shop Local? Shopping locally benefits the entire community by supporting jobs, fostering relationships, and keeping money circulating in the local economy. “Shop Small, Win Big” rewards shoppers who contribute to Asheville’s unique identity by choosing local businesses. Join the Fun Participating businesses, contest rules, and details on how to enter can be found on the Asheville Downtown Association’s website at www.ashevilledowntown.org. Weekly prize announcements will be shared on the Association’s social media channels. View a List of Participating Locations Business Participation FAQ What is “Shop Small, Win Big”? “Shop Small, Win Big” is a program designed to encourage local shopping during the winter season while rewarding both shoppers and Downtown businesses. From November 25 to December 22, shoppers who make in-person purchases at participating businesses can enter a weekly drawing to win $500 for themselves and $500 for the business where they shopped. How can my business participate? To participate, your business must: Be located in Downtown Asheville. Register the Asheville Downtown Association to be included as a participating business: https://form.jotform.com/242615362842052 Display the Winter Windows contest poster and QR code at your business. What does my business need to do? Display Materials: Place the provided Winter Windows poster in a visible location, such as your storefront window or checkout area, to encourage customers to participate. Display the Shop Small, Win Big poster at your point of sale. Engage Shoppers: Let your customers know they can enter the program by uploading their receipt to win prizes. Shoppers can upload their receipts here: https://form.jotform.com/243233837817058  Provide Receipts: Ensure receipts include the business name, date of purchase, and total amount spent, as these details are required for entry. How does my business benefit? Weekly Prizes: If a shopper wins the weekly drawing with a receipt from your business, you will also receive $500. Increased Traffic: Participation in the program encourages more shoppers to visit downtown and your store during the holiday season. Promotion: Your business will be featured as a participating location in the program’s marketing materials, website, and social media campaigns. What are the program dates? The program runs from November 25 to December 22, 2024. Weekly drawings will occur each Monday during this period. What kind of purchases are eligible? Purchases must be made in person at your business during the program period. The minimum purchase amount to qualify for entry is $25. How will my business receive the $500 prize if selected? If a shopper wins the weekly drawing with a receipt from your business, the Asheville Downtown Association will contact you directly to coordinate prize distribution. How can I sign up? If you’ve already registered for the Winter Windows Contest, you do not need to register again. If you haven’t, sign up for the Winter Windows Display Contest and Shop Small, Win Big here:https://form.jotform.com/242615362842052 What if I have additional questions? For any questions or assistance, please reach out to the Asheville Downtown Association at: Email: [email protected] Website: www.ashevilledowntown.org Thank you for supporting Downtown Asheville! Together, we’re making this holiday season a win for our community.