The city of Winkler is teaming up with local industry and the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce to inject some much-needed cash into the community's small business sector.

All three entities have agreed to put money into a fund and use that cash to purchase gift certificates from businesses that are hurting under the weight of the province's COVID-19 health restrictions.

Martin HarderMayor Martin Harder says local industries believe they can raise about $100,000 for the fund, city council has approved a matching donation of up to $50,000 and the chamber is expected to announce its contribution this week.

"The chamber is going to be registering the businesses that are applying for this program," said Harder. "The gift certificates would be purchased from those businesses and then handed out to maybe some charitable organizations or wherever people have a need out there. So, this program is really meeting a lot of different needs and over a long period of time."

Harder adds the city will also issue charitable receipts to businesses donating to the fund.

"We recognize the value that small business has in our region and these businesses are not looking for a handout. So, what we're trying to do is create something that is actually going to generate retail activity. We think it's a win-win for everyone because now you have the traffic coming to your store, people redeeming the gift certificates at a time when it's OK to do so or they can buy it (locally) online, but at least it's supporting the local merchants."

Harder calls it a 'Made in Winkler' solution and a solid way to provide the city's small businesses with a hand-up instead of a hand-out.