A new digital gift card program, Shop Harney, is available for shopping at more than 40 Harney County businesses.

Every business in Harney County is essential. That’s the reality of our small frontier community and home. Unlike urban areas with multiple competing businesses, Harney County relies on every individual small business that serves our community.

In an effort to support the small frontier businesses of Harney County, a new program has emerged — Shop Harney. Shop Harney is a grassroots digital gift card program developed by partners working together in the BizHarney Opportunity Collaborative. BizHarney is a collaborative of the High Desert Partnership that exists to help Harney County businesses start, grow, and succeed while also helping to build a thriving business environment. This diverse group of partners includes business owners, government, and nonprofit entities along with Tribal economic development.

The BizHarney partners saw an opportunity with Shop Harney, and the participation of the business community has made it possible. So far, at least 40 local businesses have registered as merchants with Shop Harney, including restaurants, retail shops, cafés, healthcare providers, and many more.

Jan Oswald, who owns and operates Gourmet and Gadgets on main street in Burns, is one of the merchants accepting Shop Harney.

She said, “We’re participating in Shop Harney because it’s an opportunity for all small businesses owners to work together, support each other, and encourage Harney County to shop local. It’s a positive act for our community.”

How Shop Harney works

• Visit shopharney.com or the Harney County Chamber of Commerce and purchase a digital Shop Harney gift card that is instantly available and accessible from your smartphone. The card can also be printed. You can purchase a card for yourself or as a gift.

• Browse the list of at least 40 local businesses at shopharney.com that are participating and easily make purchases in-person or online.

Partners of BizHarney — like Foundry Collective, Small Business Development Center of TVCC, Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Harney County Economic Development, and Sage Designworks — realize the need for local support for our businesses during these always-changing times.

“The Shop Harney program is an opportunity to help stimulate spending in Harney County. It matters where we spend our money, and shopping with our local businesses is a great way to show support to our community,” Andrea Letham of the Small Business Development Center said.

Thanks to sponsors city of Hines, city of Burns, Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Harney County Senior and Community Services Center, and BizHarney, the administrative costs of implementing this program are offset, and special promotions can be offered.

Current promotions include a buy one, get one free special and holiday drawings. On Nov. 11, the first 20 people who purchase a $50 Shop Harney card will receive a $20 Shop Harney card for FREE. Also, bi-weekly drawings will be held from Nov. 11 – Dec. 23. Buy a Shop Harney gift card for any amount during these dates and be entered to win a prize.

To learn more about Shop Harney and purchase cards online, visit shopharney.com. You can also go to the Harney County Chamber of Commerce to purchase a Shop Harney card and/or print a card. Contact Andrea Letham at 541-417-0808,  Lola Johnson at 541-573-2636, or email shopharney@gmail.com with any questions.