A local group has launched a new digital platform aimed at making it easier for residents to shop local and see what events are happening in the community by visiting one website.
Hashtag Local, a for-profit stream of the Hashtag Charitable Foundation, has officially launched the Community Hub.
Vice President of Partnerships and Growth Derek Dochstader said the team and resources started coming together in the fall of 2024 to launch the hub.
While the website's launch comes at a time of economic uncertainty and a push to buy Canadian and support local, Dochstader said the timing was "just one of those happy accidents."
"The mindset that we've had about supporting local has always been the backbone of what we do and all of the projects that we've done over the years," he said. "As the citizens sort of shift their behavior to wanting to support local because of what's going on in the economic climate, it's just properly aligning with the work that we've always done. So we think Hashtag Local as a community hub for businesses and charities that are connected to it is going to be really positively received by folks who are making that change and trying to be proactive with how they can support locally."
Dochstader said residents can set up an account at hashtaglocal.com.
"That will also allow them to transact in the hub, do things like buy gift cards from local businesses at 20 per cent off," he said.
Dochstader highlighted one of the website's features, an artificial intelligence chat-based resource.
"It kind of works like a local concierge for them, and not only answering their questions but kind of guiding them along and pushing them towards what they're looking for in the community," he said.
Dochstader said so far over 50 local charities and businesses have connected with the Community Hub, including Manley’s Basics, Hucker Floor Coverings, and The Woods Hair Salon.
He said it's free to become involved in the Community Hub but there are options for enhanced features to be unlocked.