West Coast Rewards

West Coast Rewards

Promoting and supporting local businesses

Up and down the West Coast, in offices and warehouses, home offices and kitchen tables, small businesses are flourishing. Development West Coast runs a nine-week programme called CO.STARTERS to equip aspiring entrepreneurs so they can turn ideas into action. Many of the businesses do not have a traditional store front, so in this series of Open for Business, the Greymouth Star and Development West Coast sample some of the emerging small enterprises that are helping shape the future.

One of the many innovative entrepreneurs to come through the Co.Starters programme is Rachelle Henham the founder of West Coast Rewards, a unique marketing service that uses the collective appeal of local businesses.

Rachelle grew up in Karamea and Westport. When she was 13 she got one of her first jobs at a local gift shop. “This is where my passion for retail and small businesses began,” she says.

After more than a decade away from the Coast, working in childcare, hospitality and retail, Rachelle moved back to Westport to be closer to her parents.

“It’s really just the perfect lifestyle living here. People think it always rains, but we know better. We spend lots of time outdoors, my kids have more freedom, and they get to see their grandparents.”

Once back, Rachelle started working at her family’s jewellery store. She began to run the shop’s social media page and wondered how many other businesses were trying to get their message across.

“I saw potential to make a difference by bringing local businesses together with branding in an on-line directory, making them easy to find. Basically, I love our unique, independent businesses and I want to tell everyone about them!"

Rachelle established West Coast Rewards to spread awareness about the importance of buying local and promoting and supporting West Coast businesses, as well as providing

adaptable marketing options.

Business members get a website listing, visual merchandise, exclusive access to a variety of advertising deals from other leading marketing providers and the ability to use the West Coast Rewards loyalty card.

“People can purchase a card for $10 at any participating business, then by showing it they qualify for instant rewards with certain purchases,” Rachelle explains. “Each business has their own deals, saving cardholders money or giving them added value.

“This unique marketing platform has proven to be an effective option for West Coast businesses and is growing at a steady pace.”

Rachelle participated in the very first Co.Starters programme on the West Coast run by Buller REAP and EPIC Westport

“It came at a time where I was re-branding, so going through the lean canvas was perfect timing and extremely valuable. It laid out everything that was going on, so I could begin to work my way through with much more clarity,” she says.

“I feel very privileged to be part of the Co.Starters movement and I have recommended the course to people in all stages of business. One of the most special things about Co.Starters is the connections that are made in those nine weeks, while watching businesses adapt and change, also seeing things progress for people at such a rapid pace.”

Rachelle is feeling very positive about the coming year.

“2018 is all about growth, I will be travelling around the Coast with the aim to get more businesses on board so people can

get more rewards. I am also looking into having an app set up, so people can find all these great local businesses and deals at the touch of a button. This will make a huge difference to the usability of West Coast Rewards, and I can’t wait to see things unfold over the coming months.”

If you would like to see what businesses are on board with West Coast Rewards go to www.westcoastrewards.co.nz