The City of Novato and Shop Local Novato are proud to announce the launch of Novato Note$, a new local gift card exclusive for Novato-based merchants. Novato Note$ is a community-based digital gift card that makes it fun and easy to keep local spending local. Purchase Novato Note$ at shoplocalnovato.com and select "Buy Local Gift Card", or via this direct link, to use at any of the participating shops, restaurants, or services. 

With this card, you can write a personal message and send it to family, friends and colleagues via email, text, or physical copy. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of a growing number of participating Novato businesses — or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations. All-digital and always available on your phone, Novato Note$ is great for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, coach gifts, or just to show your appreciation to a friend. Now you can give back to the community while you celebrate Father’s Day and graduations in June.

Why supporting local businesses is so important

Participating in Novato Note$ means supporting the heart of what makes Novato unique. The purchase of Novato Note$ local gift card creates a pre-paid card that can be redeemed at any participating local Novato business. Studies have shown that local independent retailers recirculate 47% of their revenue back into the community, compared to only 14% of national chains’ revenue; local restaurants recirculate even higher proportions among the local community. 

By supporting local businesses, more money continues circulating through the local community—this is achieved through a combination of profits paid to local business owners, wages paid to local workers, goods and services procured locally for internal use or resale, and charitable giving within the community. If you’re looking for a way to do some good or want to know how you can help the community you love, send a Novato Note$ gift card today! 

For more information or to participate as a merchant in the program, please contact the City of Novato at econdev@novato.org.