The City of Soldotna authorized an additional $100,000 for their “Holding Our Own” shop local program, which is being offered in partnership with the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.

The program, which launched on Nov. 16, is being funded using CARES Act dollars and is intended to encourage shopping at Soldotna businesses, 53 of which have already signed up to participate. People who spend $200 on discretionary purchases at participating Soldotna businesses will receive two $50 vouchers to also be spent at participating businesses.

Discretionary purchases include money spent on things such as meals at Soldotna restaurants, clothing, flowers and jewelry, among others. Non-discretionary purchases include things like rent payments, gas and groceries, among others.

The initial end date for the program was Dec. 16, however the Soldotna Chamber announced on Dec. 3 that all $100,000 in vouchers had been spent. The additional money authorized by the City of Soldotna will allow the program to continue to run until Dec. 16.

Because the program is funded with CARES Act money, all vouchers must be spent by the end of this year. Patrons can submit up to 10 receipts totalling $200 in discretionary purchases online or to the dropbox outside of the Soldotna Chamber.

People interested in learning more about the program can visit visitsoldotna.com/shoplocal/ or call the chamber.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.