Upward Niagara Chamber launches 'Shop Small Challenge' for Small Business Week 2026

Submitted by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate and support local businesses during Small Business Week with a fun and rewarding initiative: The “Shop Small Challenge.”

Taking place from May 3-9, the challenge encourages residents to explore and shop at local Chamber member businesses throughout the week. Participants who visit and make purchases at seven different member businesses will be eligible to enter a drawing for a $250 River Region gift card. All member businesses are listed on our website, www.upwardniagara.com.

To participate, shoppers simply collect receipts from their purchases at participating businesses during the promotion period. Those who gather seven qualifying receipts can submit them to the Chamber office for one official entry into the prize drawing. All receipts must be turned in by Tuesday, May 12.

In addition to the main entry, participants can earn bonus entries by sharing their shopping experience on social media. Shoppers are encouraged to post photos, tag both the businesses they visit and the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and use the official campaign hashtag: #NiagaraShopsLocalWins.

The winner of the “Shop Small Challenge” will be drawn and announced Wednesday, May 13.

The initiative is designed to highlight the importance of shopping locally while introducing residents to the wide variety of small businesses that make up the Upward Niagara community.

"By participating, shoppers not only have the chance to win a prize but also play a direct role in supporting the local economy," Chamber President Amanda Haseley said.

For more information, community members are encouraged to contact the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce at 716-754-9500.

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'Give Mom Lewiston'

Submitted

Meanwhile, the Lewiston Business Group welcomes shoppers to get an early start on Mother's Day with a special promotion running May 2-3.