Gloucester Business Chamber vice president and business owner, Melissa Leitch believes the cards can bring revenue to multiple shops and more unity across the businesses.

"Traditionally a gift card is for just one shop and not all businesses have gift card facilities," Melissa said.

The #shopmidcoast gift card allows for consumers to use the funds in any store in the MidCoast Council region registered with the program. Someone in Tuncurry could load up a card and it can be used in businesses anywhere in the region.

"I think it's an opportunity to bring revenue to more than one shop," Melissa said.

"For businesses in town, it's worth getting on board as it doesn't cost anything to be a redeeming shop."

For Melissa, it was an easy decision to not only sign up as a redeeming shop but also to put her hand up to be an outlet for purchasing the cards.

"It helps bring foot traffic through the door and the chance that they might look around," she said.

"The biggest challenge I've had since taking over the shop is letting people know that it's not the same as it was before."

Council's economic development coordinator, Robyn Brennan said the card can be purchased as a gift that has many possibilities.

"I can buy it for my family and friends and they can take it to buy clothing one day, homewares the next and go out to a restaurant when they like," Robyn said.

As an added bonus, during the month of September every card purchased earns entry into the draw to win one of 10 #shopmidcoast gift cards worth $100 each, plus entry into the major draw for a $1000 card.

The gift cards are part of the Why Leave Town initiative started in Narrabri, NSW in 2010 as a way of helping communities and their business chambers keep money local. The promotion has since been picked up by around 45 regions across Australia.

The Mid Coast cards can be purchased at 20 locations around the region, including three businesses in Gloucester, or online.

For a list of businesses where you can buy or use the cards or to purchase online, visit www.whyleavetown.com/midcoast.

For small businesses looking to register to be a redeeming location, visit www.whyleavetown.com/register or contact council's Economic Development team.

This initiative is funded by the NSW Government in association with MidCoast Council, and encourages locals to shop locally, boosting local businesses and keeping jobs here on the Mid Coast.