Oakland County Launches Sweepstakes Offering Cash Prizes for Small Business Selfies

Shoppers in Oakland County can win up to $1,000 by snapping selfies at small retail businesses during November. The Local Gems Sweepstakes began Saturday, Nov. 1. It wraps up Nov. 30.

The rules? Visit one or more of the county's 6,000-plus small retail businesses, snap a selfie at the store, and submit your entry. Winners get picked through a random drawing of selfies submitted online, in person, or by mail. Three prizes are up for grabs: $1,000, $500, and $250.

Every entry must show the person inside or outside a small business. Each selfie taken at a different shop counts as a separate entry, which means more chances to win.

This year's contest kicked off in downtown Pontiac at Designed Mindfully, an interior-design company. The shop was among the 2024 top vote getters, with HobbyTown and AM2PM Barbershop in Southfield, It's the Little Things in Ortonville, and Vibrant Vizionz in Oak Park.

Designed Mindfully owner Deya Marchand said her shop is more than a store.

"We are a space where community, creativity, and intentional living come together," Marchand said, according to The Oakland Press. She added that the sweepstakes aligns with her store's mission "to live and shop with purpose, supporting other small businesses and local artists."

The number of small businesses joining the effort grows each year. In 2024, the contest featured nearly 500 unique businesses spread among 47 of the county's 62 communities. That's a lot of places to visit.

Dave Coulter, the county executive, said small businesses are the backbone of the county's economy. He called the sweepstakes "a fun way to highlight and support them, especially as we head into the holiday shopping season," as per Oakland Press.

Genisys Credit Union is providing the prize money. Jackie Buchanan, the credit union's president and CEO, said shopping locally is "an investment that strengthens our small businesses and builds a unified community," according to Oakland Press.

Buchanan compared the contest to hunting for hidden gems as a way to enjoy the holiday season. You might stumble upon a new favorite spot.

Dom Holmes, the county's economic development director, said the sweepstakes is a good way for residents to discover new favorites among long-time neighborhood staples. Some shops have been around for decades.

Camille Walker-Banks, the Thrive CEO, said contests like this remind residents that "every purchase made locally strengthens our communities and creates lasting impact," as shared with Oakland Press.

The sweepstakes is a joint effort by Advantage Oakland, the county's economic development agency, with partners including Genisys, Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive. The small business assistance agency helps coordinate these types of programs.

Small business owners can join the effort by displaying sweepstakes posters, available through Advantage Oakland while supplies last.

Complete sweepstakes details and rules are online at www.OakGov.com/ShopSmall. Participants are encouraged to highlight the campaign on social media using @AdvantageOak, #OaklandCounty, and #LocalGemOC.

The entry form is online at https://forms.oakgov.com/215.