Use Go Local Austin to Save at Hundreds of Local Businesses

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re a hyperlocal blog that loves to share about the gems we find in Austin. When we originally found out about the Go Local Austin card from some friends, we looked into it.

Though the card is now available in 11 different cities, including Boston, Chicago, Houston and Albuquerque, the genesis of the company started right here in the city of Austin. Bob Tuschak founded Go Local on Earth Day 2008 and thousands of local businesses and consumers have been benefiting from his idea ever since then.

The concept behind Go Local Austin is simple and it has two parts:

Part 1: Give local Austinites the ability to save money and support local businesses at the same time.

Part 2: Give local businesses an incentive program for new customers who want to support Austin business.

How the Go Local Austin Card Works for Locals

$15 gets you a Go Local Card that is good for one year. Only local businesses may be involved in the program, so as a consumer you are guaranteed to be supporting local business. There is no limit to how often you can use your card at any participating establishment.

Go Local keeps our money in the local economy, spurs small business growth and encourages consumers to try places they may not have heard of before.

How the Go Local Austin Card Works for Businesses

In order for a business to be a part of the Go Local Austin program, it must be headquartered in Austin and at least 51% of ownership must be in Austin. The cost per business is $495 per year.

This membership fee gets the business listed on GoLocalAustin.com, a listing in the Go Local Austin Guide and a listing on the Go Local App (available for Apple and Android).

How the Go Local Austin Card Works for Fundraising

In addition to supporting local business, Go Local Austin has a fundraising program. Any group can purchase the cards for $8 each at wholesale, and sell them at the retail cost of $15 each. The fundraising group is then supporting local businesses and raising funds at the same time.

The Go Local card can also be custom-designed, featuring a company/organizational logo or another design on the card itself. A custom design costs a one-time set up fee of $100.

What Types of Austin Businesses Use Go Local?

There are over 600 local Austin businesses that are featured in the current Go Local Austin guide. The guide is broken down into 8 categories:

1. Arts & Entertainment
2. Food & Drink
3. Health & Fitness
4. Retail
5. Services
6. Weddings, Events & Lodging
7. Workshops & Classes
8. Austin Farmers Markets

Discounts vary from a certain percentage off, BOGO, or in some cases just plain free.

Go Local Businesses That We’ve Featured on The Austinot

The Austinot has featured a number of local businesses and organizations that accept the Go Local Austin card. Click on any of the links below to learn more about these special spots.

• The Blanton Museum of Art – $1 off admission
• Kong Screenprinting ~ 10% off retail and commercial orders over $100
• Texas Roller Girls – $3 off admission at the door
• Zhi Tea – 10% off
• Kerbey Lane Cafe – 10% off all food and non-alcoholic drinks, Monday through Friday
• EcoClean – $20 off first delivery or 15% off comforters
• Galaxy Cafe – Free drink with entree or free dessert with order of $25 or more
• Alamo Drafthouse – 10% food and beverage with purchase of $10 or more
• Blazer Tag – $2 off 2 games of laser tag per person, per day
• La Mexicana Bakery
• The Mighty Cone – 10% off
• Hope Market – offers vary by vendor

Final Thoughts About Go Local Austin

We like it.

You are going to shop anyway, right? Why not use the Go Local Austin card? If you’d like to buy a Go Local Austin Card, you can do so here.

To learn more about Go Local Austin, visit their official website.

@EricHighland asks:

What is YOUR favorite local Austin business? Whether or not they use Go Local, I’d like to know. Maybe do a story on them. So don’t be shy – let me know!