n Hayward, CA, a grant program has been helping local restaurants go viral. Known as Hashtag Hayward, the program combines placemaking with content creation by social media pros.
The program provided grants of up to $10,000 apiece to small businesses. The money was targeted primarily toward interior and exterior improvements that inspired customers to share their visits on social media.
After the improvements were made, the businesses selected an influencer from a vetted list and worked together to promote their restaurant.
Hashtag Hayward yielded impressive results. Participating businesses racked up 4 million views on Instagram and reported increases in sales ranging from 25 to 100 percent. One grant recipient, a small barbecue joint, added staff to accommodate new demand.
Details on Hashtag Hayward and other growth programs appear regularly in the pages of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.
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