Buy Local
Buy Local, made measurable.
BuyLocal.Direct is a behind-the-scenes software platform designed to connect local businesses, approved community causes, and residents through Buy Local gift cards and vouchers — with clear tracking, direct settlement, and transparent outcomes.
No donations. No cash handling. No pooled funds.
Just a practical way to support local businesses and local causes at the same time.
Pilot framework — Gladstone, Central Queensland
What Is Buy Local Direct
What BuyLocal.Direct does
It is the infrastructure that supports Buy Local activity by providing:
Dashboards for local businesses to track gift card and voucher sales and redemptions
Dashboards for schools and community groups to track funds raised
A digital wallet view for residents to store and redeem local gift cards
All transactions are full-value commercial purchases, with funds distributed directly at the time of sale.
1. Local businesses participate
Businesses create full-value digital Gift Cards & Vouchers that remain available year-round.
2. Community groups promote
Schools and community groups feature selected businesses in fundraising campaigns shared with parents, members, and supporters.
3. Residents buy local
The community buys gift cards for themselves or as gifts, supporting local businesses and local causes at the same time.
How Does It Work
How Buy Local gift cards flow through the system
1: A local business creates Buy Local gift cards or vouchers
2: An approved school or community group chooses to promote those gift cards
3: A resident purchases a local gift card Funds are distributed immediately: The business is paid directly The nominated cause receives its allocation All parties can view outcomes through their own dashboard
BuyLocal.Direct does not hold, pool, or delay funds.
For residents
Residents can:
1: Buy local gift cards and vouchers they can genuinely use or give as gifts
2: View and redeem gift cards through their digital wallet
3: Know their spending supports both local businesses and local causes
For local businesses
BuyLocal.Direct enables businesses to:
Sell full-value gift cards and vouchers
Receive payment upfront Introduce new customers through trusted local networks
Track sales and redemptions through a dedicated dashboard
Buy Local activity is structured as customer acquisition and community promotion — not discounting.
Built for trust and clarity
BuyLocal.Direct is designed with governance in mind:
Funds are distributed directly and instantly No funds are held by BuyLocal.Direct
Dashboards provide clear visibility for all parties Reporting supports accountability and review
This structure makes BuyLocal.Direct suitable for use alongside Chambers of Commerce, schools, and community organisations.
For schools and community groups
BuyLocal.Direct provides a simple, low-admin fundraising mechanism.
Approved groups can:
1:Promote participating local businesses
2:Receive a defined portion of each gift card purchase
3: View funds raised in real time through a dashboard
4: Avoid cash handling, stock, or manual reconciliation
Fundraising outcomes are transparent and auditable.
How this fits with the community
Community engagement happens elsewhere
Community conversation, discovery, and storytelling take place through local community platforms such as Gladstone.Direct and campaign brands like Kool Wins.
BuyLocal.Direct’s role is to quietly support those activities by providing the underlying system that makes Buy Local participation transparent and measurable.
Shop Direct, Support Local
How Buy Local Direct Platform Works
The Funds
Instant settlement Funds are split and paid instantly at the time of purchase. No funds are held or pooled.
Transparency
Transparent dashboards Businesses and fundraising groups track sales and redemptions independently.
Residents
Dashboard wallet for residents Gift Cards & Vouchers are stored and redeemed digitally.
Buy Local Direct
So Who It’s For?
Start Supporting Your Local Community Today
Local Business
Businesses Reach new local customers, get paid upfront, and support your community — without discounting.
Community Groups
Schools & Community Groups Raise funds by promoting local businesses, with up to 20% returned to your cause, instantly and transparently
 Congrats, your startup is getting a new investor@1x.png)
Local Commerce
Local Chambers A structured, measurable Buy Local mechanism aligned with community outcomes and member value.
Why It’s Different - Empowering Local Communities
Buy
When you buy directly from local sources, a significantly higher percentage of your money stays within your community. This supports local jobs, funds public services, and helps small businesses thrive against corporate giants. It creates a circular economy where wealth is reinvested locally, leading to more vibrant and prosperous neighborhoods for everyone involved.
Local
Direct sourcing drastically cuts down on transportation distances, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and packaging waste. By choosing products made or grown nearby, you contribute to a more sustainable planet. This eco-friendly approach minimizes the environmental impact of global logistics and encourages seasonal consumption that aligns with nature's cycles.
Direct
Buying local isn't just a transaction; it's an opportunity to meet the people behind the products. These interactions build trust and a sense of belonging within the community. You learn the stories of the makers, understand their processes, and develop a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and hard work that goes into every item.