Discount card hits crowdfunding target after receiving match funding from Solent LEP

A COMMUNITY discount scheme that supports businesses throughout the city and beyond has hit its fundraising goal, allowing the business to continue offering its services.
Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card. Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card.
Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card.

Mum-of-two Maddy Alexander-Grout, who launched My VIP Card in 2017, set up the crowdfunding campaign on April 19.

When lockdown restrictions were applied it had a negative effect on the discount scheme, due to people not being able to visit the cafes, restaurants and cinemas that the card supports.

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Although lots of businesses adapted and became online-only services, there was still a large decrease in sales of the card.

Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card
Maddy Alexander-Grout, who runs My VIP Card

Maddy wanted to continue to help and support the 2,000 local businesses she advertises so she decided not to furlough herself so she could continue to offer support and opportunities for the community.

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The 36-year-old’s business partners got behind her, offering rewards and pledging themselves to help her to get to her initial target, with Solent LEP matching her fundraising efforts to taking her up to £6,300.

The My VIP Card crowdfunding campaign ends on Sunday, May 17 at 3pm and donations can be made in exchange for rewards.

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Some of the rewards include a wedding make-up trial for £80 from Kinder Beauty, a personal training course with Active for All worth £1,000 and a wedding filming package with Solent Sky Services - who are also doing a crowdfunding campaign on the Crowdfunder platform and have also just had their matched funding from Solent LEP.

Maddy said: ‘I really didn’t expect to get to target in just two weeks, it's just an incredible feeling. The support from the small business community has just been so overwhelming and it has really hit home how much people love what we do. We are now on a mission to help people to shop local UK wide and Covid-19 will mean more people than ever wanting to support small businesses and save money whilst doing it.’

Maddy is selling subscriptions to My VIP Card for £10 through the crowdfunding campaign and also selling discounted employee benefits to reach her stretch target of £10,000.

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