#WhereYouShopMatters

We believe in using the power of Visa’s network as a force for good, which is why we have created #WhereYouShopMatters, an initiative encouraging all people around the world to think about the positive impact their shopping can have on local communities.

#WhereYouShopGiftsMatters

New Year is associated with sharing positive emotions and gifts.

Visit Gift Market by Visa and mystartup.ge where small businesses have their doors open 24/7. Choose gifts for your dear ones or surprise a Secret Santa player.

Pay with Visa card and get additional 10% discount for any purchase product, free wrapping and free delivery.

For you it is shopping – for small businesses it is everything!

#Whereyoushopgiftsmatters

#Supportlocal

#WhereYouShopMatters

Local small businesses are the heart of our economy and the pulse of our local communities. Even though they’ve been through a difficult time, they never gave up. Through their creativity, resourcefulness and resilience, they’ve kept on going, adapted and inspired us all. Now they need our support. Visa is supporting small businesses to find new ways to do what they do best, now and in the future. Georgian local shops and services are finding creative ways to keep serving the communities that rely on them. They’re going to extraordinary lengths to stay open. They’re counting on us to get behind them. They’re asking you to remember that where you shop matters.

Support your favorite local merchants!

There are lots of ways you can support your favorite local shops, restaurants, hotels and others to stay afloat during this time. If there’s something you were planning on buying anyway, now is the perfect time to get a good rate and keep your favorite brands afloat. And small businesses grant you special offers in return!

Pay with Visa — get your personal extras for free!

Visa cardholders can get their special offers:

Visa cardholders residing in Georgia have access to the special offer at Rooms Kazbegi and Rooms Kokhta. By booking one night, second night is complimentary
Visa cardholders have access to the special offer at Rooms Hotel Bar/Stamba Bar/Lolita. By ordering one cocktail, second is for free
Order a healthy breakfast in Cafe Stamba or Lolita and pay with Visa card - get the second one for free.

Superheroes for local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic

We would like to introduce participants of #აირჩიეთქართული campaign initiated by Visa, that was aimed to support local small and medium business.

Tekla Javakhadze, Actress

I see self-development and self-improvement as a part of my daily life. I always try to learn something new and gain more experience in personal and professional areas. Even if it takes just 15 minutes per day.

After I graduated from university in Georgia, I took professional courses in the UK and USA. It is not a secret that there are more opportunities there, especially in my sphere, but I’m trying to contribute to the development of the acting industry in Georgia. I feel that it’s the right thing to do.

Apart from being an actress at the Youth Theatre, I also take part in different projects and do my job wholeheartedly.

I work as an announcer, casting manager and costume design assistant. I also have a small workshop at home and produce handmade goods and do packaging. I like to do things related to cinema, theatre and art. I believe that any person of any occupation should find their place in their own country, create something valuable for it and contribute to its further development.

As a result of the recent crisis period, small and medium businesses have suffered. That’s why I'd like to support them and take part in any activity that helps, as it is extremely important for the country and for each of us to have businesses working properly for our common good.

Become a Superhero — in Instagram Post share your story, how you helped local businesses, tag @visa_georgia. Best stories will be published on our website.

Vaska Gedenidze, Videographer

Probably many stories start with the same phrase: ‘I had a video camera and I was shooting everything.’

My story doesn’t differ. I was lucky, as I knew from childhood that I needed to turn my hobby into my profession, so I did not waste a second. Everything that I did helped me to develop and move forward.

My success story started when I used my savings to buy a drone instead of a motorbike and in two months it brought me so much money that I bought a motorbike too and started thinking of setting up my own company. Before the pandemic everything was alright and now many things have changed.

The crisis had a negative effect on many small businesses like mine. That’s why I would like to express my support for them and recommend that everyone stand together with them, to make us all stronger.

Become a Superhero — in Instagram Post share your story, how you helped local businesses, tag @visa_georgia. Best stories will be published on our website.

Mariam Chukhrukidze, Actress

When I was small, I wanted to become an actress and I could not imagine becoming anything else. I am happy that I am an actress; my dream came true and I do what I love.

I always look for new challenges for self-development. I always like to try something new, but stay within the arts. Now I am doing Master’s degree in vocals at the conservatory named after V. Sarajishvili.

I think change starts with one person, and if all of us work on self-development, our attempt will definitely be followed by the development of the whole country. We are going through difficult times now; everyone needs help, especially small businesses. We need to understand that the wellbeing of many people depends on our behaviour. It’s time to get together and support local business.

Become a Superhero — in Instagram Post share your story, how you helped local businesses, tag @visa_georgia. Best stories will be published on our website.

Ani Khupenia, Lawyer

I have worked as a lawyer at one of the leading law firms for almost five years, although I prefer to see myself as being occupied in a different area. I like fine art, music and art in general. I always say that there’s no sense in human life if he does not create something valuable, like Van Gogh’s canvases, Samoseli Pirveli by Dochanashvili or Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I am happy that I can feel and accept all those things.

I always try to learn something new and move forward. Recently, I am interested in social media management and am trying to get education and experience in that area.

Specifically, during the pandemic, I understood that it’s important not to be dependent on one specialized skill.

And it’s more important for us, as citizens, to stimulate local businesses and it’s within all of our ability to support Georgian small business.

Become a Superhero — in Instagram Post share your story, how you helped local businesses, tag @visa_georgia. Best stories will be published on our website.

Demetre Chachanidze, Culinary specialist

I am a sociologist by occupation and I worked as a sociologist for a few years, where I researched many things. About three years ago, my search for self got me into a completely different area. I found an occupation, that brings me pleasure—cooking.

I also like drawing and am learning graphic design. I can creatively approach every dish preparation and express myself entirely. There are infinite possibilities in cooking and the new discoveries are endless.

It has become more difficult now and we can see that the pandemic has brought problems to both small and medium business. I would like to contribute to the projects initiated by Visa and support each other, help local business; the steps we take today will have an impact on our future.

Become a Superhero — in Instagram Post share your story, how you helped local businesses, tag @visa_georgia. Best stories will be published on our website.