The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce is pitching in with a new Camden Haven Gift Card strategy urging consumers to support and revive local businesses from July this year.

EFTPOS based gift cards will be available to spend at participating businesses across the Camden Haven to stimulate the area, support employment and economic growth.

CHCC events officer Holly Lambert said the idea was originally created by a group called Why Leave Town in Narrabri and has been recreated on the Mid North Coast.

"We are in the process of signing up businesses for the program. We currently have 22 definite businesses and another 20 who have given verbal confirmation," she said.

"The cards work exactly like any other gift card and you don't have to spend the whole amount at one time. There's no additional costs to the businesses involved and it's like accepting any debit card.

"It's a great way to give a gift to someone but also a way to support the little guys in business and provide a wide variety of choice for the card holder.

"It's not just hair and beauty, it can be used at the butcher or a winery or for food. That's the beautiful thing about the card."

Each gift card will be available to purchase from participating 'Load-up Stores' with amounts between $20 to $1000. Card funds can be redeemed at any participating business within the Camden Haven during the next three years.

Kew Corner Store owner Staffan Andler said he hopes all local businesses will join and register to accept the cards.

"I think the card is a very good initiative for everyone as a gift or even for yourself because the money will be spent in Camden Haven," he said.

"We have been involved with this since the Chamber came up with the idea. I thought it was a great idea and we are seven days a week so we are easy access to top up the cards.

"I believe in this area there is a definite need to get people to shop in their own neighbourhood and keep the shops going. It's a circle because if money is spent here it comes back to the community.

"I hope that this is an easy gift for people to give instead of a Bunnings or big business gift card. The benefit is that it can be spent on many different things, everyday things or even at the pub."

The cards can also be utilised as a petty cash card for businesses, used as Christmas gifts or bonuses for employees and given as prizes in local competitions, according to the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce website

Members of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce with an EFTPOS machine can participate in the Camden Haven Gift Card program free of charge. The campaign is sponsored by Kew Corner Store, Laurieton Residential Resort and Laurieton United Services Club. For more information, contact Holly at events@camdenhavenchamber.org