The ATX Small Business Passport is a collaborative initiative designed to encourage holiday shoppers to choose small, local businesses over big-box retailers. As the holiday season approaches, this program invites Austinites to shop intentionally, support the businesses that shape our neighborhoods, and foster a sense of community throughout the city.
Back for its second year, the program continues its mission of boosting local engagement, increasing visibility for small businesses, and offering fun rewards for customers who shop small, and often.
Check out the website from last year’s program.
How It Works
From October 1 to December 31, 2025, shoppers will use a custom-designed passport to explore participating Austin businesses. With each purchase, customers earn a unique stamps in their passport. Once they collect five stamps, they will be eligible for their first of 3 exclusive rewards redeemable at participating businesses in January 2026. Last year we distributed roughly 7,000 passports!
🛍️ New this year: The first 50 shoppers to complete their passports will receive a special goodie bag filled with samples, treats, and surprises from our partner brands!
Who Can Join
We’re welcoming retail and service-based businesses with a storefront that complements the spirit of holiday shopping and gifting. (Restaurants and cafes may be considered in the future.) Our goal this year is to feature 30 participating businesses.
Participation Tiers
- Sign up by September 30 to be listed in the printed passport.
- Businesses that join between October 1 and October 31 will be included online and accessible via a QR code printed on the passport.
Program Contribution
A one-time fee of $300 covers your inclusion in the program, with payment due in full by September 30.
What Your Contribution Supports
- Professionally designed and printed passports
- Custom stamps for your shop
- A full marketing and PR campaign (ads, outreach, earned media)
- Program coordination, reward fulfillment, and community promotion
Why This Matters
The $300 contribution is not just a fee, it is an investment in a shared effort to spotlight Austin’s small business community. By pooling our resources, we create a unified, high-impact program that brings locals together and celebrates the diversity and creativity of our city’s independent retailers and service providers.
Looking Ahead
Following the 2025 holiday season, we plan to begin the process of spinning this initiative into its own nonprofit entity. Our goal is to build a long-term platform that supports Austin small businesses year-round. This is just the beginning, and we would love for you to grow with us.
Next Steps
- Sign Up: Secure your spot by September 30 to be included in the printed passport, or by October 31 for digital-only inclusion. You’ll receive an invoice within 24 hours based on your payment plan.
- Spread the Word: Let your customers know you are participating and encourage them to start collecting stamps!
- Plan Your January Reward: Prepare a small offer or incentive for customers who complete their passports, redeemable in January 2026. (We will collect this info during sign-up.)
The Small Business Passport is more than a loyalty program, it is a celebration of Austin’s small business spirit. By participating, you will join a passionate community dedicated to supporting each other and creating memorable shopping experiences for locals and visitors alike.