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Ann Arbor-based nonprofit website aims to save small business favorites around Southeast Michigan

Save MI Faves helps consumers save their faves

The intersection of S. 4th Ave and S. Washington St. (Sarah Parlette, WDIV)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Those wanting to help small businesses in Southeast Michigan from the comfort of their homes now have another way to show their support.

Save MI Faves, a one-stop-directory for buying gift cards, connects Michigan consumers with their favorite shopping spaces or eateries that have been closed or seriously impacted by the novel coronavirus.

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Ann Arborites can find a range of local businesses from restaurants and salons to bookstores and gift shops.

Online shoppers can search for small businesses by category, town or by a specific search term. Having selected a store or eatery, consumers are directed straight to the business’ gift card page. Proceeds then go directly to the businesses to mitigate the crushing impact of COVID-19.

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Those who cannot find their favorite business can ask for it to be added through the “Submit a Fave” form.

Created by Josh Botkin, an entrepreneur in residence at the University of Michigan Zell Lurie Institute, and Steve Schwartz, co-founder of Ann Arbor-based Genomenon, Save MI Faves currently lists over 120 Michigan small businesses.

Inspired by a similar platform created by Instagram founders Kaitlyn and Mike Krieger, Botkin and Schwartz created the online nonprofit to save their favorite Michigan businesses.


About the Author
Sarah Parlette headshot

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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