Buy local with a Kuto gift card

A new alternative payment app designed to save businesses money on credit card fees is on its way to local shoppers. Portland app developer Kiyo Kubo has joined forces with Bricks Need Mortar, a coalition of local businesses, to roll out the Kuto gift card in June that shoppers will be able to use at any Portland business that accepts payments through the app. According to a recent Oregonian article, “Roughly 100 breweries, restaurants, bars and retailers have already signed on and [Bricks Need Mortar founder Sarah] Shaoul is pitching the gift card idea to another 800 businesses in the PDXSOS network, a Bricks Need Mortar program launched during the pandemic to support struggling businesses.” 

So instead of buying gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks or other out-of-state, national chains, redirect your spending toward local Portland companies via Kuto!