Oakland County Launches 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses

• Local Gems is a month-long campaign encouraging residents to shop locally and support small businesses across the county Nov. 1-30.
• Shoppers can win $1,000, $500 or $250 courtesy of Genisys Credit Union by posting selfies taken at small businesses in Oakland County.
• Organized by Oakland County Economic Development with partners Oakland Thrive, Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, the campaign highlights the vital role small businesses play in driving local jobs, community investment and downtown vitality.

Pontiac, Mich. - Oakland County today kicked off the 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes, a month-long campaign encouraging residents to shop local and support small businesses throughout the county. The launch event was held at Designed Mindfully in downtown Pontiac.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Oakland County's economy giving our communities character and making our downtowns thrive," said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "The Local Gems Sweepstakes is a fun way to highlight and support them, especially as we head into the holiday shopping season."

Running from Nov. 1-30, the Local Gems Sweepstakes invites shoppers to visit small businesses across Oakland County and post a selfie taken inside or outside the business for a chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union. Each selfie taken at a different small business counts as a separate entry, increasing participants' chances to win via random drawings.

"At Genisys, we are deeply rooted in our community, which is why we are proud to support initiatives like Oakland County's Local Gems Sweepstakes," said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Shopping local is not just a transaction; it is an investment that strengthens our small businesses and builds a unified community. We encourage everyone to discover our local treasures and shop local this holiday season."

The campaign is organized by Oakland County Economic Development in partnership with Genisys Credit Union, Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive. Since its creation, Local Gems has helped boost local spending and spotlight small businesses that define the county's diverse and vibrant economy.

"Each year, this campaign helps residents discover new favorites while supporting long-time staples in their own neighborhoods," said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County Economic Development. "When we shop local, we're investing directly in our community."

Last year, nearly 500 unique small businesses located in 47 communities were submitted as local gems. The top 10 businesses receiving the most entries, including ties, were:

1. HobbyTown, Southfield
2. AM2PM Barbershop, Southfield; and It's the Little Things, Ortonville
3. Designed Mindfully, Pontiac; and Vibrant Vizionz, Oak Park
4. Impact North, Ortonville
5. Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market, Rochester; and Monarch Home Design, Holly
6. Hamilton's Feed & Fuel, Ortonville; Marcia Hovland Studio Gallery, Royal Oak; and Road Less Traveled Book Store, Farmington
7. Altered Designs, Holly; and Bijou Salon and Spa, Farmington
8. Bittersweet Café, Holly; Catching Fireflies, Berkley; My New Favorite Thing, Waterford; and Unexpected Craft Brewing Company, Oak Park
9. Design to Shine Salon, Madison Heights; Noelle the Stylist Studio, Madison Heights; and Uncle Joe's Chicken Fingers, Southfield
10. Salinair Salt Room Spa, Rochester Hills; and Crave Nutrition, Waterford

"We were pleased to receive the top three most entries in the 2024 Local Gems Sweepstakes," said Deya Marchand, owner of Designed Mindfully in Pontiac. "Our customers see us as more than a store. We are a space where community, creativity, and intentional living come together. The Local Gems campaign beautifully aligns with our mission to live and shop with purpose, supporting other small businesses and local artists."

Small business owners can pick up Local Gems Sweepstakes posters and cards while supplies last to help promote the campaign. Materials are available through Oakland County Economic Development. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules, visit OakGov.com/ShopSmall.

"At Oakland Thrive, we're proud to stand alongside Oakland County and our partners in uplifting the small businesses that fuel our local economy," said Camille Walker-Banks, CEO of Oakland Thrive. "Initiatives like the Local Gems Sweepstakes not only shine a light on the creativity and resilience of our entrepreneurs-they remind residents that every purchase made locally strengthens our communities and creates lasting impact."

Follow and share on social media using @AdvantageOak, #OaklandCounty, and #LocalGemOC.