Gator Greenbacks: Bridging the Gap between UF Students and Local Businesses

When students sit down to apply to the University of Florida, the first things to come to their minds are probably game days in the Swamp or Midtown traffic or long afternoons of studying at Starbucks. What probably doesn't cross the mind of many students is the things that Gainesville has to offer outside of their university's campus. Behind nearly every local favorite is a small business, serving the enormous student population of Gainesville. That is where Gator Greenbacks come in. Not necessarily a coupon book at all but as a bridge between students and the community that surrounds them. Offering students access to discounts of local businesses around the community of Gainesville, Gator Greenbacks bridges the existing gap between students and the businesses that contribute towards this amazing community! 

Gainesville Traditions 

For decades Gator Greenbacks has been a Greenback staple for Gainesville. Each semester, they distribute thousands of coupon books offering exclusive coupons from local restaurants, shops and services in the local area. When Gator Greenbacks Turkey Bingo is viewed as a simple savings account, it is a bit more than that-it's a win-win environment. Students get more exposure to the things that they can overlook around them and business get more foot traffic. Students save money on things that they already love, and businesses have direct access to a young, vigorous market that is interested in discovering new places. 

In a time in which the price of college is on the rise, Gator Greenbacks is a way students can quickly find a tangible outlet to stretch their budgets without having to cut back on fun. It could be a free appetizer at a new restaurant, or a school supplies deal, even a discounted oil change, every coupon helps. And the outcome? A stronger local economy, which will benefit everybody. 

Community Links That Come in the Form of Coupons 

Gator Greenbacks isn't about deals, it's about forming strong connections with the community. Every coupon serves as a link between students and local entrepreneurs. Small businesses are reliant on the foot traffic of students, and students are reliant on the businesses for everyday needs. By encouraging local involvement, Gator Greenbacks is urging the students to shop locally and invest in the culture of Gainesville.

It is also building awareness in the community. Many students arrive to the University of Florida without any prior knowledge of Gainesville or its hidden gems that aren’t always seen with the naked eye. Through the coupon book and its expansion in the digital space, Greenbacks exposes students to businesses students might not have discovered without the Greenback opportunity -- from small family-owned cafes to gyms that are owned and operated locally. Some examples are Hungry Howie's, Mr. and Mrs. Crab, Dominos, etc. 

Going Digital in an Evolving World 

While Gator Greenbacks began as a physical booklet, the people who began it have been modernized to meet the needs of today's audience. Students can now get spotlighting of businesses from Instagram posts, online campaigning and social media stories. QR codes on digital signs lead users to deals at the click of a button - enjoying the benefits of both the old and new ways of marketing and advertising. 

This digital switch not only is a benefit to the students, it also gives smaller businesses a greater platform to get their message out. Instead of having to depend on the foot traffic that they get, they have an opportunity to increase visibility among thousands of students that do their engagement online every day. 

Keeping Students Engaged 

Another component of Gator Greenbacks that people may not consider is the professional development for students that it offers. Those who work with the organization, whether that be in sales, marketing and design, gain real world experience in advertising, public relations and community outreach. Students get hands-on experience, learning in ways that build their resume, as well as their confidence in preparing for their careers. 

It's experiential learning at its best: putting to test in Gainesville's marketplace classroom theories about audience segmentation, brand messaging and consumer behavior. 

Effects on Gainesville's Small Businesses 

For local business owners, Gator Greenbacks is more than a tool for exposure, it's a line, keeping their business afloat. Many small businesses do not have a lot of resources or budgets to pull from, and traditional advertising measure can be incredibly expensive. In partnering with Gator Greenbacks, they have access to a cheap, targeted population of one of the largest consumer groups in Gainesville: UF students.

Something worth noting is that businesses that are featured in Gator Greenbacks often report increased foot traffic in their establishments, which helps to build engagement and brand-loyalty among their younger customers. When students find a place that they like -- whether it be the late-night taco spot or clothing shop -- it is more likely they will return and bring their friends with them. That repeat business is invaluable for small companies that are competing with national chains. 

Building a Lasting Legacy 

Gator Greenbacks isn't about saving money or spending that much money, it's about building relationships. It is symbolic of what happens when there is growing togetherness between a university and the local community. The program emphasizes this entrepreneurial nature of Gainesville and gives the students an opportunity to work on something larger than themselves. 

As Gator Greenbacks continues to evolve, one thing is clear; its value extends beyond the coupons. It’s about building a community where the students and business can coexist and benefit from each other. In an age of digital distractions that tend to separate people from each other, Gator Greenbacks is a good reminder that the most powerful networks are built locally -- with one coupon, one handshake and one shared experience at a time.