Local businesses hoping to cash in, after a somewhat topsy-turvy year for retail, will be looking to see if council endorses a 'Stay Regional Shop Regional - Tamworth Region Gift Card' at it's Tuesday night meeting.

The council has been approached to financially support the campaign, which would aim to encourage shoppers to support local businesses by purchasing an exclusive Tamworth gift card that could be used across multiple participating businesses. The card would be like a credit card, valid for three years, and work at businesses right across the region.

The report to councillors has acknowledged "the current COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on business income and confidence nationally, regionally and locally and particularly hard on the retail sector".

Business owner, Chris Watson, is pushing to introduce the campaign locally. He hopes to sign up at least 75 businesses.

The campaign is also being supported by Tamworth Business Chamber, which would make a $7,500 cash contribution.

As well as a $20,000 contribution to the campaign, Tamworth Regional Council is also being asked to help with the marketing, through social media.

The report recommends councillors approve the expenditure, as well as providing assistance to develop the "marketing collateral".