About 40,000 Canberrans have signed up for the initiative so far, a lower number than expectedThe ACT Government said it was confident they would see a surge of interest right before Christmasends on Monday and Canberrans have so far spent just a quarter of the $500,000 on offer.
The economic stimulus offers vouchers worth $2.50, $5, $10 and $20 for registered businesses across retail, tourism, accommodation, arts and recreation, personal services and hospitality.But there has been a mixed response among business owners."It's difficult when you are trying to do it on the go," Mr Adams said.
Mr Adams, who signed his martial arts business up for the program, also questioned the initiative's marketing."It hasn't been promoted well to the people who have registered for it including other businesses that haven't.Other business owners said they had abandoned plans to join the program altogether, including cafe owner Singh.
"In its current form, the website is possibly not very easy to use or very appealing," Professor Baddeley said. "It's also been a good test of people's trust in institutions — many people are risk-averse because every week there is a new threat of a new outbreak.