The smart city boosts the digital Zinne by supporting electronic Zinne gift vouchers.
Digitalisation of the Zinne
It was in 2021 that the Zinne collective launched the electronic Zinne, a digital alternative to the paper format of money, already circulating in the territory since March 2019.
Electronic Zinne, aimed at increasing the circulation of money, both for citizens and professionals, are now accessible via a smartphone application or a website. It’s quite simple to obtain them since one’s account is now recharged by simple bank transfer. Thanks to the switch to electronics, there is no longer any need to go to an exchange counter.
“Initiatives such as the digitization of Zinne are in perfect harmony with the Smart City policy implemented since several years at the City of Brussels, namely a desire to use technological advances for the benefit of citizens and the sustainability of our city. This objective focuses on the comfort of all by conveying the values of collaboration and valorization of talents while consolidating a basin of economic life in Brussels.” Fabian Maingain, Alderman for Economic Affairs and Smart City at the City of Brussels.
In order to promote the local digital currency and familiarize Brussels residents with its use, Financité, in collaboration with Zinne and with the support of Fabian Maingain, Alderman at the City of Brussels, is developing a system of electronic Zinne gift vouchers.
Since 17 November, it is therefore possible to obtain gift vouchers in Zinne on the website shop.zinne.brussels. Two types of vouchers are in circulation, a City of Brussels Zinne voucher limited to the territory of the City of Brussels, and a classic Zinne voucher valid in the entire network of Zinne merchants in the Brussels Region. To activate this voucher, simply scan it using the Zinne application or print it and go to one of the participating businesses.
This represents an opportunity for companies and/or individuals to thank their collaborators/relatives with an original, ethical and sustainable gift.
To set an example, the city of Brussels has decided to offer all of its employees the opportunity to receive their end-of-year gift in electronic Zinne. Those who have chosen for this option were able to spend their Zinne gift voucher at shops who share values of respect for people and their environment.
Zinne Bonus action
Order 20 euros, and receive 25 Zinnes City of Brussels! To encourage crafts and local trade in Brussels while promoting a greener and more responsible economy, each Zinne City of Brussels gift voucher worth more than 20 euros is automatically converted into 25 Zinnes, i.e. 5 Additional Zinnes are offered by purchase of more than 20 euros*.
*(This bonus action for zinne City of Brussels vouchers is valid within the limits of available stocks as indicated on the zinne website)
Since the platform has existed, no less than 167 gift vouchers have been ordered for a total amount of 5461 zinnes.
The order platform continues to be operational for individuals and professionals and Zinne intends to continue to carry out its gift campaigns as the holidays and other occasions approach.
Don’t wait any longer ! To find out more, go to: the local trade portal in Brussels or shop.zinne.brussels
About the Zinne
The Zinne is a citizens' initiative which aims to put into circulation and maintain a local currency complementary to the euro, within the Brussels Region. (1 Zinne = 1 euro)
On March 21, 2019, Zinne's first banknote entered circulation in the territory of the 19 Brussels municipalities. These Zinne in paper or digital form can be spent at businesses that are part of the "Zinne network", located in the Brussels Region, having validated the charter of the non-profit organization which ensures compliance with certain fundamental criteria corresponding to the values that the Zinne collective wants to convey.
Joining the Zinne network therefore means developing and strengthening the circular, local and ethical economy of the Brussels-Capital Region, whether you are a partner or a user of the currency. Spending in Zinne encourages local businesses over the long term. Shops paid in Zinne are thus likely to spend their Zinne at other shops, consolidating a real economic life in Brussels.
