A Coupon Trail Winds Through Tbilisi’s Independent Shops

Bank of Georgia has launched the 'Small Business Chain' — a network of local shops linked by a physical coupon route across the capital. The concept is straightforward: a customer visits one participating outlet, tears off a discount voucher from a poster, then walks to the next stop, where a new discovery and a discount await.

Two standout participants are MOB Burgers, a popular smash-burger spot known for its natural, freshly made ingredients, and Sio Print, a creative print shop that transfers unique illustrations onto clothing and accessories. MOB Burgers founder Giorgi Sikharulidze says the initiative helps small businesses share their stories with a broader audience, strengthening the entire local ecosystem. Sio Print’s team adds that such collaboration is a form of solidarity that boosts the scale and visibility of micro-enterprises.

The first loop runs from Dodonut to City Hikers, then MOB Burgers, Sio Print, Lunatic, Wine Square, Maua.concept, Ganjina, JPG, and back to Dodonut. To take part, a business only needs a physical space to host customers and a Bank of Georgia business account with a POS terminal — the terminal processes card payments at 0% commission and doubles as a cash register.

Why a Bank-Backed Network Matters for Micro-Businesses

On the surface, the Small Business Chain is a clever marketing stunt. But beneath it lies a more durable idea: that micro-enterprises, often isolated by their size, can function as an informal shared marketplace. A customer who might never have entered a niche print shop is drawn in by the burger joint next on the route, and vice versa. The bank acts as the convenor, providing the POS infrastructure that makes the mechanic financially attractive — and locking participants into its own payment ecosystem.

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The real test will be whether the chain can sustain momentum after the initial novelty fades. For that to happen, the discounts must feel genuine and the routes must evolve, not become a one-off promotional map. For now, the programme gives Bank of Georgia a credible community story at a time when micro-business lending is a competitive battlefield in the country.

Steps for Small Businesses to Join the Chain

  • Check the requirements: you need a physical location where you can receive customers and an active Bank of Georgia business account with a POS terminal (the terminal currently offers 0% card commission and substitutes for a cash register).
  • Apply: fill out the application form provided by the bank — a representative will contact you with details.
  • Receive your poster: the bank will send you a poster with tear-off coupons that direct customers to a partner business with a discount offer.
  • Prepare for incoming visitors: expect guests arriving with vouchers from other chain members, turning your shop into a stop on a common customer route.