Cowboy Cash program supports students and local businesses

The University of Wyoming recently introduced the Cowboy Cash program as a way to allow students more dining options as well as supporting Laramie businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program grants students $10 to use at a participating Laramie business.

“The University and community businesses wanted to connect on having students support local businesses, with primary interests in eateries, that were strong supporters of following COVID health guidelines. Those businesses that make being in the community a safe and welcoming experience. As such, the university made Cowboy Cash available to students who have a university meal plan to provide them accessible alternatives for food and an opportunity to get better acquainted with responsible local businesses,” said Kim Chestnut, Vice President of Student Affairs.

The program is available to all students who have a university meal plan and live on-campus. The “Cowboy Cash” can be used until December 31. The program is the combination of pre-existing programs with a new UW twist.

“My organization (Laramie Main Street) has been doing gift certificate for a few years now as a way to reinvest in local businesses. We already had the infrastructure for the gift certificate program laid out and then the University of Wyoming, through the President’s office, reached out with this idea. We had a few quick brainstorms with key staff members, and I think we sort of collectively stumbled upon the idea, as a way for UW to support our business community during this really trying time,” said Trey Sherwood, Director at Laramie Main Street.

The results of this program have already begun to show, as roughly $3,000 dollars’ worth of “Cowboy Cash” was redeemed within the first week of operation.

The funding for the program came from $80,000 of federal CARES act money that was set aside specifically for this purpose. This program is seen by both UW and Laramie Main Street as an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone by helping students have more dining options as well as supporting local businesses.

“The university and the broader Laramie community are inseparable partners, and the health of one is essential to the health of the other,” said University President Ed Seidel in a UW communication.

The program has proved to be successful with students as well according to freshman Morgan Saunders.

“I think it’s really cool that is supports businesses and college students at the same time. I usually try to choose local but being a poor college student has made it difficult. It’s also nice to get food other than Washakie every now and again and just a bonus that its free. Nobody is really losing here,” said Saunders.

The initial success of the program has led to some speculation about whether or not it should continue in the coming semester, leading to students, like Saunders, weighing in.

“I definitely think it should continue. It gives students a reason to explore downtown so it’s great for freshman to learn where they’re about to live for a bit,” said Saunders.

While there are no solid plans for a return of Cowboy Cash, optimism levels remain high around Laramie.

“I think this will be the most impactful thing we have done together for our downtown business community,” said Sherwood.