Now through Dec. 17, Yelp users across Texas may nominate their favorite local businesses in San Antonio or Austin to receive funding for extreme weather preparations.

Yelp is debuting its “Deck the Halls with Yelp” holiday winterization fund by awarding $10,000 each to 10 select local businesses and helping those business owners to cover costs of winterization projects.

Businesses must be eligible for a listing on Yelp with one to six brick-and-mortar locations in San Antonio, Austin and surrounding areas, and be nominated by a Yelp user no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Dec. 17.

According to a release, Yelp officials said data produced from last February’s historic winter storm show a need in Texas for specialized services professionals, including chimney sweeps, fireplace services, generator installation and repair, water heater installation and repair, and plumbing.

“This year, to address that demand, we’re helping small businesses winterize their brick-and-mortar locations to help prevent potential setbacks caused by severe weather,” said Yelp’s Small Business Expert Emily Washcovick.



“Yelp’s holiday winterization fund is one way we hope to give local businesses that are essential to our communities a helping hand following this year’s extreme weather and prepare for the season ahead.”

Fernanda Fonseca, Yelp San Antonio’s senior community manager, said he and his local colleagues are excited about the community response to the Deck the Halls program.

“In light of a challenging year, including last winter’s extreme weather and the impact it had on Texans, this fund is one way we hope to help local businesses prepare for the season ahead,” Fonseca said. “We look forward to kicking it off in San Antonio, Austin and surrounding communities.”

To nominate a local business go to DeckTheHalls.Yelp.com.