LEWISTON – The Sun Media Group, which owns the Sun Journal and several weekly newspapers, has started a new Web site to promote Maine’s small businesses, offer discounted gift certificates and reward subscribers with money-saving deals.

The site, GreatMaineDeals-.com, officially launched on July 3.

“The key piece is really to allow consumers to save money,” said Mike Theriault, program administrator. “We really want to give subscribers something back for being a customer.”

For subscribers of the Sun Journal, The Bethel Citizen, Advertiser Democrat, Rumford Falls Times, The Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, The Rangeley Highlander and Penobscot Times, the site offers coupons to restaurants, recreational spots and other Maine businesses. Coupons are free and can be printed multiple times. Subscribers register on the site using the phone number linked to their newspaper subscription.

The site currently lists 56 coupons.

GreatMaineDeals.com also offers discounted gift certificates – up to 70 percent off – to Maine businesses. Unlike coupons, which are only available to subscribers, gift certificates can be purchased by anyone – though stock is not unlimited.

The site currently offers certificates for 35 businesses, including restaurants, beauty salons and auto shops. Gift certificates can be bought online and printed immediately. They can also be ordered through the Sun Journal’s customer service on Park Street in Lewiston or by calling 1-800-482-0753.

The site offers a specially discounted certificate every day and is slated to offer auctions.