HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING MATCH GRANT PROGRAM?
Eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations should follow these steps to request grant funding from the Small Business Marketing Match Grant Program.
All reimbursement requests need to be emailed to planning@duluthmn.gov, requests are due no later then Friday, August 30th.
When requesting reimbursement for this program, please ensure the business/non profit is providing proof of payment, visual evidence of products that were created and Exhibit C located at the bottom of the executed grant agreement to redeem the grant reimbursement.
Staff will follow up within 5 business days after submitting the reimbursement request.
This is a reimbursement program created by the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA), designed to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 25 employees or less with their marketing efforts. Applicants will need to have a marketing plan establishing their need for eligible marketing products funded by the matching reimbursable grant. Applicants are required to partner with a marketing agency for product development and specify the source and amount of matching funds, for up to $5,000 from the Small Business Marketing Match Grant Program.
The Small Business Marketing Match is accepting applications from March 4th to April 29th, 2024!
Up to 28 Small Businesses or nonprofit organizations will be selected for up to $5,000 in matching grant funds to expand marketing efforts, or until designated funding to the program is depleted. Eligible applicants must match DEDA grant funds on a 1:1 basis.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must complete and submit a W-9 form and program application.
- Applicants must have a Marketing Plan with description of the strategies and how it will support the business.
- Applicants must include a detailed source and use of funds with cost estimates.
- Applicants must be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, with all operational functions in the same company name.
- Applicants may employ no more than 25 full-time -equivalent employees.
- Businesses must demonstrate revenue for at least six months at the time of application submission..
- Nonprofit organizations must be in operation for six months or longer at the time of application submission.
- This is a reimbursement grant program. Grant recipients must purchase the marketing
materials before receiving reimbursement, submit proof of payment and visual evidence of the
marketing materials purchased. - Applicants must agree to be responsible for any tax implications regarding reimbursement.
STEP ONE
Develop a Marketing Plan. This needs to include details on the projects impact of proposed marketing activities and expected future revenue. Also include a plan for executing all marketing activities within the required timeline, requests for reimbursement will be accepted no later than August 30th, 2024.
STEP TWO
Applicants must partner with a marketing agency to be qualified for grant funds. A business and nonprofit organization can choose any marketing agency qualified to produce the business marketing products determined in their
marketing plan.
STEP THREE
Complete all required documents in preparation for application. Items include: most recent profit and loss statement, budget with overview of eligible marketing expenses, a narrative related to any negative impacts from COVID-19, W-9, evidence of certificate of good standing from The Secretary of the State of MN.
STEP FOUR
Apply and submit an online application for the Small Business Marketing Match Grant located at the bottom on this webpage.
STEP FIVE
Watch your email for communication regarding application status.
STEP SIX
Develop the marketing materials specified in the grant agreement.
When requesting reimbursement for this program, please ensure the business/non profit is providing proof of payment, visual evidence of products that were created and Exhibit C located at the bottom of the executed grant agreement to redeem the grant reimbursement.
All reimbursement requests are due Friday, August 30th, all of the above reimbursement eligibility information can be emailed to DEDA staff at planning@Duluthmn.gov. Staff will follow up within 5 business days after submitting the reimbursement request.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Eligible expenses include business marketing in print, multi-media, digital, email, social media, video marketing or other visual means. Direct expenditure for marketing and outreach. Creation of promotional materials for business enhancement. Creation of new business signage or other visual improvements. Marketing consulting or small business consulting assistance with a strong marketing focus.
Many grant funds may be considered taxable income. DEDA is requiring a W-9 from applicants in alignment with government guidelines. It is recommended that applicants work with a tax professional to evaluate taxability of this income for your specific business situation.
DEDA conducted a Request for Information (RFI) from interested marketing agencies through traditional means. The approved marketing agencies all include eligible funding uses, those submissions are included below:
9 Bit Studio
720 Century Ave SW Suite 114 Hutchinson, MN 55350
Creative Arcade, LLC
371 Canal Park Dr, Ste 212, Duluth, MN 55802
https://creativearcade.design/
Duluth News Tribune
424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802
https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/
Duffy & Partners (Duffy)
323 North Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Greenfield Communications
1411 W. St. Germain St.; Suite 200; St. Cloud, MN 56301
Irish Titan
5320 W 23rd St UNIT 300, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Joy Riot
950 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
https://www.joyriotagency.com/
Willing to provide an in-kind match of up to $5,000 for strategy and creative development services rendered.
However, Applicants are able to choose any marketing agencies that provide quality materials fitting with the business need.
The Small Business Marketing Match Grant is a reimbursement grant program. Small Businesses much purchase the marketing materials upfront and request for reimbursement by August 30th, 2024. Business and non profit organizations will receive their grant funds after submitting the required documentation including proof of purchase.
Businesses and nonprofit organizations are responsible to procure matching funds equal to the grant reimbursement being requested. Matching funds can be provided by an in-kind match from a partnering marketing agency, the business owner or other organization, business, or fund.