HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING MATCH GRANT PROGRAM?
Eligible small businesses should follow these steps to request grant funding from the Small Business Marketing Match Grant Program.
This is a reimbursement program created by the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA), designed to support small businesses with 25 employees or less with small business marketing efforts. Applicants will need to have a marketing plan establishing their need for eligible marketing products funded by the matching reimbursable grant. Business 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, the application deadline has been extended to September 24th!
Up to 20 Small Businesses 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.
DEDA anticipates a second round of this program to be introduced in 2024
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Business must complete and submit a W-9 form and program application.
- Business must have a Marketing Plan with description of the strategies and how it will support the business.
- Business must include a detailed source and use of funds with cost estimates.
- Business must be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, with all operational functions in the same company name.
- Business may employ no more than 25 full-time -equivalent employees.
- Business must be open and operational for at least six months and demonstrate revenue
generation and current operations at time of application. - 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. - Business 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 December 1st, 2023.
STEP TWO
Business must partner with a marketing agency to be qualified for grant funds. A business can choose
any marketing agency qualified to produce the business marketing products determined in the
marketing plan. DEDA will provide a list of qualified agencies available for businesses looking for
recommended marketing agencies.
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 and submit reimbursement of funds
with proof of payment and visual evidence of materials to redeem grant funding
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Non-profit small business are eligible for grant funding.
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 December 1st 2023. Business will receive their grant funds after submitting the required documentation including proof of purchase.
Businesses 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.