Could your business use a marketing boost? Women, Work, and Community’s marketing mini-grants program is helping small businesses across Aroostook County put their best foot forward through professional, effective marketing materials and projects. The next deadline for mini-grant applications is March 15, with grants to be awarded by early April. Women, Work, and Community will make mini-grants of up to $400 to help Aroostook County entrepreneurs promote their businesses through targeted marketing projects.
Recent mini-grants awarded by Women, Work, and Community during the December 2010 grant cycle include the following Aroostook County recipients: $125 to Michelle and Glenn Labbe of Soaring Ribbon Designs in Fort Kent (www.soaringribbonsdesigns.com) for brand development; $125 to Jenni-Lyn LaChance of Events by Jenni in Presque Isle (www.eventsbyjenni.com) for website development and business brochures; and $150 to Jean Brawn of Oasis Salon in Presque Isle (www.salonoasis.biz) in Presque Isle for brochure design and printing.
Erica Quin-Easter, Aroostook microenterprise coordinator for Women, Work, and Community, stated, “The new year is a perfect time to pay attention to polishing your marketing image. Whether you are developing professional materials to promote your business, building your website to make online sales, or bringing your product to a new level through trade shows and other events, our marketing mini-grants provide just enough to get your business to the next level.”
The spring deadline for applications for Women, Work, and Community’s marketing mini-grant program is March 15.The quarterly application cycle is open to entrepreneurs throughout Aroostook County. Applications are welcomed from individual entrepreneurs as well as business partnerships, and successful proposals will focus on marketing, branding, and access to markets for Aroostook County microenterprises. Men, women, and all entrepreneurs are welcome to apply.
Past grant recipients have used mini-grant funds to build websites; develop logos and branding; produce business cards and brochures; purchase banners and business signage; promote their products and services at trade shows and events; and collaborate with other small businesses to reach new markets.
For more information or to request a mini-grant application for your business marketing project, contact Women, Work, and Community at 764-0050 or e-mail erica.quineaster@maine.edu.
