Small business marketing grants now available

14 years ago

Small business marketing grants now available

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 June 1, with grants to be awarded by June 30. Women, Work and Community will make mini-grants of up to $400 to help Aroostook County entrepreneurs promote their businesses through targeted marketing projects.

bu-WWCgrantJune1-clr-cx-shar-21Photo courtesy of WWC
Polly Earl (left) and Barbara Hayslett (right), owners of .22 Bling, create unique jewelry from .22 caliber brass casings collected at World Cup Biathlon competitions held here in Maine. Their products are currently on sale at Morning Star Art and Framing on Main Street in Presque Isle.

Recent mini-grants awarded by Women, Work and Community’s Aroostook County center include the following recipients: $200 to Gina Parent of Houlton, owner of Antique Emporium, for business cards and advertising; and $200 to Barbara Hayslett and Polly Earl of Fort Fairfield, owners of .22 Bling, for brand development and marketing materials.

Erica Quin-Easter, Aroostook micro-enterprise coordinator for Women, Work and Community, noted, “Since June 2009 when we launched the mini-grants program in Aroostook County, we have supported more than $2,500 for marketing projects for 16 entrepreneurs and small businesses across Aroostook. You could be next! With a small mini-grant, your marketing plan can get a big boost, helping you grow your customer base and increase your business.”

The call for applications is open to entrepreneurs throughout Aroostook County. Applications are welcomed from individual entrepreneurs and small businesses as well as business partnerships. Nonprofit groups are not eligible for the mini-grant program. Successful proposals will focus on marketing, branding and access to markets for Aroostook County micro-enterprises. Men, women and all entrepreneurs are welcome to apply. Past grant recipients have used mini-grant funds to build websites, develop logos and branding materials, produce business cards and brochures, purchase banners or 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.