By Box Butte Development Corporation
The City of Alliance recently approved the ‘Digital Marketing Grant for Qualifying Businesses’ on May 19th at their regular scheduled City Council meeting. The program will give local businesses the opportunity to apply for assistance in the form of a ‘Match-Grant’ through the LB840 Economic Development Program.
Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, many businesses in Alliance and Box Butte County have locked their doors, limited access to their businesses or allowed only takeout for services, which has caused a severe hardship to many of them. COVID-19 has shown the importance of having a strong on-line presence paired with the capabilities to sell products or service on-line create more opportunity for revenue. For many small business owners, this is not an area of strength.
Businesses may apply for up to $2,500 for digital development/improvements for businesses operating from a storefront or fixed location in Alliance. There are two options for businesses to choose from.
Grant funds may be used for:
• Creating or upgrading your website
• Purchasing of eCommerce software
• Purchase of POS system
• Advertising/branding/marketing (social media, radio, newspaper, TV, etc.)
• Professional photography, graphic design software, connectivity tools
• Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.
• Social Media Training
• Business Training and Ed
Applications for this grant will be processed by the City of Alliance Economic Development Program Application Review Committee (EDPARC). Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The final amount of funds awarded will be decided by the Committee and then recommendations will be presented to the Alliance City Council for final approval. Available funds are limited.
Use of grant funds will determine whether the grant will be reimbursed to the business or paid directly to the service provider. Paid invoices will need to be provided for proof of purchase.
Applications may be requested from Box Butte Development Corporation Executive Director Chelsie Herian by calling 308.762.1800 or emailing [email protected]. Please return your completed application via email or drop off at 305 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, NE 69301 in a sealed envelope.