Because of the COVID-19 global outbreak, program and event directors have lost the ability to conduct open houses, give families a tour, attend trade shows, etc., which is often the core of their conventional marketing. With more programs and events in a holding pattern, having a digital strategy is more important than ever.
Recently Facebook announced that it would give $40 million in grants to 10,000 U.S. small businesses that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus, offering a $4000 grant for the recipients in the U.S. ($2500 cash, $1500 in optional ads credits) to help during this challenging time.
The grants program spans 34 cities and is part of the $100 million grant program announced on March 17. A business does not need to be on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp to apply.
The grants would assist in these areas:
- Keep a company’s workforce going strong
- Help with rent costs
- Connect with more customers
- Cover operational costs
To be eligible to apply, your business must:
- Be a for-profit company
- Employ between 2 and 50 workers
- Have been in business for more than a year
- Have been negatively impacted by the pandemic
- Be in or near a location where Facebook operates
If your business is listed in eligible cities, before applying, you’ll need to gather your documents—at least one of the following:
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Partnership documents
- Business license
- Proof of incorporation
- Official registration
The application for a Facebook grant will ask you to share your contact information, a brief summary of your business and how you would use the cash grant.
Businesses are now able to submit their application. The application deadline is May 8, 2020, at 11:59 PM(EDT).
Along with the grants, Facebook also launched its Business Hub, featuring resources and recommendations to help small businesses stay on course. The Business Hub offers access to reliable information about COVID-19 to help companies stay informed and proactive, including purchasing gift cards for small businesses.
If your program is eligible, take advantage by applying for this great opportunity. Digital channels can offer benefits and opportunities and become part of your long-term marketing contingency plans. With your managers and staff working from home, your team has more time to develop digital strategies.
If you take a strategic approach to digital marketing, it should not only serve as an emergency response but also a long-term value when the world eventually gets back to normal. This type of road mapping will make your company more adaptable if you ever have to deal with any future pandemics.
Digital marketing works best with SEO, targeted paid social campaigns and a plan that engages your customers to take an interest in your program. Let ACTIVE’s Digital Marketing Agency Services help you create a digital marketing plan that drives the engagement you need.
Some programs, like Kidventure, initially started with ACTIVE’s Camp & Class Manager solution, and later, partnered with the digital marketing team. Kidventure has since seen a return on ad spend of 1200%.
ACTIVE’s consultants and digital marketing professionals provide practical, actionable ways to help you get closer to your goals and, more importantly, in front of your customer base. With more than 20 years of industry experience, ACTIVE can take over your digital advertising and help you get results by using actionable data insights.
Let ACTIVE’s digital marketing guide you through various platforms, including technical expertise, practical strategies and marketing messages you can offer to your participants. It’s time to leverage the power of digital marketing to get the word out.
