The Chehalis Community Renaissance Team (CCRT) has announced a $20,000 digital marketing grant program to provide matching funds for the enhancement of downtown business’ online presence. The grant program is being offered to help these businesses gain a stronger position online, and help businesses that may have been damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic get back on their feet and make a strong recovery.
The vision of the program is to increase the vitality of Downtown Chehalis businesses by providing funds for a robust, well-positioned online presence. Eligible grant expenses include the creation or improvement of a business website, digital marketing advertising, ecommerce development costs, and social media management. The grants provide a 75% match of project costs up to $2,500 per business, for approved improvement costs. Applications will be accepted for as long as funding is available through December 31, 2020. Grant awards will be first-come, first-served and based on available funding. Projects commencing after March 1, 2020 will be eligible for grant funding. Applications will be reviewed and awarded by the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team. Grants could be awarded beginning this month.
“Our board has been working on programs, activities, and actions to help provide business support during this unprecedented time. With reduced foot traffic, business’ website and social media have become ever-important in communicating and conducting business,” said Annalee Tobey, CCRT executive director. “We want to encourage our businesses to pivot where necessary in the direction of success, and we have seen the public turn to websites and social media as a way of meeting their needs.”
CCRT’s two other existing façade grant programs have also been updated in light of the current circumstances. CCRT has increased the match of its façade program and micro-grant program, from a 50% match to a 75% match. “We understand the extreme stress facing many of our business owners and we are pitching in to help how we can. It made sense to our board to keep the match of all our grant programs at the same level. We want our business community to know we are working hard to be of service during these difficult days.” stated Tobey.
Complete program requirements, guidelines and applications for all CCRT grant programs are available here. Access the new digital marketing grant application, here. Please direct questions to Annalee Tobey, CCRT executive director at info@experiencechehalis.com.