Do you look at your competitors’ websites and think, “Wow, nice website; way better than mine.” Ever wonder why your competitors appear before you on Google searches related to your business? These are solvable problems, and you may be able to solve them at no cost!
If your small business is based in Massachusetts, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for capital expenses, tools, and services that will increase digital capacity. Keep reading to learn about Empower Digital Grant eligibility, applying, and the tools and services that qualify!
What is the Empower Digital Grant Program?
In 2021, the state of Massachusetts set aside funds for Massachusetts-based small businesses looking to develop their digital capabilities. The funds are available as $5,000 grants and can be spent on products and services that will increase the grantee’s ability to compete in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The grant program began on June 15, 2021, and runs until June 30, 2023, or until the funds are fully disbursed.
Does my business qualify?
To qualify for the grant, your business must meet all eligibility requirements as outlined by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation in the grant overview. You should review the grant documentation to determine your business’s eligibility, but here is a quick look at some of the requirements:
- For-profit business based and operating in Massachusetts
- Employing 1-20 full-time equivalent employees
- Current on all taxes, with annual revenue not exceeding $2,500,000
For a full list of eligibility requirements, please refer to the grant overview application, or contact us to discuss your eligibility.
What types of businesses are not eligible?
Your business might meet the requirements above but still, be ineligible to receive grant funds. Below are some examples of disqualifications:
- Nonprofit and government-owned businesses
- Franchise businesses with more than 2 locations
- Real estate rental/sales businesses
- Businesses engaged in political or lobbying activities
- Cannabis-related businesses
For a full list of eligibility requirements, please refer to the grant overview application, or contact us to discuss your eligibility.
What can I spend the money on?
Since the grant is designed to help businesses increase their digital capabilities, the grant funds must be spent on “professional services, training, digital products, or to purchase equipment/hardware.”
Below is a list of digital needs for applicants to consider, though it is not an exhaustive list. You can use the list below as a starting point for ideas:
- Digital Operations: software, POS systems, cybersecurity systems, website updates, and product photography for your website.
- E-Commerce: building an online store for your retail business, digital order fulfillment systems, and point of sale systems.
- Digital Marketing: branding, consulting with digital marketing strategists, and Search Engine Optimization.
- Capital Expenses: computers, laptops, tablets, scanners/printers for your office.
- Other Subscriptions: website hosting, plug-ins, SSL certificates, and support subscriptions.
- Digital Services: Digitizing Financial Records/Systems
- Professional Services: digital strategy development, website design or redesign, digital advertising design or strategy, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, website traffic conversion strategy, and community management strategy.
For more detailed explanations of these categories, please refer to the “Guide for Development of Digital Capabilities” from Empower Digital.
I’m ready to get started! How do I apply?
The first step is to find an SBTA sponsor who will guide you through your eligibility and application. Rise Marketing has teamed up with an experienced SBTA sponsor so when you contact us about the Empower Digital grant, we do this for you! After you contact us, you’ll have a sponsor with expertise in the grant application process as well as an experienced digital marketing agency in your corner.
We will work with you to determine the areas of your business that benefit most from the grant funds. Once we’ve identified those areas, we’ll build a Digital Development Plan detailing the deliverables, deadlines, and costs to which you’ll apply your grant funds. The Digital Development Plan must be included in your application. Rest assured that we will work with you and your SBTA sponsor to put forth a plan that strengthens your application and, when implemented, helps your business’s bottom line!
Along with your Digital Development Plan, you’ll need to include some documentation pertaining to your business. Best to start compiling these documents soon to avoid any delays!
- Copy of Latest Federal Business Tax Return
- IRS W-9 Form
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Business Certificate
- Copy of Business Owner’s Photo ID
- Proposals/Quotes/Receipts/Invoices/Screenshot from vendors
Rise Marketing Group – Your Empower Digital Partner
Rise is performance-driven marketing with experience in SEO, SEM, copywriting, web design, e-commerce, and more. For a full list of our services, visit our Services page. As experts in all things digital marketing, we’ve helped applicants and grantees alongside a trusted SBTA sponsor. We’re ready to help you and your business not only in the application process but in the ensuing marketing project. Contact us today to get started!
