PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — New Ventures Maine invites businesses with five or fewer employees and gross sales of $250,000 or less to apply for a mini-grant to augment their marketing budget with up to $500.
New Ventures awards cash mini-grants of up to $500 to microenterprises in Aroostook County through a competitive application process to support a variety of marketing projects. The organization will choose businesses to receive the grants; winners must kick in 25 percent in matching funds. Non-profits are not eligible.
“With all the emerging technology, exploring new marketing approaches can seem out of reach,” said Karin Petrin, microenterprise specialist at New Ventures Maine’s Presque Isle office.
“This is a great opportunity to explore those new methods and determine results without as much risk from day-to-day operating budgets. This grant can cover a significant portion of some marketing projects.”
According to Petrin, the NVME marketing mini-grant program strengthens access to markets for entrepreneurs by supporting the development of professional, well-planned marketing tools, materials, and activities. The funding can support new or expanded business marketing and promotion, although not product production or purchase of equipment, tools, furnishings or other fixed assets.
During the last round of grants in May in Aroostook County, First Mile Brewing Co. of Fort Kent received a mini-grant. Statewide, New Ventures offices awarded funds to help businesses develop an online presence through a website and Facebook ads, as well as design and build outdoor signage.
To apply, submit an application at https://newventuresmaine.org/programs/start-a-business/marketing-mini-grants/, or by written application.
For more information, contact Petrin at (207) 768-9468 or email karin.petrin@maine.edu.
New Ventures is a statewide organization serving all 16 Maine counties from nine centers and outreach sites, offering skills development, career planning, entrepreneurship and financial management. Visit newventuresmaine.org for more details.
