N.J. Launches Program To Give Free Marketing Services To Small Businesses
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) offers free marketing services to small business owners looking to expand their online presence.
The e-commerce small business relief program was launched this month as part of the state's Main Street Recovery Funding Program, a $100 million small business relief program included in the state's Economic Recovery Act of 2020. The pilot program was initially funded with $1 million to help small businesses develop and improve their websites and improve e-commerce, online ordering and appointment booking platforms.
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"We're trying to alleviate some of the stress and pain points of running a small business," said Cristina Fuentes, NJEDA's vice president of community and business development.
According to Fuentes, the program aims to offset some of the costs of running the business and help owners attract new customers.
Is your business eligible?
Your business must be based in New Jersey and in the restaurant, retail, or personal care industry. You must also meet the US Small Business Administration's definition of a small business (usually fewer than 500 employees) and be in good standing with the New Jersey Department of Taxation. If you meet these requirements and more, you can apply here.
If you are accepted into the program, you will work directly with one of NJEDA's seven marketing and consulting firms, and the state will then pay $11,400 in services. These services may include designing and developing websites, implementing online ordering and scheduling systems, and developing an online marketing plan.
How will business owners work with retailers?
Dania Ceruti, Founder and CEO of Camden Marketing and PR 360, one of seven marketing companies selected for the program, says her company has created marketing service templates that are ready once a client is accepted. .
"We mutually agree on a plan that outlines the results up front so the business owner understands exactly what they're going to get," he said. "We want to work with someone who is prepared, willful and sensitive."
Phyllis Laca, founder of Masterpiece Advertising in Atlantic City, another marketing firm participating in the program, takes a similar approach.
“Once eligibility is determined, we will schedule a meeting with each client to determine their unique needs regarding our e-commerce and marketing services,” Laca said. “After assessing their needs, we will develop and submit a proposal, and once approved, we will begin developing and implementing solutions, gathering customer feedback and feedback and keeping the lines of communication open throughout. throughout the process."
How long is the program?
Marketing consultants involved with the program say a small business can expect a project to take two to eight weeks. And while all costs are covered by the government, there may be ongoing costs after the program ends, such as monthly e-commerce platform fees. In addition, there are necessary internal investments which must ensure the continued implementation of the marketing plan drawn up by the consultants.
"After building the website and creating all of the e-commerce platforms and campaigns, we leave it all to the client," Ceruti said. "They are ready, but then they have to be ready to go on."
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NJEDA's Fuentes said small businesses participating in the program need to be fully invested.
"It's really important for the small business owner to be willing to work with the consultant and to have realistic expectations of what the consultant is doing and what they need to do to make the project a success," said he declared. "Some of them may require internal changes and more work, and may be difficult at first, but good results should be achieved in the long run."
Who should apply?
The program is only a pilot program, but Fuentes said more funds will become available in the future if it meets its goals of helping small businesses in the state.
LACA also encourages businesses in eligible areas, as well as businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, and veterans with disabilities, to register.
"Small businesses are the engine of our country's economy," he said. “We are delighted that the State is granting us funds to support them, help them modernize, improve their digital presence and, ultimately, help them develop their activities.”
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