Women, Work & Community to hold mini-grant sessions

    Microenterprises throughout Aroostook County are encouraged to apply for Women, Work, and Community’s marketing mini-grants program. The next deadline for the Aroostook County grants program is Sept. 15, with grants to be awarded in October.
    Women, Work, and Community offers four quarterly grant cycles each year. Two types of mini-grants are available: cash grants of up to $400, and advertising grants with WAGM-TV (50 business card airings, valued at $260). Individual entrepreneurs and small businesses with four or fewer employees may apply. Nonprofit groups are not eligible for the mini-grant program. Successful proposals will focus on marketing, branding, and access to new markets for Aroostook County microenterprises. Men, women, and all entrepreneurs are welcome to apply.
    Past grant recipients have used mini-grant funds to build websites; develop logos and branding materials; produce business cards and brochures; purchase banners or business signage; promote their products and services at events; advertise their businesses through television, radio, print, or trade shows; promote their business through direct mail and online advertising; and collaborate with other small businesses to reach new markets.
    For more information or to request a mini-grant application for your business marketing project, contact Women, Work, and Community at 764-0050 or email erica.quineaster@maine.edu.
    Women, Work, and Community also invites larger businesses and local individuals to serve as sponsors for the marketing mini-grant program. Your tax-deductible contribution of $400 to Women, Work, and Community will underwrite one marketing mini-grant cycle, supporting small business development in Aroostook county. Sponsors are recognized in all marketing and publicity for the mini-grants program. For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Women, Work, and Community at 764-0050 or email erica.quineaster@maine.edu.