Digital Marketing Challenge (DMC) Microgrant Program

Overview

The Digital Marketing Challenge (DMC) Microgrant Program provides financial grants of up to $1,000 to eligible members of the Bowie State University (BSU) Community and neighboring Prince George’s County areas. Tailored to support underrepresented entrepreneurs, this program targets specific digital marketing challenges within their businesses.

Key Features

  • Financial grants of up to $1000
  • Targeted workshops to enhance digital marketing skills
  • Application process includes pitch deck and video submission
  • Emphasis on projects with a clear return on investment
  • Aligned with the strategic objectives of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC), the DMC Microgrant Program aims to:
    • Generate additional revenue for underrepresented business owners
    • Retain and expand local business services
    • Foster engagement between businesses and the community
    • Establish a foundation for future business success

The DMC Microgrant Program seeks to empower entrepreneurs by providing resources and support to enhance their digital marketing efforts.

Applicant Requirements

To be eligible for the Digital Marketing Challenge (DMC) Microgrant Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Business must be located in the City of Bowie, Prince George’s County, or be Bowie State University (BSU) alumni, active faculty, staff, or current students.
  • Business must demonstrate a need for digital marketing support.
  • Applicants must submit a detailed application including business information, a marketing plan, and a description of how the funding will address their specific digital marketing challenge.
    • The Pitch Deck should detail your business model, target market, digital marketing strategy, and proposed project in 5 to 10 slides. Maximum file size is 10MB.
    • The video submission should introduce your business, highlight the digital marketing challenge you are facing, and outline how you plan to utilize the grant to overcome this challenge. The video should be no longer than 90 seconds.
  • Awardees must attend one of the three 1-hour Business Workshop courses offered by the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC).

Ineligible Applicants

  • Nonprofits
  • Entities engaged in activities deemed illegal under federal, state, or local law.
  • Businesses generating over one-third of their gross annual revenue from legal gambling activities.
  • Entities involved in hosting live performances of a prurient sexual nature.

Project Eligibility

To be eligible, DMC projects must yield a short-term return on investment and replicable. These include but are not limited to:

  • Marketing activities with a call to action
  • Social media – set up the platforms, create templates, develop strategies, create a content calendar, posting, etc.
  • Search engine optimization strategies
  • Targeted advertising on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Google
  • Direct mail or drip email campaign implementation
  • Web site development and copy writing
  • New sales channels including on-line shopping sites
  • Branding and logo design
  • Have a different idea? Go ahead and submit it!

Examples of projects that would not be considered as they do not typically have a measurable impact on short term revenue generation:

  • Creative or business training courses
  • Materials, supplies, cost of goods, costumes, instruments
  • Software licenses or computer equipment
  • Framing or packaging
  • rent/property expenses
  • Travel related expenses
  • Contest entry fees
  • Branded promotional products
  • Legal fees
  • Food, beverages, alcohol

Additional Information

Applications will be accepted until all available funds are awarded. With $5,000 available in the pilot program, ten businesses will be selected to receive microgrants.

Applicants can receive up to $500 for their proposed project.

Grant recipients must attend one training workshop for Digital Marketing Challenge participants between May and June 2024 and complete a minimum of one consulting session with an MWBC business consultant during the same period. Proposed training classes include topics such as Understanding Your Target Audience, Crafting Effective Marketing Messages, Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth, and Implementing SEO Strategies.

The proposed project being submitted must be implemented within 1 month of the award being issued.

Grant funds will be disbursed after proof of the applicant’s project completion, including paid receipts.

Grant recipients must agree to share business revenue and profit information before and after the project is completed during counseling sessions to measure the pilot program’s success.

MWBC reserves the sole right to amend, modify, add, or delete any part or subpart of this Program. Additionally, MWBC reserves the sole right to accept, reject, or modify any application.

The application must be completed online using the link below, but to help applicants prepare for the questions, view a copy of the Digital Marketing (DMC) Microgrant Program application here. 

For more information, contact BSU WBC Program Manager, Francisco Cartagena at francisco@marylandwbc.org

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