Georgetown BID Digital Marketing Assistance Program
Overview
*This program has closed and we are not accepting applications at this time.*
During the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative that our small businesses adapt and reach their customers digitally through a strong online presence and e-commerce platform. The Georgetown Business Improvement District is expanding its technical assistance program to include digital marketing for BID member small businesses that need help with:
- Creating or refining an online store, e-commerce platform, and/or social media presence
- Promoting their business online
- Creating a more functional website (improved SEO, UX design, etc)
We have contracted with local digital marketing, design and development firms and consultants, who will offer consultations and services. Additionally, we may engage Georgetown BID staff and business-member peers to assist members, depending on need and availability.
If you are a Georgetown BID member and would like to engage a digital marketing consultant / firm, please fill out this application. If selected, the BID will connect your business with a consultant or firm, with whom you will enter into an agreement that lays out the terms and conditions of their service.
The BID will pay for initial consultation and work, not to exceed $2,500 or 25 hours per member, depending on the consultant / firm, and the level and type of expertise your business requires. The BID has a limited budget for this program and will try to accommodate as many businesses as possible.
Eligibility
If you run a business and are a Georgetown BID member, you are eligible to request services. This program is intended primarily for small businesses who could greatly benefit from an improved online presence and who have the time and willingness to put in the work required to ensure a successful end result.
How to Apply & Program Timeline
*This program has closed and we are not accepting applications at this time.*
Please fill out this application. The BID will evaluate your request, and if you are accepted, you will be sent two documents to sign (unless otherwise noted). One is an agreement between your business and the BID, and the second is an agreement between your business and the firm or consultant that we have assigned to you. You will be connected with the firm or consultant, and will work with them moving forward. Your up to 25 hours of work with the firm or consultant will likely be over a four- to six-week duration – though it may be shorter or longer, depending on project type and availability.
Applications opened in September. We will continue pairing those who are accepted on a rolling basis – likely into November / December. You should hear from us within four days of applying.
If you have questions, email us at TAProgram@georgetowndc.com. Please include a phone number where we can reach you. We will try to get back to you within 24 hours.
Award Determination
The BID would like to be able to assist every business that applies for digital marketing assistance. However it has approved a limited budget for this program. Applications will be evaluated based on need, member investment in the program, and availability of funding. There is no guarantee that an application will be approved.
Program Cost
The BID will pay for up to $2,500 of services for each member that is approved. This covers up to 25 hours of consultation and/or design and development services, depending on the firm or consultant and the level of expertise that your business requires. Not all approved members are guaranteed $2,500 in services; the BID will determine your award amount based on your project needs and our budget.
Additional services may be procured from the firm or consultant but will be billed to the business.
Consultant Selection & BID Role
The BID released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to several digital marketing firms and consultants, and selected firms and consultants based on their responses, qualifications, and references.
You will fill out an application that asks you to specify what type of help you need. Our staff will do its best to match you to a firm or consultant that possesses the skills and knowledge you need. At our discretion, we may also direct you to additional, outside resources.
The BID will not have any role or responsibility after connecting you with a firm or consultant, other than paying for the agreed amount of services. The BID does not guarantee the quality of the service you may receive and is not responsible for any errors or losses that may occur as a result of the consultation advice or design / development services.
Contract Requirements
Unless otherwise noted, businesses will sign an agreement with the firm or consultant outlining the terms and conditions under which the services are provided. You are not obligated to pay for services beyond what the BID will pay, though you are free to do so at your discretion, if you wish to use more than $2,500 of services. You are also not obligated to accept or act on any consultation advice that may be provided to you.
In order to receive services through this program you will sign an agreement with the BID in addition to the agreement you sign with the firm or consultant. This agreement will simply lay out the term under which the BID will pay the costs of your firm or consultant, and make clear that the BID is not responsible for any advice given or services provided.
Questions
You can email us at TAProgram@georgetowndc.com. Please include a phone number where we can reach you. We will try to get back to you within 24 hours.