Nestled on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, Kent County appeared to have it all: bucolic scenery, quaint downtowns, and an established tourism following. But like many small businesses in America, Kent County proprietors faced lean staffing and limited marketing resources. To help local businesses better position their offerings and expand their following, Kent County asked us to provide marketing support to its small business community.
With funding support from the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC), which fosters economic growth throughout the region, Kent County and PPR Strategies developed an application-based, micro-grant program that provided one-to-one coaching, webinars, and 90-day marketing plans for area businesses. Once selected, the grantees would receive targeted support from PPR Strategies.
During Fall 2020, 15 small businesses received marketing support from PPR Strategies. Ranging from spas to riding stables, marinas to distilleries, their needs were diverse, and the resources provided were, too. From refreshing web copy to creating social media plans, writing press releases to marketing promotions, we recommended affordable tactics for small business success.
Creating a close-knit business culture encourages the development of industry clusters. When we give small businesses the resources to succeed, they feel a real connection to the communities they serve.
