Online Ads Grant

Up to $500 Monthly Matching-fund Grants for Social Media and Online Ads:

Supporting and assisting local small businesses in the effort to advertise online is foundational toward Turlock’s economic development as it promotes Turlock and its business community on the trillions of dollars marketplace called the internet.

As part of this effort, the City of Turlock could fund $500 in matching funds toward local businesses’ online and social media ads. 

With this idea, the City Matching-fund Grants for Online Ads component of the Small Business Assistance Program will have general criteria for the kinds of ads that we would need for our local businesses.

Intent of Social Media and Online Ads Grant:

– Develop and Increase Turlock’s Economic Footprint while promoting Turlock’s Business Community, and branding the city as a whole.

(One of only a few options to “Add” to the Economic Pool, bringing money into Turlock from outside the area – while also helping to retain local dollars.)

– Get Local Businesses Increased Reach/Exposure Throughout Social Media and Search Engines

(Priorities for online marketing and commerce)

– Measure Results

(For Local Business Success, Increases)

– Collect and Analyze Stats and Data

(For Economic Develop Strategic Planning)

– Utilize Private Sector and Not Just Government Resources/Process

(For effectiveness and cost efficiency, while including and uniting the community in a concerted effort)

Qualifying Criteria for Up To $500 Monthly Matching-fund Grants for Social Media and Online Ads:

Local Small Business – City of Turlock business license, commercial location, under 25 employees, less than $1,000,0000 annual revenue, spending less than $5,000/month on marketing/advertising

Social Media and Online Ads Grant Criteria – General:

Matching Funds for and UP TO:

Google Ads $500/month x3 = $1,500

Facebook/Instagram $500/month x3= $1,500

If a small business with a City of Turlock business license, commercial location, has under 25 employees, and less than $1,000,000 annual revenue for 2023 is currently NOT spending any money on these marketing tools, then a minimum of $250 for each area can be obtained for the first month, then use that for matching the next two months for at least $250.

City PROGRAM Matching Funds are for small businesses (less than 25 employees) and spending less than $5,000/month in marketing/advertising.

City PROGRAM will require 50% of ad spend target outside of Turlock (Ceres, Denair, Hughson, Keyes, Delhi, Hilmar, Patterson, Newman, Gustine, Oakdale, Riverbank, Oakdale, Waterford, and Modesto).

City PROGRAM will require ads to include “TURLOCK” in all CAPS.

City PROGRAM FREE Consultation/Coaching will be open to ALL participating businesses UP TO 1/2 HOUR OR In-person Workshops.

City PROGRAM will require email/text opt-in for communications from the City of Turlock and/or the program administrator.

City PROGRAM will require receipts or proof of ad spend and details such as screenshots of the campaigns, reports of cost, metrics of results (reach, impressions, clicks, percentages of increase, etc), and either profit or revenue changes by percentage (business identity will be masked at the program level).

City PROGRAM will require a City Administrator (in-house and/or contracted) to provide RESULTS REPORTS each month to the City Manager and/or City Council.