Website Grant

Up To $500 Matching-fund Grants for Websites:

Supporting and assisting local small businesses in the effort to have a website 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’ websites. We will also work to obtain “Website Grants” from the larger private sector companies that do not need to be distributed by or through the government process.

With this idea, the City Matching-fund Grants for Websites component of the Small Business Assistance Program will have general criteria for the kinds of websites that we would need for our local businesses. The program could have several website developers offering a donation toward our Website Grants program, however, we would need some criteria to be met for the functionality of the businesses while also requiring the ability to track measurable results with accessible stats and data.

Intent of Website Grant:

– Develop and Increase Turlock’s Economic Footprint on the World Wide Web/Internet

(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 Online with Websites

(The base 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 Matching-fund Grants for Websites:

Local Small Business – City of Turlock business license, commercial location, under 50  employees, less than $1,000,0000 annual revenue, spending less than $5,000/month on marketing/advertising

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

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 receipts or proof of work or services, and details such as before/after screenshots of the website, metrics of results (visits, impressions, conversions, percentages of increase, etc).

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.

Website Grant Criteria – General:

Required – Commonly Used Open Source Scripts or Software

(Can’t have custom or obscure coding and functionality that may leave a business client stranded if there’s any separation from a provider that occurs. Also, we have to have guarantees that the website can facilitate content management systems, e-ecommerce solutions, and social media connectivity – all while being capable of the business client to update their own website.)

Suggested Examples – WordPress, Shopify

(Commonly used website scripts/programs that can facilitate content management systems, e-ecommerce solutions, and social media connectivity – all while being capable of the business client to update their own website.)

Required: Commonly Used Hosting/Server Provider

(Can’t have custom or obscure access and/or functionality that may leave a business client stranded if there’s any separation from a provider that occurs. Also, we have to have guarantees that the hosting/server can facilitate content management systems, e-ecommerce solutions, social media connectivity, and email hosting – all while being capable of the business client to update their own website.)

Suggested Example: WP Engine, Shopify, GoDaddy, bluehost, HostGator, etc

Commonly used hosting/server providers that can facilitate content management systems, e-ecommerce solutions, social media connectivity, and email hosting – all while being capable of the business client to update their own website.)

Required: Mobile Compatibility and Design

Required: Platform SEO Enhancement Criteria Capabilities

Required: Social Media Sharing Capabilities

Required: Basic Instructions for Self-Updating of Content

Required: Timely Publishing, Completion

(Suggested Examples: 2 Weeks from Scheduled Start Date, 2 Months from Accepted Grants)