Capital Gazette, Baltimore Sun Highlight AAEDC Digital Services Relief Grant

Capital Gazette published the following article after AAEDC, alongside Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, announced the launch of its new Digital Services Grant (DSG):

Anne Arundel County businesses could receive up to $10,000 in new grant to boost social media platforms and online advertising ahead of holiday season

The article was also published by The Baltimore Sun.

Looking at why the program focuses on small businesses and nonprofits, as well as why its arrival is so well-timed, the article included the following commentary from Rosa Cruz, AAEDC Vice President of Communications:

“I think it’s important these particular small businesses have the platforms and the communication channels that they’re going to need to be able to compete during the holiday season.”

It also included commentary from AAEDC CEO Ben Birge, who said: “While many programs have provided much-needed direct relief to help small businesses and nonprofits survive the pandemic, the Digital Services Grant is an especially powerful one because it’s focused on strengthening them for the future,” said AAEDC CEO Ben Birge. “It will not only help brick-and-mortar businesses and nonprofits engage with their past and present customers and stakeholders as the economy continues to reopen, but will also allow them to reach new audiences and improve their ability to do business in the digital world.”

Funded with $500,000 in federal American Recovery Act funds designated by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the program seeks to help small brick-and-mortar businesses and nonprofits in Anne Arundel County do business in an increasingly digital economy by offering grants of up to $10,000 for the new purchase of, or subscription to, digital platforms and services including email and mobile marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), customer rewards/loyalty, e-commerce (online ordering/sales), and website and social media advertising.