$10,000 Digital Grants To Help Two Local Stores Compete Online

By Heather Ducharme

When it comes to shopping, consumers want the best of both worlds:using online resources to make in-store purchases. In fact, 71% of shoppers who use their mobile device to research online while in-store say it’s important to their experience.

Last year, the Downtown Alliance awarded its first Downtown Digital Innovation Grant to Martin Busch Jewelers. The women-owned and operated family business used their $10,000 winnings to take professional photos of their inventory and showcase it on both their website and Instagram. As a result, they’ve seen almost a 50 percent increase in website traffic over the past few months. And with the help of a consultant, they boosted their social media followers, set up a Facebook Shop and are now able to sell products via Instagram. Now, the mother-daughter duo plans to build on their digital success by continuing to expand their digital presence and better connect with their customers.

This year, the Alliance is looking to double its impact. Applications opened this week for the Innovation Grant and this time, two storefront businesses in the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District will win grants of up to $10,000 for tech improvements. The Alliance will help match each business with an expert to help create a blueprint for their online business and achieve their digital goals.

Apply Here!

Applications are open until March 20th.

If you have any questions or need help with the application, contact Heather Ducharme at [email protected]