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Downtown Rochester MN
Downtown Rochester MN

Downtown Business Marketing Matching Grant Program

The Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) is excited to offer a Downtown Co-Marketing Reimbursement Grant through a gift from the Mayo Clinic to support Downtown businesses during this time of construction and transformation. This grant is designed to help businesses amplify their marketing efforts and enhance their customer experience through additional marketing efforts, ensuring Downtown remains a vibrant and engaging destination. A business located within the district can be reimbursed for up to 50% of their marketing costs for eligible projects up to $2,000.

Purpose & Overview

  • This grant is a 1:1 matching program, meaning businesses must invest their own funds, which will then be matched by the grant, up to a predetermined amount.
    • For example, if you were to invest $3500 in total for a new bus advertising asset, RDA will reimburse you for half, for $1750.)
  • The goal is to increase marketing efforts and customer experience initiatives, not to replace or subsidize existing budgets.
  • Must be used for initiatives that drive increased customer engagement, foot traffic, and visibility for Downtown businesses.
  • Any property or business owner whose property lies within the Special Services District (downtown Rochester) is eligible for the program.
  • Applications will open April 10, 2025, and will remain open until funds (up to $150,000 in total) are allocated.
  • Each business may apply once for up to $2,000 in total grant funds.
  • Grant funds may be used for multiple marketing enhancements, not necessarily just one campaign or asset.

Eligible Uses for Funds

Businesses may apply for funds to support initiatives such as:

  • Enhanced marketing campaigns (digital advertising, print, social media, influencer partnerships, etc.)
  • New signage, displays, or brand activations to attract customers
  • Hosting events, pop-ups, or in-store experiences to drive engagement
  • Lighting, décor, or enhancements that improve the customer experience
  • Other creative ideas that align with the program’s goals (subject to approval)

What’s Not Covered

  • General operating expenses (e.g., rent, payroll, utilities)
  • Routine expenses already in a business’s existing marketing budget
  • Projects that do not directly enhance marketing or the customer experience

How It Works

1. Application Submission

  • Businesses must submit a brief application outlining their proposed initiative, budget, and expected impact, using this online form.
  • Applications will be reviewed to ensure alignment with the program’s goals.

2. Approval & Agreement

  • If approved, businesses will receive confirmation of the grant match and the maximum amount RDA will contribute.

3. Investment & Execution

  • Businesses must invest their own funds first into the approved initiative.
  • Once the project is complete, businesses will submit receipts and proof of execution (copy of ad, screenshot of digital ad, etc.).
  • If the applicant fails to turn in receipts and documentation that the ad ran for an approved application, the application approval will be rescinded, and the applicant will no longer be eligible to collect on the reimbursement.

4. Reimbursement

  • RDA will match the investment (up to the agreed amount and no more than 50% of the project total) and issue reimbursement.
  • All claims must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
  • Notice: Invoices, estimates, quotes, insertion orders, ad agreements, in-kind or trade documents will not be accepted as proof of payment. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in voiding of your application and/or agreement.

Additional Guardrails & Considerations

  • Businesses must affirm that these funds are being used in addition to, not in replacement of, existing marketing budgets. While we won’t audit financials, we expect good faith participation. The goal of this initiative is to increase marketing Downtown.
  • Projects must be started by August 31, 2025.
  • Limited funding is available, so applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.

How to Apply

Click here to fill out the interest form. All applicants will be followed up with an RDA team member.