ConnectLocal is an initiative created by the Tulsa Global District designed to support small businesses in East Tulsa by enhancing their digital presence. The program provides assistance with developing advertisements for Meta platforms, scheduling and paying for ad placements to generate leads, prospects, and sales through effective calls-to-action (CTAs). This program will provide awards to qualifying businesses in the form of paid digital media between November 2024 – January 2025.

The ConnectLocal Grant Initiative awardees are determined by a competitive process. Funds are limited and subject to availability. Applications will be accepted until 10/11. They will be reviewed by the committee, and funding decisions will be communicated within 2 weeks.

Marketing Support Areas: Paid Digital Media

• Meta. (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)

• Other paid digital media as identified by team. (if applicably)

The Tulsa Global District will not award cash amounts to grant recipients.

The campaign will be implemented by the Global District on the businesses' respective social media accounts.

Qualifications

Assistance is limited to Global District area companies that meet the following criteria:

• Operate a licensed business in Tulsa to manufacture, assemble and/or distribute a product, or service.

• Are in good standing with the Oklahoma Department of Revenue and the IRS;

• Agree to provide their sales dollars resulting from the program on a regular and timely basis.

• Agree to participate in ongoing evaluations (including surveys) resulting from the program.

• Priority will be given to small businesses with less than 5 employees and non-traditional business owners and concepts, specifically minority-owned enterprises.

The program is open to businesses that are either newly established or have been in operation for several years, provided they are registered in the state of Oklahoma. Priority will be given to businesses located within the Tulsa Global District area.

Ineligible Businesses

• Businesses without a physical presence in the Global District and not headquartered in the state.

• Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, regardless of whether the entity is registered as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19).

• Passive businesses, investment companies, and investors who file a Schedule E on their tax returns.

• Financial institutions or businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks, finance companies, and factoring companies.

• Businesses engaged in any activity that is unlawful under federal, state, or local law.

• Businesses that restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity.

• Speculative businesses.

Areas not supported by this grant:

• Encouraging investment in any digital asset or promoting statements around the price of digital assets.

• Marketing or promoting any product or feature that promise interest, a dividend, or other appreciation return.

  Selection Criteria

  Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Business Location: Preference will be given to businesses located within the Tulsa Global District.

  • Digital Presence Needs: Evaluation of the business’s current digital presence and the potential impact of the ConnectLocal program on improving it.

  • Program Fit: Alignment with the objectives and goals of the ConnectLocal program.

   

  Program Benefits

  • Advertisement Development: Assistance with creating effective advertisements tailored to Meta platforms.

  • Ad Scheduling and Payment: Management of ad scheduling and payment to maximize reach and impact.

  • Lead Generation: Strategies to drive leads, prospects, and sales through optimized calls-to-action.

    Conditions and Rules

    • Business Registration: Applicants must be registered in the state of Oklahoma.

    • Location Requirement: Preference is given to businesses located in the Tulsa Global District area.

    • Program Participation: Businesses selected for the program must commit to participating fully and engaging with ConnectLocal’s support services.

    • Advertising Content: All advertisements must comply with Meta's advertising policies and guidelines.

    • Reporting: Participants must provide feedback and performance data as required by the program to help assess the impact and success of the ConnectLocal initiative.

    Terms and Conditions for Program Participation

    By participating in the ConnectLocal program, selected businesses agree to the following terms and conditions:

    1. Provision of Materials:

    • Participants must provide necessary materials such as photographs, logos, and other assets in the specified formats and within the given deadlines. This is essential for the Tulsa Global District (TGD) team to create effective advertising materials for the campaigns.

    2. Content Creation:

    • Participants commit to generating business-related content at least twice a week. Consistent content creation is crucial for maintaining an active digital presence and achieving the program's objectives.

    3. Communication:

    • Participants must maintain regular communication with their TGD representative. This includes responding promptly to feedback and updates, participating in scheduled meetings, and collaborating closely to optimize campaign performance.

    4. Lead Management:

    • Participants are responsible for engaging with and following up on leads generated through digital channels. This involves promptly responding to inquiries and managing interactions with potential customers to maximize conversion opportunities.

    1. Compliance and Adherence:

    • All advertising content must adhere to Meta’s advertising policies and guidelines. Participants are expected to ensure that all materials comply with these standards to avoid any issues with ad approval or account suspension.

    2. Program Participation:

    • Active participation and collaboration are required throughout the program. This includes engaging in program activities, providing timely feedback, and making necessary adjustments based on performance metrics.

    3. Performance and Accountability:

    • A demonstrated lack of participation, failure to meet content creation requirements, or non-compliance with program conditions may result in the participant being removed from the program. The TGD reserves the right to terminate participation if these conditions are not met.

    4. Feedback and Reporting:

    • Participants agree to provide feedback and performance data as requested. This helps the TGD team assess the effectiveness of the program and make necessary improvements.

    5. Program Changes:

    • The TGD reserves the right to modify program terms and conditions as needed. Participants will be informed of any changes and are expected to comply with updated guidelines.

    6. Confidentiality:

    • All information shared between the participant and the TGD team during the program is confidential. Participants must not disclose program details or proprietary information to third parties without prior consent.