Selecting a Vendor:
 

1. Choose a Vendor: Select an authorized vendor from the Homes & Zones community to work with.
    

Planning:
 

1. Obtain a Proposal: Request a quote or proposal from the vendor that outlines the scope of work based on your business objectives.

2. Sign a Contract: Enter into a contract with the vendor that specifies the scope of work and monthly fees.

3. Agree on Payment Terms: Ensure that you and the vendor agree on payment terms for any costs not covered by the grant.

4. Conditional Contract: The contract can be made conditional upon approval of your grant.

5. Minimum Commitment: The contract should cover a digital strategy of at least 12 months to ensure effectiveness and measurable results.

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Applying:
 

Applications are submitted by the vendor and must include the following:

1. A copy of the signed contract between you and the vendor.

2. A copy of the quote/proposal outlining the scope of work and your digital marketing objectives.
    

The proposal must clearly demonstrate how the scope of work aligns with your business objective. The contract must:
 

• Be conditional upon grant approval (if necessary).

• Cover a minimum 12-month digital strategy.

• Indicate satisfactory payment terms for costs not covered by the grant.

The vendor must also provide a written recommendation supporting your inclusion in the grant program, explaining why the proposed strategy is viable for achieving your digital marketing objectives.
 

Getting Approved:
 

1. Approval Timeline: The approval process takes up to 7 days from the date your grant application is received.

2. Request for Information: Any requests for missing or incorrect information must be addressed within 7 days.

3. Notification: You will receive an email notification of approval or rejection at the email address on file.

4. Service Commencement: Once approved, services must begin within 30 days.
    

How Can You Use Your Grant?

Eligibility Criteria for the Homes & Zones Digital Adoption Program:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a for-profit business.

• The company must be legally registered or incorporated.

• Have an operational website solely dedicated to the business’s purpose.

• Have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in the most recent tax year.

• Must not have previously received a digital adoption grant.

• Have primary operations that are not dependent on internet-based platforms.
   

Ineligible Companies:

The following types of organizations are not eligible to apply:

• Non-profit organizations or charities

• Corporate chains

• Franchises

• Brokerages (Mortgage, insurance and real estate industries)
   

Grant funds may be used for the following digital marketing services:

• Implementing a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

• Enhancing social media engagement.

• Improving a website if done in combined with SEO or social media efforts.

• Completing a website audit and SEO audit of your business’s online presence.
   

The grant proceeds are paid directly to the vendor and applied as an upfront payment toward your agreement. The $2,000 grant will be allocated to your monthly payments, less the 25% co-pay, gradually reducing the amount of the grant until it is fully utilized.

For example: