Sound Publishing grants to help firms affected by COVID-19

EVERETT — Sound Publishing is launching a new program to help local companies spread the news that they’re open for business.

Sound, which owns The Daily Herald and other print and online publications, will offer matching advertising grants to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $200,000 in grants will be distributed in June, July and August through the media company’s “Local Business Marketing Grant Program,” said Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing and publisher of The Herald.

“That’s a big number for us. We’re a small business, too,” O’Connor said.

“Local businesses are an important part of our community,” he said. “Whether it is the jobs they create, or the services they bring, they are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.”

Monthly grants will range from $500 to $20,000 and consist of matching advertising credits. The credits can be used for Sound print and digital publications.

“Most of the advertising products we offer are eligible for the matching grants,” O’Connor said.

For example, a company that’s interested in spending $1,000 for advertising would be eligible for a $1,000 credit, he said.

“Our local marketing grant program is another way Sound Media looks to strengthen our communities, one business at a time,” O’ Connor said.

The program’s online application shouldn’t “take more than five minutes to complete,” O’Connor said.

Clay Erickson, fourth-generation co-owner of Erickson Furniture in Everett, plans to take advantage of the program.

“This is a great way to help businesses get up and going in these crazy times. This will maximize my ad dollars,” said Erickson, who looks forward to reopening the store in June.

Here’s how the marketing grant program works:

Businesses that serve Snohomish County fill out a grant application and request a grant amount.

Sound Publishing will review the application and respond with a decision in two business days, said Carrie Radcliff, advertising director of The Daily Herald.

“We’ll work with new clients and current marketing clients to develop a campaign,” Radcliff said.

There are no restrictions on the type or size of businesses that can apply.

Applications are available on Monday at soundpublishing.com/grantapplication/

Businesses will have until the end of June to apply for the matching advertising grants.

Janice Podsada; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3097; Twitter: JanicePods