The City of Soldotna seeks to partner with local business owners to share the cost of establishing or improving an existing business website, as well as any integrated social media and marketing programs, to increase their online presence.
The Virtual Storefront Improvement Program seeks to expand the marketplace for local goods and services by assisting businesses develop or expand their online presence. The City will contribute 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $1,000.
Shannon Davis, Executive Director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, says that this is an extension of the city’s longstanding program rewarding businesses for improving their brick-and-mortar storefronts: “The City of Soldotna has done such a fantastic job of really trying to dig down and figure out ways to help their businesses during this time. They have done the Storefront Improvement Project for years now, where they give grants to businesses who are wanting to improve the way the outside of their business looks. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been nimble, as so many of our businesses have, and they’re now accepting applications for a Virtual Storefront Improvement Program.”
She added that there are 15 $1,000 grants available, and that it’s easy to apply: “It’s a very easy application process. You can go onto Soldotna.org/storefront, also, you can check out our e-news blast or just give me a call and I’ll direct you to where you need to go, and you can apply for 75% of eligible costs to improve your website. This includes web design services, purchase of domain names, security certificates, maintenance agreements, and just improving the functionality of an existing website.”
Guidelines and applications are now available for the Virtual Storefront Program.