The Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) played a vital role in supporting small and minority-owned businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnering with Duke University, the City of Durham, and Durham County government, CSBDF launched a program providing grants of up to $10,000 and low-cost loans ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This initiative created or saved 103 full-time jobs and injected over $900,000 in grants into small businesses, offering much-needed relief during challenging times.
Through its broader multi-sector partnerships across North Carolina, CSBDF administered approximately $8.7 million in grants and $7.6 million in loans, providing financial assistance to 863 businesses. These efforts ensured that businesses not only survived the pandemic but also laid the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability.
The success of these programs was amplified by the strategic rebranding and relaunch of CSBDF’s website, which streamlined access to resources and enhanced user engagement. Coupled with an effective media outreach strategy, CSBDF’s programs and client success stories gained widespread recognition, with features in Triangle Business Journal, News & Observer, Black Enterprise Magazine, and CNBC.
By combining innovative program design, impactful storytelling, and a refreshed online presence, CSBDF was able to significantly boost awareness and participation in their grant and loan programs. These efforts not only helped businesses recover but also reinforced CSBDF’s mission of fostering economic opportunity and community resilience across North Carolina.
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TESTIMONIAL:
"While you may hire Alisha Monique as your media relations consultant, she will quickly become a trusted advisor who is a key part of your team. I met Alisha when she and her team managed communications for the Carolina Small Business Development Fund. From the moment she joined the team, she was an asset. During the contract, a local publication wrote a negative article about CSBDF. Alisha managed the situation deftly and even convinced the reporter to write a follow-up piece about the organization.
Her team also updated all of our marketing materials and launched a new website. The new site has significantly increased our monthly traffic numbers and leads. Our new branding was a key part of our strategic plans to expand our services and increase the number of people we impact throughout North Carolina. Most media relations firms can get media placements. Alisha and her team create and execute strategies that impact your bottom line and that’s how her firm is different.." - Frank Pollock, President of The Pioneer Group
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