A glimmer of light for local businesses

We’re going to cross a line here, slip under (or jump over) the invisible wall separating the newspaper’s editorial department and advertising department.

The stakes are too high not to. Besides, people have no problem asking tons of questions and, to only a slightly lesser extent, telling newsroom staff what they think about, well, darn near everything.

And the message is: Stay safe but for God’s sake, don’t totally wreck the economy.

On Thursday, Brad Little announced a phasing-in process aimed at keeping Idahoans safe while unshackling businesses to a degree that at least gives them a fighting chance at survival. Critics say the governor’s plans to get most retailers back on track are too little and possibly, too late.

Just hours later, your congressman, Russ Fulcher, voted for a nearly half-trillion dollar aid package to help small businesses and hospitals while expanding COVID-19 testing, which is sorely needed in Idaho.

With less fanfare, perhaps, but holding enormous potential impact, this newspaper on Thursday announced a $1 million matching grant program to help locally owned businesses do what too many have been unable to do: Market themselves. The program opens doors not just to The Press in print and online, but to Hagadone media throughout the region.

It’s heartbreaking to see good little restaurants, coffee shops and stores closing because their thin margins barely sustained them during normal times, let alone during a pandemic. The matching grant program offers real help for as little as $250 a month and goes all the way up to $10,000 a month. The program runs May through July.

Unlike the old days, when a retailer would purchase an ad in the newspaper and hope for good results, Press marketing staff now have access to more data than many business owners possess, which can help guide the wisest, best-targeted advertising campaigns.

It feels awkward making a pitch that will also help the local newspaper company, but the truth is that this newspaper and the business community have been partners for almost 130 years. We have always helped each other.

If you have a favorite store, eatery, shop or other locally owned business that you want to help, give them this tip: Have them check out matchgrant.hagadonemediagroup.com

There are details about the program, and an application form that takes just a few minutes to fill out. All applicants will be contacted within two business days.

It’s a tiny investment in time that could pay big dividends to local businesses and the community that loves them.