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

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

“This stimulus program follows the highly successful grant program that we launched in May of this year,” said Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing. “While providing nearly $300,000 of much-needed marketing grants to local advertisers, we gained great insights into the challenges that small business owners are facing. We’ve developed our stimulus program to meet those challenges and help local business not only recover, but flourish, in today’s business climate.”

Sound Publishing will make up to $500,000 available to locally owned and operated businesses through monthly grants ranging from $500 to $20,000. It will provide matching advertising credits for use in print and digital products. The grants will be awarded immediately and will be effective January, February and March of 2021.

“The goal of the local business stimulus program is to assist our clients and small businesses effectively communicate with their customers regardless of the external challenges they face, said Advertising Director Carrie Radcliff. The Daily Herald has made significant investments in multi-platform communication technologies that allow our clients to have one–on-one conversations with their customers, which is essential in these business conditions. We’ve heard from partners big and small how significant the grant program was at a time when they needed it the most, Radcliff added. Now it’s time to focus on the future and help them move forward.”

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

Here’s how the marketing grant program works:

Businesses that serve Grays Harbor and Pacific counties fill out a grant application and request a grant amount.

Sound Publishing will review the application and respond with a decision within two business days.

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

Applications are available now at www.soundcommunitygrant.com. Applications close on Jan. 24.

Grants (upon approval) can be used through March 31.