As a contractor looking to start or grow your business, funding can be a significant challenge. One possible solution you might have heard about is the Jobber Grants program. But is it worth the time and effort to apply? Let’s explore what Jobber Grants are, why it’s worth applying, and how to increase your odds of success.
Understanding the Jobber Grant
Launched in 2020, the Jobber Grant program aims to empower contractors in the home service industry. This initiative, designed to support the growth and improvement of businesses, offers financial assistance to those who qualify. The grant provides a total of $150,000, divided into various amounts ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 among 25 recipients.
Is Applying for a Jobber Grant Worth It?
The short answer is a resounding yes. The Jobber Grants program is an excellent opportunity to secure funding for your business. The financial boost can be very helpful. It can help you invest in new equipment, increase your team size, and adopt a more aggressive marketing strategy.
Winning the grant could also be used to market your company.
Having money to market your company and grow should be a priority for any small business owner. It can be obtained by taking advantage of the resources available.
Moreover, even if you don’t win, the application process is a beneficial exercise. It forces you to think critically about your business, its future, and the strategies you’ll employ to meet your goals. This kind of reflective practice is beneficial for all business owners, regardless of whether they win a grant.
Increasing Your Odds of Winning a Jobber Grant
Understand the Eligibility Criteria:
The first step to increase your odds of winning a Jobber Grant is understanding the eligibility criteria. Jobber focuses on home service businesses such as landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, and residential cleaning, among others. Retail businesses that primarily sell goods or services online or from brick-and-mortar locations are not eligible.
Pay Attention to Business Goals:
The Jobber Grant application places 25% weight on your business goals for the next year and how the funding will support them. Spend time developing and articulating these points in your application.
Go Above and Beyond:
Approximately 75% of the decision is based on how your business goes above and beyond in areas like keeping homes safe, helping people build careers, maintaining high standards, and giving back to the community. Showcase the unique ways your business exceeds expectations.
Communicate Effectively:
Clear and concise communication is key. Make sure your application accurately represents your business and its goals. Use specific examples and data where possible to illustrate your points.
Stay Responsive:
Once your application is submitted, stay vigilant. If selected, Jobber will try to contact you, and if you don’t respond within 10 business days, you could be disqualified.
To wrap up, applying for a Jobber Grant is definitely worth the effort. The potential financial boost, coupled with the opportunity to refine your business strategy, makes the Jobber Grants program an excellent opportunity for growth.
Why is Jobber Offering This Grant Program?
Jobber has a vested interest in fostering the success of home service businesses. Their objective in launching this grant program is not just philanthropic, but also a strategic move to gain visibility for their suite of software tools designed to help launch, grow, and streamline home service businesses.
Jobber offers an impressive array of tools, but it’s often been critiqued for its usability with smaller businesses. The platform’s ease-of-use tends to favor larger companies with established teams and office workers. As a company grows, the costs of using Jobber can escalate quickly, which can be a barrier for small businesses or individual contractors trying to maintain a lean operation.
For those who find Jobber not exactly suited to their needs, an excellent alternative is Field Rocket. Field Rocket was built with the small guy in mind, and is meant to be used ‘in the field’. It not only aids in the smooth running of your operations but also integrates seamlessly with phone calls and text messages, this ensures a streamlined process and can be a game-changer for businesses.
A good mobile app can reduce the administrative workload, which helps you focus more on delivering great service to your customers.
Field Rocket is free to download and try out. This makes it a cost-effective option for small businesses. They can explore its offerings without any financial risk. If you’re a small contractor, consider giving Field Rocket a shot.
