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

Sound — which owns Sequim Gazette, Peninsula Daily News, Forks Forum and other print and online publications — will offer matching advertising grants to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $200,000 in grants will be distributed in June, July and August through the media company’s “Local Business Marketing Grant Program,” said Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing.

“That’s a big number for us. We’re a small business, too,” O’Connor said.

“Local businesses are an important part of our community,” he said. “Whether it is the jobs they create, or the services they bring, they are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.”

Monthly grants will range from $500 to $20,000 and consist of matching advertising credits. The credits can be used for Sound print and digital publications.

“Most of the advertising products we offer are eligible for the matching grants,” said Terry Ward, vice president of Sound Publishing and publisher of the Sequim Gazette and other Sound publications on the North Olympic Peninsula.

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

“Our local marketing grant program is another way Sound Publishing and the Sequim Gazette looks to strengthen our communities, one business at a time,” Ward said.

The program’s online application shouldn’t “take more than five minutes to complete,” Ward said.

“We launched the program last week on social media and have already received applications from more than a half-dozen businesses on the North Olympic Peninsula and expect many more to apply in the next few weeks,” he said.

Here’s how the marketing grant program works:

Businesses that serve Clallam and Jefferson Counties fill out a grant application and request a grant amount.

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

“We’ll work with new clients and current marketing clients to develop a campaign,” Ward said.

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

Applications are available online at soundpublishing.com/grantapplication.

Businesses will have until the end of June to apply for the matching advertising grants.

Terry R. Ward

Regional Publisher

Vice President, Sound Publishing