The City of Las Cruces’ Economic Development Department, in partnership with New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, will help local Las Cruces businesses bolster their social media accounts to increase business sales with free support. Applications are open for small business owners throughout the community to receive free social media assistance.
“The City of Las Cruces is pleased to continue our partnership with NMSU Arrowhead Center to support the second Social Media Program for local businesses,” said City of Las Cruces Economic Development Director Elizabeth Teeters. “As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the current economic climate, we want to ensure that we are working to provide the tools and resources businesses need to be successful in an ever-increasing online consumer market.”
With support from Arrowhead Center’s marketing team and working with students from NMSU, local businesses can start or grow their social media presence from February to May.
“We encourage all Las Cruces businesses to apply,” said Peter Knapp, creative lead and facilitator for the Social Media Program at Arrowhead Center. “It’s more important than ever for businesses to have a digital presence online and connect with all demographics of their customer base.”
After applications are received, Arrowhead Center will host trainings for business owners. Each business will have a student dedicated to establishing and bolstering its social media channels, and a needs assessment will guide training. The one-on-one training will cover up to two social media accounts identified by Arrowhead Center and the business as most relevant and strategic for their target market. Common platforms include Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
“Business owners will be able to develop their brand awareness in new ways that can stretch across multiple types of social media and leave the program knowing how to best use social media for their specific type of customer or service,” said Knapp.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and local businesses can apply from now through the end of May. There is no fee to apply or cost for the program to the businesses. Any interested businesses may apply at https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/las-cruces-social-media-support/.