Runway to Success Program Powered by Southwest Airlines
Funding Amount
Two Southwest Airlines one-way e-passes per awardee
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Runway to Success Program Powered by Southwest Airlines
Program Type: Travel awards for business marketing, sales, and workforce training
Overview:
AAEDC initiative in partnership with Southwest Airlines that provides qualified small businesses with travel awards to support out-of-state travel for sales and marketing opportunities or workforce training and professional development.
- Award Structure: Two Southwest Airlines one-way e-passes per awardee
- Award Recipients: Up to 10 travel awards per year (initial program launched with 10 awards)
- Travel Destinations: Southwest Airlines destinations including Nashville, Cincinnati, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and other Southwest Airlines cities
- Travel Purpose: For business conferences, meetings, and training events held outside of Maryland
Award Details
- Out-of-state sales opportunities
- Marketing and business development activities
- Employee training and professional development events
- Conference and industry meeting attendance
- Sales and marketing conference attendance
- Staff training and development activities
Eligible Uses
- Geographic Scope: Anne Arundel County-based businesses
- Employee Count: Fewer than 100 employees
- Annual Revenue: Less than $10 million
- Business Stage: Small and growing businesses seeking to expand marketing reach or invest in employee development
- Employee Capacity: Awards intended for up to two employees per company
Eligibility
- SWABIZ Integration: Companies can use awards with Southwest Airlines' SWABIZ corporate booking tool for additional discounts and benefits
- Low Fares Access: Companies with SWABIZ accounts access the same low fares found on Southwest.com plus exclusive SWABIZ offers
- Combination Eligibility: Can be used in conjunction with the Workforce Training Grant Program
Additional Benefits
- Launch Date: October 2017
- Initial Award Distribution: Ten awards to be distributed by end of 2017
- Travel Timeline: Business travel can occur any time after award approval
Program Timeline
- Address: 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Phone: 410-222-7410
- Email: [email protected]
Contact Information
Anne Arundel Economic Development CorporationSouthwest Airlines Partnership Contact:
How to Apply
Application Process
Application Structure: First-come, first-serve application process
Application Requirements:
Companies must provide the following information in their application:
1. Marketing Goals: Detailed description of company's marketing and business development objectives
2. Travel Plans: Specific details about:
- Destination(s)
- Conference/meeting/event details
- Travel dates and duration
- Business purpose for travel
3. Staff Assignments: Information about which employee(s) will travel and their roles
4. Company Information: Basic business details and location
Submission Process
1. Complete application form with required information 2. Submit to AAEDC 3. Applications reviewed on first-come, first-serve basis 4. Approval notification provided to applicant 5. E-passes issued upon approval- Applicants may create a SWABIZ account for corporate booking management and tracking
- SWABIZ allows businesses to manage and track their entire travel program in one portal
Additional Submission Options
- Phone: 410-222-7410
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
Contact for Application Information
Anne Arundel Economic Development CorporationWhat Anne Arundel Economic Development actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 8
- Total given
- $137K
- Median grant
- $13K
- Range
- $7,315–$44K
- By dollars: Maryland 82%, New York 18%. Top recipient cities: Annapolis, MD; Glen Burnie, MD; Annapolis, NY.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Example grants
Pips Dock Street Dogs LLC · Annapolis, MD
Volt disaster grant
$44K
Seasalt Restaurant · Annapolis, NY
Acr grant
$25K
John Wesley United Methodist Church · Glen Burnie, MD
Acr grant
$15K
Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce · Glen Burnie, MD
Acr grant
$13K
5828 Ritchie Holdings LLC · Baltimore, MD
Acr grant
$12K
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