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 Details

• 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

Eligible Uses

• 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

Eligibility

• 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

Additional Benefits

• 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

Program Timeline

• 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

Contact Information

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

• Address: 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Phone: 410-222-7410
• Email: [email protected]

Southwest Airlines Partnership Contact:

• Karen Price-Ward, Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader, Southwest Airlines

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

Additional Submission Options

• 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

Contact for Application Information

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

• Phone: 410-222-7410
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401