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Runway to Success Program Powered by Southwest Airlines

ANNE ARUNDEL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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 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
  • 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

      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

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesworkforce-development

    Categories

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