Applications Available Now – Funding Must Be Claimed by May 15, 2026
The Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) is encouraging small businesses across its seven-county service area to take advantage of limited scholarships designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their marketing and digital presence. Through OzSBI’s Brand Building & Digital Impact Program, several scholarships for both website development and radio marketing remain available, but they must be claimed by May 15, 2026.
The initiative helps small business owners overcome two of the most common barriers to growth: the high cost of marketing campaigns that build brand recognition and the expense of developing a professional website and strong online presence. Many entrepreneurs recognize the need for brand recognition and professional websites, but struggle to fit these expenses into their lean startup budgets. OzSBI’s program aims to bridge that gap by offering scholarships and discounts that make professional brand development more accessible.
“Building a recognizable brand and maintaining a professional website are essential for business success in today’s marketplace,” said Autumn Shirley, Business Development Director at OzSBI. “These scholarships help local businesses invest in long-term marketing strategies that will increase customer awareness and strengthen their presence in the regional economy.”
The program was created after OzSBI received grant funding from Rural LISC through the Mastercard Strive initiative to support small businesses in developing a strong digital brand identity through both website development and radio advertising.
Brand Building Scholarships for Radio Marketing
OzSBI has partnered with Ozark Marketing to provide expert brand guidance and long-term radio marketing campaigns designed to build consistent name recognition in local markets. Brand building through radio advertising is designed to create top-of-mind awareness, helping businesses build momentum over time rather than relying solely on short-term promotions. OzSBI’s Brand Building & Digital Impact program includes two options: a generous discount for a 12-month brand building campaign, or a scholarship that includes a monthly bill credit on top of the discount.
Website Development Digital Impact Scholarships
In addition to radio marketing support, OzSBI is offering Website Development Scholarships for $1,000 to help businesses establish or improve their online presence. OzSBI mentors emphasize that in today’s economy, businesses without a website often struggle to be discovered by customers searching online through Google, maps, or social media platforms.
Supporting Local Economic Growth
Programs like these are part of OzSBI’s broader mission to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic growth in rural Missouri. In 2024 alone, businesses supported by OzSBI generated more than $24 million in gross revenue, created 84 new jobs, and contributed more than $2.1 million in monthly payroll in December 2024.
By helping small businesses improve their marketing and digital visibility, OzSBI leaders say these scholarships can have lasting economic impact.
Apply Before May 15
Several Brand Building Scholarships and Website Development Scholarships remain available, but funding is limited. Interested business owners are encouraged to apply soon, as all scholarships must be claimed by May 15, 2026.
Small business owners can learn more and apply at:
www.ozsbi.com/brand-building
