Small businesses make up 99.8% of all Texas businesses, but they play in a field where national, sometimes even global businesses have an advantage. Comerica Bank shares resources and support to its small business customers to level the playing field and give small businesses a leg up with Comerica SmallBizCo-op, providing access to free resources that can shape the trajectory of their businesses and propel them to new heights.
For small business founder Collette Portis, Comerica’s support proved transformative. Portis’ business, RED Development Group, has reaped the benefits of the bank’s small business programs, particularly SmallBizCo-op. The suite of unique offerings helped the company market itself, build credibility and support clients.
“Comerica SmallBizCo-op has been instrumental in helping us increase exposure and awareness while continuing to build our brand,” she says, noting that she’s referred many additional entrepreneurs to the company’s program.
SmallBizCo-op is one of the many ways that Comerica Bank champions small business entrepreneurs. Through the program, small businesses get free advertising, market research and data, discounts on essential office supplies and so much more.
Free marketing for small businesses
It’s tough to find room for marketing spend when you’re faced with a lot of business expenses. Small businesses that work with Comerica Bank get two types of free marketing as part of the SmallBizCo-op program. The bank will advertise small businesses on the radio for free during Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers and other Dallas professional sporting events. Portis’ small business was showcased during a Dallas Stars in-game radio broadcast thanks to the Comerica program.
In addition to advertising during sporting events, customers also get a digital monitor ad, produced by Comerica for free and aired inside a Comerica banking center of their choice, putting their companies in front of more potential customers.
Free access to local research and data
Vying for market share against larger companies means small business owners need to be strategic. Comerica SmallBizCo-op supports this by providing free competitive market research, insights and data at the local level. SizeUp by Comerica is a complimentary tool that provides industry-specific insights. Customers can use the data to understand where their business stands in comparison to competitors, get a clear picture of local wages, find new suppliers, measure consumer spending and optimize marketing.
This type of data is not typically available or accessible to small business owners. It’s a rare and unique offering that Comerica Bank has added to its suite of small business support. Existing Comerica Bank customers in the consulting field have even used the tool as an offering for their own customers.
Free tickets to events
Face time with customers, partners and stakeholders is essential for small businesses looking to grow — and it’s made even better when that face time happens at a fun, engaging event. Comerica SmallBizCo-op offers customers complimentary tickets to Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers and other Dallas professional team home games. Two tickets to one game are provided each year. Comerica small business customers can use the tickets to entertain a client, reward employees or build relationships with key partners.
When Comerica provided Portis with tickets to a Texas Rangers game, she took a collaborative partner along to enjoy the VIP experience. “That was priceless and resulted in a strong partner relationship,” she says. “That means the world to us.”
Discounted office supplies
The cost of office supplies can add up, and any amount of savings can make a difference for a small business. Comerica extends its corporate discounts on office supplies and technology to its small business customers, providing savings of up to 40% off retail to further bolster their bottom lines.
Perks and rewards
Comerica small business customers also get access to rewards through the Comerica CoReward$ program, which offers rewards for business travel, dining and shopping from many popular brands.
Through its extensive small business programs, Comerica Bank recognizes small businesses as the backbone of the economy. Providing growing companies with the resources needed to grow is core to the bank’s mission and an ongoing commitment. The programs have made a lasting impact on local businesses.
“When it comes to Comerica, they are making a real investment in small businesses,” Portis says. “We are grateful to have a partner like Comerica Bank.”
Visit comerica.com/succeed for more information on Comerica SmallBizCo-op.
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