SUBJECT: ENTREPRENEURSHIP (HUMSS) TOPIC: SPONSORSHIP

You have this vison and a passion for business yet the bank declined you for a loan application, your
parents don’t have money to spare, and you don’t have enough savings to start and/or this up. Luckily,
corporations and other big businesses are more than willing to do sponsorship for a world-changing
business idea like yours.

The author of the book, Bags To Riches, Linda Hollander revealed that when she needed more revenue
and funding for her business and events, she sought out corporate sponsors and found that these
companies were actually willing to give her money. According to her, companies like Microsoft Store,
Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, American Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, Marriott, Wal-Mart, and IBM are
spending more money on sponsorships each year. Why? It's simple. According to Hollander,
sponsorships are giving them better returns than traditional advertising. Corporations and other big
businesses often fund small and start-up businesses, non-profit organizations, media shows, life coaches,
public speakers, writers, and social entrepreneurs.

So what is necessary to gather up sponsors to fund your business and generate additional revenue from
it? Here are 7 powerful tips for success:

1. Make It About the Sponsor, Not About You

Sponsorship should be a win-win situation. Sponsors provide something they are abundant to get
something beneficial in return. When presenting a sponsor proposal, it is a must that you understand the
prospective sponsors’ company information. Likewise, it is desirable that you know their core values,
goals, vision, and their marketing campaigns. Therefore, sponsors will realize their gain while helping you
succeed.

2. Be Clear about Your Target Market

Sponsors care about who your target market (prospective customers) will be. They need to know if your
target market matches their market profile.

3. Have a Great Platform

Sponsors want to know if you have a way to reach people who buy things. For example: email/contact list
of customer and alliances.

4. Have Cause-Related Marketing Opportunities

People tend to buy more to companies who also contribute to make the community a better place. If you
have a strong and positive community image, it’ll be the same for your sponsors.

5. Create a Compelling Sponsor Proposal

The sponsor proposal is the most important, but the least-understood document. This may include your
business plan which has the snapshot of your business and how this helps the community and industry, or
how this solve a problem. If you want top-tier sponsors, you need a compelling sponsor proposal.

6. Borrow Experience
Sponsors want to know how knowledgeable and experienced you are as a businessperson. Your
experiences and passion, along with your knowledge with right connections shows them that you are
capable to stand firm in your chosen industry or related field.

7. Make Integrity a Part of Your Brand

Sponsors want to see that you have integrity and credibility. In addition, they want the security that you
can execute your idea well. They don’t want their money to go to waste just because of your incapability to
sustain your idea with proper actions. They may test you based on what you say on how you handle
certain situations.

Benefits of Sponsorship
1. Target a niche (specific) market
2. Drive / Increase sales
3. Distinguish your business above competitors

Types of Sponsorship
1. Pro-Bono Service – when a company provides a service for you free of charge.
2. Cash Donations – when you receive cash from companies or angel investors through solicitation.
3. Prize Donations – when you receive item prizes to be used by your company for marketing activities.

Prepared by: Ms. Loraine Camille G. Tiratira Source: Inc.com