Small businesses could be eligible to receive complimentary advertising space during this uncertain time.

Oxford Newsmedia, LLC, owner of The Oxford Eagle and Oxford Magazine, is launching a matching marketing grant program supporting recovery advertising for eligible small businesses in Lafayette County.

Businesses can fill out a grant form to apply for the marketing matching program at www.oxfordeagle.com/grant-match.

Applicants will be notified if they are eligible for the matching program. At that time, the Oxford Newsmedia staff will contact the business with information on shopping resources for their business category and will work with the recipient to develop a strategy to best use the matching advertising in The Oxford Eagle, Oxford Magazine or online.

Applicants’ marketing will be matched dollar-for-dollar with paid investments. For example, if a small business requests a $500 matching program, the business would buy $500 in advertising, and The Oxford Eagle would add $500 for free space or online ad impressions.

Match applications must be submitted by July 31, and awarded advertising space must be used by Sept. 31. Matching ad space does not apply toward current contract commitments and does not carry cash value.

“For 156 years, The Oxford Eagle has been an anchor in this community and is the recognized source for local news and information,” Publisher Rebecca Alexander said. “I believe this grant will provide local businesses with an easy path to communicate with customers during this reopening stage. The Oxford Eagle readers are responsive and dedicated to supporting businesses in the LOU community. Subscribers want to hear directly from local businesses. As your business makes plans for the coming months, we invite you to apply for this matching program to extend your marketing reach as broad as possible.”

The grant program provides all recipients with the option of advertising locally in The Oxford Eagle, Oxford Magazine or the Oxford Eagle website.