Trade Show Assistance Program
Evaluation Criteria
The following are the Evaluation Criteria for the department’s Trade Show Assistance Program. If you have any questions, please contact the Agricultural Marketing and Business Development Program at (406) 444-2402 or by e-mail at agr@mt.gov.
An applicant must complete all applicable information to be considered for funding.
**Please note that application does not imply or guarantee reimbursement from the Montana Department of Agriculture. Application approvals and/or reimbursement amounts are subject to funding availability.
Eligible Applicant Determination (Pass/Fail)
- Applicant is a Montana agricultural company.
- Application postmarked 30 days prior to trade show's starting date.
- Applicant has not received trade show assistance in the current State of Montana fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
- Application is for a domestic trade show.
- Application is not for "walking the show" or for exhibiting at a livestock auction or retail/public show.
Applicant Information (5 points possible)
- Applicant completed all applicable information.
Montana Economic Impact (10 points possible)
- Applicant provided evidence as to the company's or products' agricultural economic impact to Montana. The economic impact can be through increased sales, increased utilization of Montana agricultural inputs, employment retention or addition, or added value.
Trade Show Information (5 points possible)
- Applicant showed adequate knowledge of this trade show by completing each line of this section.
Current Marketing Strategy (5 points possible)
- Applicant provided all applicable information, and information is consistent with current product(s) and market(s).
5-Year Marketing Plan (5 points possible)
- Applicant provided all applicable information, and information is consistent with future product(s) and market(s).
Trade Show Fit with Marketing Strategy (25 point possible)
- Applicant produced evidence that the trade show fits with the company's marketing strategy.
- Applicant proved that the trade show is consistent with the company’s current and future marketing goals.
SMART Goals (20 points possible)
- Applicant outlined three SMART goals.
- Applicant indicated goals that are consistent with marketing strategy and objectives and are possible to achieve at the trade show (e.g. if applicant’s goals include cash and carry sales, and the show has only wholesale buyers, cash sales are not likely at the show).
Budget (25 points possible)
- All line items are filled out or indicated as “n/a” to determine that adequate research into the cost of exhibiting has been completed.
Bonus Eligibility
- NxLeveL: Applicant must enclose a NxLeveL certificate or provide trainer, dates and location information.
- Walking the Show: Applicant must provide proof of exhibition (i.e. badge, registration form, receipt, etc.).
Special Considerations (20 points possible)
- First time applicant to the Trade Show Assistance Program.
- First time attending the current trade show.
- Current trade show moves company towards future marketing goals.
- Exhibiting at current trade show as individual booth.
A maximum of 120 points is available. Applications scoring below 70 will be rejected.
**Please note that the application does not imply or guarantee reimbursement from the Montana Department of Agriculture. Application approvals and reimbursement amounts are subject to funding availability.
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