If you’re a marketer, business owner, or part of an organization in South Bend, Indiana, you could be overlooking valuable opportunities to forge personal connections, enhance brand trust, and generate positive word-of-mouth within our community. It’s easy to get caught up in the usual marketing channels—digital, social media, email, print, banners, billboards, and broadcasts—while neglecting the rich potential of marketing with local organizations and events. Engaging in local sponsorships and advertising allows companies to connect with their community in meaningful, impactful ways, driving both visibility and engagement.
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In South Bend, Indiana, we are fortunate to have a strong community with many opportunities for companies to get in front of its residents and fellow businesspeople. Below are just some of the local opportunities companies and organizations have to get their message out in their community, and in many cases give back as well.
DTSB
Sponsoring or being a vendor at a Downtown South Bend (DTSB) event offers local businesses valuable exposure to a large and diverse audience, enhancing brand visibility and community engagement. Sponsors gain brand recognition through event marketing, signage, and promotional materials. Vendors can interact directly with potential customers to showcase products or services. These events can boost foot traffic to your business, foster relationships, and show their support for the local community. Check out their website to see their opportunities. downtownsouthbend.com
The South Bend Cubs
We have an excellent local minor league baseball team and venue in South Bend that hosts events, entertains families, and creates excitement. Marketing with the South Bend Cubs offers local businesses the opportunity to connect with a passionate, engaged audience. Businesses can enhance their brand visibility through various channels, including in-stadium signage, digital media, print advertisements, event sponsorships, and more. These opportunities allow businesses to reach thousands of fans at games and community events, creating strong local connections. Affiliating with a popular local sports team also lends credibility and can increase customer loyalty, driving foot traffic and sales. You can learn more about their partnership opportunities on their website, milb.com/south-bend.
The South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce
The South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce offers a range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities that can significantly benefit local businesses. By sponsoring events or advertising through the Chamber’s various platforms, businesses gain increased visibility and brand recognition within the local business community. These opportunities provide access to a targeted audience of local business leaders and decision-makers, enhancing networking possibilities and fostering valuable partnerships. Ultimately, sponsoring or advertising with the Chamber can strengthen a business’s presence in the community while supporting its growth. Learn more about the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce and its sponsorship and advertising possibilities at sbrchamber.com.
The Sunburst Race
If you live in the South Bend area, you know about and have probably participated in Beacon’s Sunburst race. I have participated several times myself. It is a great event and a staple in our city.
Sponsoring or marketing with the Sunburst race offers local companies a unique opportunity to enhance their brand visibility and reputation within the community. By aligning with this well-established event, businesses can engage with a health-conscious, active demographic while supporting a charitable cause that benefits Beacon Children’s Hospital. The race provides significant exposure through various channels, including event signage, digital presence, and promotional materials, while also fostering community connections and showcasing corporate social responsibility. Overall, this is an effective way to build brand recognition and promote positive community relations while contributing to a great cause. You can learn more about the Sunburst race and all the sponsorship and marketing opportunities at sunburst.beaconhealthsystem.org.
These are just some of the local opportunities business owners and marketers have in South Bend. In addition to connecting with residents and fostering a sense of brand trust, many of these marketing opportunities provide secondary benefits, such as high-value backlinks for local SEO, social posts, and a way to promote your company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility).
If you are interested in these or any other local marketing opportunities but don’t know where to start, Force 5 would love to help. As a South Bend marketing agency, we can reach out to these organizations on your behalf to create a campaign, advertisement, or sponsorship.
Give us a call at 574.234.2060, or fill out our contact form here, to start a conversation today.
