Enterprise Fund

Dear Automotive Enthusiast,

Because of the passion and excitement all of us have for anything automotive, we have long felt protected in this industry from the negative effects brought on by economic downturns, recessions or inflation.  But although our industry fares better than most when things get tough, we feel it would be unwise to believe that things will simply take care of themselves.  Since Painless is looked upon as a leader in this industry we feel it is imperative that we demonstrate that leadership.

For this reason we are proud to announce the creation of the PAINLESS PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISE FUND.  The purpose of this fund is to spur investment in local community events and activities to help promote the performance automotive aftermarket.  The fund can be used for a variety of promotional projects to help strengthen the performance automotive infrastructure, such as youth-involvement programs, consumer awareness, sales and business incentives, and technical training. 

Painless Performance will earmark an initial amount of $150,000 for this fund.  To be eligible to receive these funds, a SEMA member retailer or distributor must submit an application that demonstrates how the particular project will enhance the awareness, community involvement, youth participation, or technical knowledge of the targeted audience and demonstrate how the end result will provide a positive return on investment.  The review process for applications will consider the positive impact the investment will make on the automotive aftermarket as a whole.  It need not be a Painless-centric program as long as it benefits the industry.

The purpose of this program is simple: we must band together to take care of our own.  While these are challenging economic times we do know that eventually there will be an upside.  If providing these monies will enable independent retailers, distributors and even individual consumers or consumer groups to create programs and activities which will improve the state of our industry and our hobby, then we would be derelict in not taking action.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.  We encourage all of you to think of creative ways in which to use these funds.  Click here to download the application forms and learn other details of the program.

Sincerely,

Adrian J. Murray
President

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HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

1. Submit the appropriate Application Form. Use the Business form if you are a qualified SEMA member. Use the Consumer or Community Based Organization Form if you are being sponsored by a SEMA member.
   
2. Complete the Project Summary and Projected Benefits forms.
   
3. You will be notified in writing if your project has been approved for funding.
   
4. Upon conclusion of your project or event, complete and submit the After Action form. It is important that you include copies of all receipts for expenses you have incurred. We cannot reimburse any expenses without proper receipts.

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EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE PROGRAMS

The goal of this program is to benefit the performance automotive industry as a whole. A successful grant request does not necessarily have to benefit Painless Performance. We do not wish to stifle creativity when it comes to using these funds so we caution that the following examples are simply that – examples. We do want to see programs that are specifically and locally targeted, however.

Youth Activities – Increasing the involvement of young people in the automotive industry is crucial to our long-term health and growth. Sponsoring a youth night at the local track, conducting workshop classes for high school students, involving local young people in a project vehicle, organizing engine building contests, even creating a scholarship program, all these would be looked upon favorably by the funds’ review committee.

Consumer Awareness – Is the local community aware of the benefits of our industry’s products in terms of increased performance or fuel economy? Could business improve in your area if you had additional funds with which to educate and inform your customer base? Show us some of your ideas.

Technical Training – As vehicles become more complex we need more highly trained phone and counter people to properly handle inquiries from the public. Gathering local store and shop personnel together for a series of seminars has a price tag, though. The Enterprise Fund could help offset those costs.

Sales Incentives – Perhaps you’re a retailer in a small town. Could you drive business into your store if you had additional funds for mailers, flyers, posters, etc? Submit a proposal.
Again, these represent just a few examples. Turn on those creative juices and propose some ideas which would benefit the automotive industry in your market. Perhaps funding a car show would stimulate consumer awareness and interest and thereby improve business.