Venables Bell + Partners Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Offering AOR Services to a Small Business in Need for $20

In honour of its 20th anniversary, leading independent agency Venables Bell + Partners has announced that it will offer its full-service Agency of Record duties to one deserving San Francisco-based small business for one year for $20. The agency launched a contest-related campaign today to share the word with local, independent small businesses that have been significantly affected by the pandemic and related challenges. 

“It’s fair to say that providing our AOR services for $20 is crazy, though somehow it’s entirely fitting in today’s crazy world,” said Paul Venables, founder and chairman of VB+P. “Small businesses have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and have faced incredible challenges in recent months. As we mark this 20-year milestone, we’re grateful to be in the position to give back and help another local business realize its potential. We’re looking forward to finding our new partner and getting started together.” 

The integrated campaign highlights a theme of crazy times that call for crazy actions and features messaging such as: “Aliens are real. Venomous caterpillars exist and we’ll be your ad agency for $20.” Content will appear on community-targeted digital platforms such as Next Door and Craigslist, and owned and paid social media channels. Wild postings will be distributed throughout local neighbourhoods, and the agency has also partnered with The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to share news of this initiative with their network of small businesses. 

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15th, and a winner will be announced on December 13th.  As Agency of Record, VB+P will provide all strategic planning and creative ideation with an annual fee of $20. The fee comes with one requirement: the new client must promise not to settle for ordinary work. Submission details and partnership terms are outlined on the program’s website.