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Need Help Growing Your Business Online?

Written by Marie Quinn on . Posted in Human Resources.

Mentor/manager helping intern accountant to track financial payments at a desk.

At Alioup, we know how challenging it can be to run a business while also managing your digital presence. Between social media, email marketing, content creation, and SEO, staying visible online takes serious time and effort. But what if you didn’t have to do it all alone?

That’s where Acadium comes in—a platform designed to connect business owners like you with emerging digital marketers looking for real-world experience.

What Is Acadium?

Acadium is a mentorship platform that matches small business owners and entrepreneurs with marketing apprentices. These apprentices are students or early-career professionals looking to gain hands-on experience in areas like:

Social media strategy

Email marketing

SEO and content writing

Paid ads and more

In return for their work, you provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback—helping them grow their skills while you grow your business.

Why Alioup Customers Love It

Many Alioup customers are solo founders, creatives, or small teams juggling a lot. Acadium offers:

✅ Hands-on help without hiring full-time staff
✅ Fresh ideas from a digital-native generation
✅ An opportunity to mentor and empower future marketers

It’s a win-win: you get help executing digital marketing tasks, and your apprentice gains practical skills and experience.

Learn More

This intro article on Acadium explains how the platform works, how to find the right apprentice, and what kind of support you can expect. It’s a great read if you’re curious about growing your marketing efforts in a sustainable and budget-friendly way.

See what Alioup customers are saying.

Unlock Funding Opportunities with Grants.gov

Written by Marie Quinn on . Posted in Financial.

At Alioup, we’re all about helping you grow—whether that means building a smarter website, launching an online shop, or finding the right tools to support your mission. If you’re a small business, nonprofit, researcher, artist, or entrepreneur looking for funding, there’s one resource you should definitely have in your toolkit: Grants.gov.

What Is Grants.gov?

Grants.gov is the central place to search and apply for federal grants. Managed by the U.S. government, this site brings together thousands of funding opportunities from agencies like the Department of Education, National Endowment for the Arts, Department of Agriculture, and many more. It’s designed to help individuals and organizations access billions of dollars in available funding—no strings, no gimmicks.

Why It Matters for Alioup Customers

Whether you’re:

  • Launching a community-based business
  • Running a nonprofit with a mission
  • Building a tech solution for underserved communities
  • Seeking funds for research, education, or the arts

…Grants.gov can help you explore potential sources of support.

Many of our Alioup customers are already innovating and making an impact. Grants.gov gives you the ability to scale that work by tapping into federal resources designed to help people just like you.

What You Can Do on Grants.gov

  • Search for open grant opportunities by keyword, category, or agency.
  • Register and apply directly through the portal.
  • Track submissions and receive notifications on changes or deadlines.

It’s free to use, and while navigating grants may seem intimidating at first, the site also includes plenty of tutorials, FAQs, and support articles to walk you through the process.

Pro Tip: Pair It with a Great Plan

Before applying for any grant, make sure your project or business idea is well-documented and aligned with the goals of the funder. Not sure how to do that? Start with our business planning tips or reach out to Alioup—we can help you frame your story.

A Business Plan, Why Every Entrepreneur Needs One

Written by Marie Quinn on . Posted in Business Planning.

Whether you’re launching a small side hustle or dreaming big with a full-scale startup, there’s one essential step that can make or break your journey: writing a business plan. More than just a document, your business plan is your blueprint for turning an idea into a sustainable, thriving company.

A good business plan helps you define your goals, understand your market, and chart a course for growth. It’s also a powerful tool for securing funding, attracting partners, and staying focused when challenges arise.

Not sure where to start? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a clear, step-by-step guide to writing your business plan—from defining your executive summary to outlining financial projections. Whether you’re going with a traditional format or a lean startup approach, this resource walks you through everything you need to know.

Ready to build a solid foundation for your business? Check out the SBA’s guide and start writing your business plan with confidence.

Reach New Audiences with TikTok Ads Manager: A Powerful Tool for Growing Your Business

Written by Marie Quinn on . Posted in Advertising & Marketing.

graphic overlay of a woman on mobile app website or digital network with heart emojies.

If your brand is looking to expand its reach, build awareness, or increase sales, there’s one platform you shouldn’t ignore—TikTok. With over 1 billion active users globally and a reputation for viral trends and engaged communities, TikTok has evolved far beyond a place for dance videos. It’s now a dynamic marketing channel for businesses of all sizes—and the TikTok Ads Manager makes getting started easier than ever.

What Is TikTok Ads Manager?

TikTok Ads Manager is TikTok’s official self-service platform that allows businesses to create, manage, and optimize advertising campaigns across TikTok and its family of apps (including CapCut and Pangle). Whether you’re launching a new product, promoting an event, or just trying to build brand recognition, the Ads Manager offers intuitive tools to help you reach your goals.

Why Consider TikTok Ads?

  • Massive Reach: TikTok reaches diverse audiences, especially Gen Z and Millennials.
  • Creative-First Format: Ads blend seamlessly into users’ For You feeds, often feeling like organic content.
  • Performance-Driven: With robust targeting options and analytics, you can track and refine performance with precision.

Key Features of the TikTok Ads Manager

  • Campaign Customization: Choose objectives like traffic, conversions, app installs, or video views.
  • Audience Targeting: Zero in on demographics, interests, behaviors, or even upload your own custom audience lists.
  • Creative Tools: Access video templates, Smart Video editing, and A/B testing to create high-quality, engaging content—no film crew needed.
  • Performance Tracking: Monitor your campaigns with real-time analytics to optimize your strategy and maximize ROI.

Who Is It For?

TikTok Ads Manager is designed for everyone—from solo entrepreneurs and small businesses to large-scale agencies and global brands. Whether you have a $5 or $500 daily budget, TikTok provides flexible options to suit your advertising strategy.

Ready to Explore?

If your business wants to meet audiences where they are—and where they’re most engaged—TikTok Ads Manager is a great place to start. Head to ads.tiktok.com/business/en to create your free account and explore everything this platform has to offer.