By mid-February, your Co-Op balance for this year should be ready—and the decisions you make now can set the tone for a successful year. At The Business Growing Place, we’ve worked with countless Generac dealers to maximize their Co-Op dollars and build marketing plans that truly deliver results.

Your Co-Op funds are designed to amplify your marketing efforts, and with the right strategy, you can turn them into a powerful tool for growth. From social media ads and direct mail campaigns to eye-catching signage, there are endless ways to use this budget. But to make the most of it, planning is key.

What You Need to Know About Co-Op Money

• 50% Coverage: Most approved activities receive 50% Co-Op coverage. This means you can double your marketing impact while sharing the cost with Generac—a win-win for your business.
• 30-Day Approval: Generac is requesting about 30 days for pre-approval, so submit your plans early to avoid delays.
• Preferred Vendors: Generac’s approved vendors, like BSN for apparel and promotional items, streamline the process by skipping pre-approvals and getting your orders processed faster.

Here’s the catch: you get your Co-Op money upfront every year, but you must use it by December 31st. While that may feel far away, the end of the year often sneaks up, leaving businesses scrambling to use their funds in ways that don’t always deliver the best ROI.

Planning for Success

Here’s how to make your Co-Op dollars work smarter, not harder, by building a clear budget, marketing plan, and execution strategy:

1. Set Your Budget Based on Last Year's Revenue

Determine a percentage of your revenue to allocate based on your growth goals for this year. Be realistic but ambitious—your marketing investment should align with your desired outcomes.

2. Plan Around Key Events

Mark key dates on your calendar, such as storm seasons, home shows, training sessions, and other significant events. These moments are prime opportunities to ramp up your marketing efforts and maximize visibility.

3. Assign Dollar Amounts to Events

For each event, set a specific budget. Whether it’s storm prep marketing, a home and garden show, or promotional giveaways, assigning a dollar figure ensures you stay on track and prioritize effectively.

4. Invest in Marketing During Downtime

Don’t let your marketing efforts fizzle during slower months. Use Co-Op funds to run social media ads, mail campaigns, or special promotions that keep your brand top-of-mind year-round.

5. Avoid the "Divide by 12" Trap

Splitting your budget evenly across the year is a mistake. Instead, focus your spending on high-impact months leading up to your busiest seasons, like storm season or other critical times for your market.

Execution Matters

A plan is only as good as its execution. Assign clear responsibilities to your team:

• Who submits items for pre-approval?
• Who creates and manages social media ads?
• Who oversees mailers, signage, or promotional items?

Having defined roles ensures your marketing runs smoothly and your Co-Op dollars are spent effectively.

We’re Here to Help

At The Business Growing Place, we’ve helped Generac dealers develop and execute marketing plans that align with their goals and maximize ROI. We understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re here to make Co-Op planning simple and stress-free.

Join Our Co-Op Workshop

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

Sign up for our Co-Op Workshop: Strategic Planning for 2025, happening February 18th. For just $49, this workshop will guide you through budgeting, planning, and execution. Loyal blog readers can use promo code CO-OP50 for 50% off.

👉 Register here: Co-Op Workshop: Strategic Co-Op Planning for 2025

Dive Deeper with Live Q&A

Want to ask questions and get personalized advice? Join me live every Thursday in the Powering Profits Facebook Group, where we’ll break down Co-Op strategies, answer your questions, and share actionable tips.

👉 Join the group here: Powering Profits Facebook Group

The Bottom Line

Your Co-Op dollars are an incredible asset—but only if you use them strategically. With the right plan, you can turn this budget into a driver of growth and success for your business. Don’t let the year slip by without making the most of this opportunity.

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help you succeed.

Can’t wait to help you thrive in 2025!