SBA played part in Constant Contact's growth

10/3/2011

Constant Contact is widely known as one of the leaders in email marketing. The company offers a variety of online marketing tools on top of its aforementioned primary service including social media marketing, event marketing and online surveys, the Small Business Administration's website reports.

It's primary goal is to help small businesses leverage customer relationships easily and affordably.

The company came from humble beginnings in 1998, employing just 27 people. However, in 2002, Constant Contact received a $1 million investment from Hudson Venture Partners, a firm that's part of the SBA's Small Business Investment Company program that supplies startups with equity capital, long term loans and management assistance.

Thanks to the SBA loan, Constant Contact was able to increase its employee base to more than 300, earning it a spot on the SBA 100. The company is currently valued at more than $400 million.

Constant Contact recently conducted a study in tandem with Boston-based research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey that revealed Facebook fans of a brand are more likely to recommend that company to their friends and family. CC offers a feature called Social Media Quickstarter that provides free online assistance for small businesses just getting started with social media.