How to Get a Business to Sponsor Your Dog Grooming Competition

What sponsors need to know before they say yes

Most grooming brands genuinely want to support groomers. That’s the circle the industry runs on - businesses back the people who use and recommend their products, and groomers support the companies that show up for the community.

But support works both ways. If you want a business to come to the party, you need to make it easy for them to say yes.

Here’s the problem: too many sponsorship requests sound like this… “We’d appreciate anything you can give us.”

That might feel polite, but it puts all the pressure back on the business. If they have to ask what you want, what it costs, and what they get in return, they’re already losing interest.

Be specific. Show the options. Give them something clear to say yes to. Here’s how.

1. A clear list of sponsorship options

Lay it out. What can a business sponsor? Is it individual classes? Best in Show? All the ribbons? Some of these?

If you have set levels (e.g. Novice, Open, Masters), clearly outline what each one includes. If there’s a cost to sponsor a class, include the amount. If you’re open to in-kind support like products or vouchers, say so. If you're specifically looking for cash contributions, make that clear too.

Don't make people guess. You’re more likely to get a yes when they can see where they fit.

2. Inclusions and exposure

For each option, explain what the business actually receives:

• Will their logo go on ribbons, certificates, or schedules?

• Are they getting social media mentions? How many, and when?

• Will they be thanked during class presentations or podium moments?

• Can they include items in goodie bags? How many?

• Can they send a pull-up banner? Where will it be displayed? Do they need to deliver or set it up?

This isn’t about being transactional. It’s about transparency. Businesses want to support the industry, but they also want to understand how their contribution is being used.

3. On-the-day logistics

Be clear about what’s allowed or expected:

• Can they display signage or flyers? Where?

• Are vendor stalls an option?

• Who sets up banners or drops off goodie bag items?

• What’s the deadline to get materials to you?

Answer the questions before they have to ask them.

4. Event reach and visibility

Include rough numbers:

• How many competitors are expected?

• Will the public be attending?

• How many followers does the event or club have online?

• Are podium photos being shared? Will sponsors be tagged?

This helps a business get a feel for the exposure involved, even if the event is still growing.

5. Retail or wholesale value of prizes

If you're asking for donated products, be upfront about the value you’re hoping for. Most brands have budgets and limits. Be clear about what kind of prize you're after. A small voucher might be an easy yes, but a rose gold thinning shear is a much bigger ask. Let businesses know the value range you're hoping for so they can work out what's realistic for them.

6. List of judges

This matters more than you think. A list of confirmed judges, with brief bios or credentials, helps build credibility. It shows the event is serious and worth supporting.

7. Make it look like a real event

Whether it’s a one-pager or a full PDF, bundle all your info together in one clean document. At minimum, include:

• Event name, date, location

• Contact info

• Sponsorship options and inclusions

• Judge list

• Estimated attendance and social reach

• Signage and product guidelines

• Key deadlines

If a business has to message you back to ask half of this, you’re not ready to ask for sponsorship yet.

Final word

Sponsorship is not a handout. It’s a professional request. When you treat it like one, you’re far more likely to get a yes.

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