Things are looking up for small businesses with Chase and LivingSocial’s “Mission: Small Business” grant program, which is offering up to $3 million to small business owners nationwide. Twelve individual grants of $250,000 will be awarded to help each business with capital and innovative marketing resources needed to enhance their business.
“Small businesses are invaluable to the growth of our economy and the ‘Mission: Small Business’ grant program is designed to provide small businesses with the solutions they need to grow and thrive,” says Richard Quigley, president, Business Card, Chase. “The program aims to find innovative small business owners and provide them with the capital to help execute a business plan for growth.”
Rolling out, a multimedia brand that includes the only chain of free African American weekly publications in the country, deems this as a phenomenal opportunity to continue its efforts to highlight African American achievement through media. We’ve signed up for the program because it’s imperative that we maintain a balanced voice in media and journalism and continue to raise awareness about black American business professionals who are making a difference.
With the deadline only a week away, on Saturday, June 30, 2012, we’re encouraging our readers to get involved by clicking the “Support” button at missionsmallbusiness.com and vote for us by entering, Rolling Out, Atlanta, Ga., today.
For each pledge of support, Chase will add five dollars to the grant pool, up to $3 million. Businesses must receive at least 250 votes to be considered for a grant. Please vote for Rolling Out, Atlanta, Ga, today. Remember, the voting period ends on June 30, 2012.
“Small businesses are the economic engine of this country, and LivingSocial’s goal is to help energize their connections with people seeking new and exciting experiences in their communities,” says Tim O’Shaughnessy, LivingSocial CEO and co-founder. “We’re proud to be supporting the ‘Mission: Small Business’ program to help small business owners grow and become the next great American success stories.”
Grant recipients will be selected by a panel of small business experts including:
• Steve Case, entrepreneur and co-founder of AOL; CEO, Revolution LLC
• Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes
• Jason Calacanis, CEO, Mahalo.com
• David Chavern, executive vice president and chief operating officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Richard Quigley, president, Business Card, Chase
• Tim O’Shaughnessy, CEO and co-founder of LivingSocial
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce helped to announce the program and to drive small business engagement and participation. “Small businesses embody the spirit of innovation and they are the lifeblood of our economy,” says David Chavern, U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We’re proud to work with Chase and LivingSocial to equip entrepreneurs across the country with valuable tools and resources they need to market and grow their businesses.”
