Crucial funds allow small businesses to survive

Vulnerable small businesses, working families, women-owned businesses and communities of color continue to be severely impacted by COVID-19. In April, the Main St. Matters Grant Program was launched by Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) to support local businesses experiencing financial hardship. The program awarded 24 additional grants in September, totaling over 150 businesses with $145k distributed.

Nearly 1,350 applicants have applied to the Main St. Grant Program and are vetted through a three-tiered process. This includes verifying immediate need, history of upholding BBB Standards for Trust and length of time in business. Grant recipients are awarded a one-time grant of $500 or $1000 to provide support and financial relief to business owners. They have been immensely grateful and share crucial needs the funds will support.

Staying Alive

A pet sitting company who was a recipient of a grant, shared that he would use the money to “stay alive” as the pandemic has completely halted his business.

Paying Bills

“I’m going to use the grant money to pay my water bill to prevent it from being shut off this week,” shared a holistic wellness center owner.

BBB understands the hardships the pandemic has caused to Main St. businesses. The program has been made possible by company sponsors and individual donors from the community. Donations can be made directly online.

There’s Still Time to Apply

Awards will continue throughout the remainder of 2020. Small businesses that operate within BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest’s service area who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic may apply. Visit BBB’s website for application information and criteria.

For PR inquiries, please contact pr@bbbcommunity.org.

Reprinted by permission of the Better Business Bureau, © 2020.