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 more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people find businesses and charities they can trust. In 2019, people turned to BBB more than 358 million times by checking more than 232 million business profiles – all available to the public for free at bbb.org. Incorporated locally in 1938, BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest covers Greater Arizona and Southern California with key campuses in Phoenix, San Diego, Newport Beach, Prescott, Yuma and Lake Havasu City. BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest is supported by over 19,000 BBB Accredited Businesses, making it one of the largest BBB nationwide. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to high standards of ethical business practices in the marketplace. BBB provides objective expertise and educational programs on topics affecting marketplace trust.
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