The Chester County New Business Champions (NBC) Microgrant Program recently awarded 26 emerging business owners grants to access services from advisers and mentors in areas such as accounting, human resources, marketing and technology.
The program provides grants of up to $2,000. Awardees also are matched with a professional services adviser in the awardee’s highest area of need.
Businesses must be based in Chester County, employ 10 or fewer people and have been in business less than five years to be eligible. Consideration also is given to business owners who are socially or economically disadvantaged.
“Getting a business off the ground is challenging,” Mike Grigalonis, CCEDC Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), president and COO, said. “The NBC Microgrant Program is designed to champion small businesses and provide the critical support they need to stabilize and grow during their early stages. Participant feedback consistently underscores the positive impact that the tools, guidance and mentorship they receive has on supporting their goals and future success.”
The Chester County Workforce Development Board and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry fund the program while the CCEDC administers it.
In its fourth year, the program has awarded $266,000 in professional services support to 175 businesses. During this round 53 business owners applied.