Optimum, Bronx Chamber of Commerce launch $145K small business grant program
In total, $145,000 will be distributed directly to Bronx businesses.
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A new grant program is offering Bronx small businesses thousands of dollars to help them grow and expand.
Optimum Business and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce have launched the “Lifting Up Small Businesses in The Bronx” program, which will award $5,000 grants to 25 businesses. One additional business will receive a $20,000 grand prize grant.
In total, $145,000 will be distributed directly to Bronx businesses.
“Every business is different. Every business needs different resources and different assets in order to move forward,” said Robert Sylvester, senior director of market business for Optimum’s New York market.
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce says the money could help businesses pay for needs including equipment, marketing, advertising and technology.
For some of the borough’s smallest businesses, Chamber officials say even $5,000 can have a significant impact on their ability to expand.
Swannie and Rachel Batista, co-founders of a Bronx-based nonprofit providing non-attorney legal services, say they have already started their application.
The sisters hope a grant could help them expand their Future Legal Leaders Program, which provides training and hands-on experience for aspiring paralegals.
“This grant could be a game changer,” Swannie Batista said.
The sisters say a larger, dedicated classroom space could allow them to serve as many as 20 to 25 students at a time — roughly triple the number they can currently accommodate.
In addition to the grants, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce will offer applicants a six-month membership. Grant recipients who are new to the Chamber will receive a complimentary one-year membership.
The 26 grant recipients are expected to be announced later this year.
CLICK HERE for the application.
