Do you know small business owners in your community that need help in our current economic environment? If so, you are not alone. According to a 2022 survey, almost all small businesses (97%) are concerned about inflation, and rising costs are the most significant threats small businesses currently face. Boosting revenue from online sales has now become the No.1 priority for small businesses.
Small businesses play a critical role in our local economies. They provide jobs and serve our communities throughout Washington. They need our continued support to meet new economic challenges, and we want to help them. To provide some relief and help small businesses continue to grow and adapt, GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce – and Comcast are renewing the Ready for Business fund relief effort this year to provide more than $200,000 in grants to small businesses throughout the state.
Starting Monday, June 13 through June 26, small business owners may find more information and apply for Ready for Business Fund grants at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business.
Here is a video with more information:
Following the success of Ready for Business in 2020 and 2021, this year’s fund will provide $2,500 cash grants to more than 80 small businesses throughout Washington. Emphasis will be placed on small business owners at greater risk, including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Small businesses located in rural areas of Washington will also be considered.
Runaway inflation and increased expenses are hitting our small businesses hard in Washington and providing a cash grant with wrap-around services to promote visibility and support is critical as more small businesses use more digital technology to drive online revenue. $2,500 may not seem like much, but for these small business owners, a microgrant may be what is needed to invest in a website, help build online sales tools, launch a social media effort, or purchase new technology.