EXTON, PA — Now in its 4th year, the Chester County New Business Champions (NBC) Microgrant Program has reached a significant milestone by providing a grand total of $266,000 in professional services support to 175 emerging business owners in Chester County.
Each year, Chester County small businesses have had the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 in funding for professional services. Eligible businesses may receive microgrants to access services from some of the region’s top professional service advisors and mentors in areas including accounting, technology, marketing, HR and more. To date, 263 business owners have applied.
This most recent round had 53 applicants, of which 26 were awarded grants. The awardees range from businesses that specialize in food service, health and wellness, fashion design and more. Grantees are then matched with a professional services advisor in their self-identified and highest priority area of need.
The microgrant program is funded in part by the Chester County Workforce Development Board and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and is administered by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC).
Commenting on the worth of the County’s NBC Microgrant program, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said, “The true value of this grant program lies not just in the funding it provides, but in opening doors to professional expertise that our small business owners may not even realize they need – until the moment they do. It is about being proactive, not reactive, and setting up businesses for sustainable success.
“Chester County’s Workforce Development Board and CCEDC work hand-in-hand to strengthen our local economy, and this microgrant program is a prime example of the meaningful support they provide to our business community.”
“Getting a business off the ground is challenging,” says Mike Grigalonis, President and COO at CCEDC. “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.”
To be eligible, businesses must have been established within the previous five years and be based in Chester County with 10 or fewer employees. Additional consideration is given to business owners who may be socially or economically disadvantaged. For more information visit ccedcpa.com/new-business-champions.
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