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WASHINGTON, D.C.— A business-led program is poised to provide supplemental grants to the small business community suffering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with founding partner Vistaprint, has launched the Save Small Business Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will distribute $5,000 grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities in the United States and its territories.

Grant applications open on April 20, 2020. To qualify, applicants must employ between three and 20 people, be located in an economically vulnerable community, and have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be awarded weekly on a rapid and rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed.
To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund or apply for a grant, visit www.savesmallbusiness.com.

Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation, said small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges.

“The needs are urgent and every dollar counts,” Cawley said. “While the demand is great, we’re proud to be able to contribute to the many efforts underway to help small employers get through the next days and weeks and on the road to recovery for their communities.”

The Save Small Business Fund is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Save Small Business Initiative — a nationwide program to address small businesses’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery. The Foundation is launching the fund with support from founding partner, Vistaprint, and additional donations from supporting partners, Merck, S&P Global Foundation, and Travelers.

Vistaprint CEO Robert Keane started his company out of an apartment 25 years ago, and he knows the challenges small business owners face.

“Small businesses are the soul of every community, and right now our communities are facing hardship…I have been – an d continue to be – amazed by their passion, resilience and ability to persevere through change,”Keane said. “As a champion and marketing partner for small businesses, Vistaprint is there when the challenges hit, and we are doing all we can to help them stay in business. We are proud to be partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to provide a lifeline during this time.”

Please visit uschamber.com for more coronavirus resources. The River Region Chamber of Commerce, located at 390 Belle Terre Boulevard in LaPlace, is part of the U.S. Chamber.