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New Grant Program Supporting Small Businesses, Women, and Minorities

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ÔÇö In the midst of current economic challenges, the city of West Palm Beach has launched a new grant program called “First Steps.” Its primary goal is to assist small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities, in overcoming various obstacles and fostering growth.

Recognizing the ongoing inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages that continue to impact small businesses, the city decided to create this grant program as a response to the discontinuation of its Small and Minority/Woman Business COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Loan Program, which was offered in 2022.

The “First Steps” grant program is designed to offer financial aid in four specific areas: marketing, inventory/equipment, property improvement, and new business development. By supporting these vital aspects, the city aims to ensure the sustained success and prosperity of local businesses.

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The success of the “First Steps” grant program is evident from the overwhelming response it received. Over 230 small businesses applied for the grants, but due to limited funding, only 43 were eventually awarded, with a total allocation of $500,000.

Frank Hayden, the director of West Palm Beach’s Office of Small, Minority-Women Business Programs, acknowledges the immense demand for financial assistance within the community. Hayden emphasizes the importance of supporting business owners who have made commitments to the city, affirming that their growth and prosperity are crucial for the overall development of West Palm Beach.

To be eligible for the grants, applicants had to be certified with the city, have no outstanding city lien encumbrances or code violations, and have a physical location within the city limits. Despite the positive impact of the awarded grants, both Hayden and the Office of Small, Minority-Women Business Programs understand the need to explore additional avenues of support for businesses that did not receive funding.

Michelle Scott, owner and CEO of Passionate Care Services, is among the grant recipients who expressed gratitude for the assistance. Scott plans to utilize the grant to expand her organization’s facility and double the number of participants. Passionate Care Services focuses on teaching life skills to adults with developmental disabilities, empowering them to live more independent lives.

Scott acknowledges the importance of providing stimulating environments for individuals with developmental disabilities, preventing regression in their progress. She adds that the funds will not only benefit her business but also help accommodate the existing waitlist and cater to up to 100 participants.

Although the “First Steps” grant program has distributed half-a-million dollars to deserving businesses, the Office of Small, Minority-Women Business Programs has expressed its commitment to finding alternative ways to support those who were not granted funding. Efforts are being made to explore creative solutions and ensure that every eligible business has access to the resources they require.

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