legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Progressive Insurance Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — September 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Progressive Insurance®, the preeminent commercial auto insurer in the United States, has proudly unveiled the 2024 recipients of its Driving Small Business Forward grant program, developed in collaboration with Hello Alice, to support the aspirations of small business owners across the nation. This initiative is more than just a financial boost; it provides crucial resources that can significantly impact the future of these businesses. Each of the 20 chosen recipients will receive a grant of $50,000, which can be utilized for acquiring a commercial vehicle integral to their operations. The heartfelt testimonials from some winners reveal the transformative difference this grant can make for their ventures.

The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that there are over 33 million small businesses in the country, accounting for 99.9% of all enterprises. This staggering statistic illustrates the critical role small businesses play in job creation and the overall economic landscape. Progressive is committed to fostering this progress by enhancing access to capital, specifically aiding small business owners as they navigate their journey towards sustainable growth and prosperity. The Driving Small Business Forward grant program embodies this mission, ensuring that small businesses receive the backing they need to thrive, particularly in securing the transportation they require for their operations.

Karen Bailo, Commercial Lines President at Progressive Insurance, stated, "We understand the tremendous effort that small business owners put into building their enterprises and the challenges they often face, especially concerning access to capital." The grant program, which has been functioning for three consecutive years, is a testament to Progressive’s dedication to supporting these vital contributors to society. Bailo emphasized the belief that insurance should serve a more significant role in aiding customers beyond mere coverage.

Partnership with Hello Alice

To facilitate this grant program, Progressive has partnered with Hello Alice, a financial technology platform that has successfully linked over 1.5 million small businesses to essential resources, including capital, connections, and opportunities for growth. Through this collaboration, Progressive is further empowered to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming financial hurdles as they strive to enhance their businesses and serve their communities effectively.

2024 Grant Recipients

The 2024 Driving Small Business Forward grant recipients include an inspiring array of entrepreneurs dedicated to making a positive impact within their local communities. Here’s the list of the 20 recipients:

• James Dong, Owner of Last Minute Gear in San Francisco, CA
• Vernic Popat, Owner of PlantOGram Inc in Orlando, FL
• Dermot Jones, Owner of Jones Family Bee Removal in Antioch, CA
• Colin Wiseman, Owner of Chai For in Cincinnati, OH
• Ikei McCoy, Owner of McCoy Masonry LLC in Shaker Heights, OH
• Jarami Bond, Owner of Bond Studio in Charlotte, NC
• Charles Zhang, Owner of Blue Hawaii Lifestyle in Honolulu, HI
• Charmaine Gahan, Owner of Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms in Concord, MA
• David & Mary Rodriguez, Owners of The Oven Pizzeria in Seaside, CA
• Shawn Jonutz, Owner of Wind & Brass in Berkeley, CA
• Holly Verbeck, Owner of HeyChef! LLC in Truckee, CA
• Xiaoyuan Su, Owner of Chinese Radio Seattle in Bellevue, WA
• Adell Badgett, Owner of Dellstar VR LLC in South Bend, IN
• Mariam Gogeliya, Owner of Wonder Room Coffee & Flowers in Brooklyn, NY
• Jose & Michelle O’Quinn, Owners of Street Wise Driving Schools in Grand Prairie, TX
• Sharie Renee, Owner of Cosmic Bobbins in Cleveland, OH
• Erica Cole, Owner of No Limbits in Richmond, VA
• Chevonne Woodard, Owner of Mr. Appliance of West Loop in Chicago, IL
• Frederique Mitchell, Owner of Cookies By Freddie in Baton Rouge, LA
• Stacey Cline, Owner of New Earth Farm / CompostSTL in St. Louis, MO

Highlighting the Impact of the Grants

The recipients of the grants submitted applications that detailed how their businesses are positively influencing their communities. One notable recipient, Erica Cole, owner of No Limbits in Saint Louis, MO, expressed her excitement about being selected for the grant. She stated, "This funding will allow us to engage even more deeply with the disability community." Cole plans to utilize the grant to acquire a commercial vehicle, which will enable her to organize pop-up events in collaboration with retail partners and community events—bringing her mission to life in innovative ways.

Another entrepreneur, Dermot Jones, who runs Jones Family Bee Removal in Antioch, CA, is dedicated to promoting awareness about the crucial role bees play in the ecosystem. He reflects on the struggles small businesses face today, stating, "Small businesses are essentially the heartbeat of our economy; however, operating and scaling amidst economic challenges has become increasingly daunting."

Carolyn Rodz, CEO & Co-Founder of Hello Alice, affirmed, "We’ve seen how powerful access to capital and resources can be for small business owners. We’re proud to be part of this initiative alongside Progressive." This collaboration is crucial in championing small businesses, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed.

Additional Support Through Boost Camp

Beyond the $50,000 grant for vehicle purchases, all 2024 grant recipients are invited to participate in Boost Camp, a hallmark business coaching program offered by Hello Alice. This program focuses on empowering small business owners with foundational skills vital for sustainable growth, covering areas such as financial forecasting, sales strategies, and customer acquisition tactics. By providing practical, repeatable frameworks and insights, Boost Camp significantly enhances the capabilities of participants, enabling them to manage their businesses more effectively and thrive in competitive markets.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

Navigating the legal complexities associated with managing and operating a small business can be daunting, particularly for grant recipients like those in the Driving Small Business Forward program. That’s where the AI legalese decoder can play a pivotal role. By simplifying legal language and clarifying contractual obligations, the AI legalese decoder makes it easier for business owners to understand their legal documents and agreements. This tool can help ensure small business owners comprehend their rights and responsibilities regarding grants, partnerships, and other agreements, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions that protect and promote their business initiatives.

About Progressive Insurance

Progressive Insurance® is dedicated to simplifying the process of understanding, purchasing, and utilizing car, home, and various other insurance options. Whether online, via phone, through the Progressive mobile app, or in-person with an agent, the company provides consumers with flexible access to comprehensive insurance solutions. Progressive is the second-largest personal auto insurer in the country and a prominent provider in commercial auto, motorcycle, and homeowners insurance, continuously evolving to meet consumer needs through innovative services and tools.

About Hello Alice

Hello Alice is a leading financial technology platform that serves over 1.5 million small business owners across the United States. Committed to ensuring equitable access to capital and empowering entrepreneurs, Hello Alice integrates funding, education, and tailored opportunities into its platform. By collaborating with enterprise service providers and government agencies, Hello Alice is helping to facilitate sustainable growth and success for small business owners everywhere. For more information, visit Hello Alice and connect via social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

---

SOURCE: Progressive Insurance

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link