Support Local Businesses Vying for Special Grant Program

There are just two weeks left for local businesses to apply, and garner voting support, for a dozen $250,000 grants slated for small businesses.

The "Mission: Small Business" is being sponsored by Chase and LivingSocial to help small hometown businesses that need financial support to keep their business growing. Every business that participates must get 250 votes of support to qualify.

Application and voting began as of May 7. The final date to apply and to get voters to show support is June 30. The grant winners will be announced on or before September 15, 2012.

Local shopper can participate two ways:

1. Supporting Small Businesses
Consumers can show their Support for small business initiatives by visiting the www.missionsmallbusiness.com site and clicking the “Support Small Business” button on the right. For every click, Chase will add $5 to the Grant Pool. You will need a Facebook account in order to register your support. Your credentials will be verified via Facebook Connect.

2. Voting for their favorite small business
Once the consumer has supported small businesses, they can view small businesses that have registered for the program and vote for their favorites. Consumers can vote once to as many businesses as they like. Businesses must receive at least 250 Votes to be eligible for a Grant.

Under the Program Rules to be eligible for a grant, busienss must have been actively engaged in your current business activity for at least two consecutive years preceding the start of the Program.

This grant program is for “for-profit” businesses only. Chase has a non-profit program under Chase Community Giving.

Here's a short list of local businesses already participating:

39 N main st
Sayville, NY 11782
631.589.9579

hart lobster co. billy hart / hart lobster co.
94 votes foot of atlantic avenue
West Sayville, NY 11796
631 877 1694