Vision Street Research is starting off September responding to some of the feedback heard during their Economic Equity Black Business Survey. During June and July we conducted a business survey (online and by phone) and we spoke in person to Black business owners in Nassau and Suffolk County about the impact of the pandemic on their businesses. One of the statements heard frequently during the discussions was, “I don’t want a loan, where can I find grant money to help with my business.” The full results of the survey were shared last month during an Economic Equity Town Hall co-hosted by Choice For All in partnership with the State of Black Long Island Council (SOBLI) convened by the Urban League of Long Island.
The Willa Mae Micro Grant is named after Erika Hill’s Maternal Grandmother Willa Mae Saunders. Willa Mae was a relationship oriented person. She built relationships on her job, in her church and in her community. In her honor and to support the continued post COVID19 recovery for Black Businesses, Vision Street Research is offering two $1,000 Grants to two businesses in Nassau County.
TO BE ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES MUST:
- Be 100% Black Owned
- Be Located in Nassau County
- Have been in business for at least 2 years
- Have 10 employees or less
- Be able to demonstrate financial loss due to COVID-19
The grant process includes: submitting the application form, submitting any requested supporting documentation and participating in a 3-5 video pitch.
Requests for applications open September 1st and the deadline for submission is September 15th at Midnight.
Two grant recipients will:
- Receive $1,000 each
- Receive 6 months of technical assistance
- Participate 2 Virtual Check-Ins at 6 month and 12 month marks
- Participate in 12 months of grant impact data collection
APPLICATIONS ARE NOT CLOSED FOR THE WILLA MAE MICRO GRANT