National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

Our economy couldn’t run without small mom-and-pop businesses. Presently, they create economic growth and provide almost 70% of all new jobs in the country. That’s why every year on March 29 we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in this country by celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!

To Celebrate, We Are Sharing 8 Grants Small Businesses Can Apply For:

1. There is an opportunity for small businesses to participate in a mentorship program. The purpose is to help increase business capacity, acquire development assistance and growth.

2. Business development grants are available to improve business growth and success. The funding is for the purpose of advertising and marketing, expanding facilities, and hiring employees.  

3. Grants of up to $1,000 and in-kind support are available to entrepreneurs for business development. Targeted to entrepreneurs in small businesses, this funding focuses on key components required to rebuild communities by providing training and jobs to the next generation.

4. Veteran-owned businesses can apply for a business development program grant. This opportunity is open to all veteran business owners – with 50% or more ownership maintained by a veteran.

5. $10,000 grants are available to women-owned businesses to achieve entrepreneurial or organizational goals. This grant is awarded to one recipient each month, throughout the year.

6. Jewelry artists can apply for grants of $7,500 and in-kind support for career-building activities. Individuals pursuing a full-time career in jewelry may apply. Applicants making jewelry for extra income on the side are not eligible.

7. Financial assistance is available to booksellers, bookstore owners, comic store employees, and owners. This grant is to support businesses during unforeseen events and circumstances, such as COVID-19.

8. Agricultural producers can apply for grants to mitigate crop losses, low yields, inventory loss, or the prevention of crop planting. These crop losses must be due to a natural disaster such as weather, ie: excessive moisture.

Support Local Businesses in Your Area

You can also celebrate this day by showing these mom-and-pop small businesses your support!
Here are a few ideas:
> Give gift cards from your favorite small businesses to encourage others to shop there.
> Share their social media pages to improve their following.
> Talk about them. Word of mouth advertising is some of the best advertising small businesses get. 
> Take their business cards and then recommend them to a friend.
> Be a repeat customer. Remember small businesses are the ones who also support local events and schools, too.

If you are a small business owner or self-employed, there is still time to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan) before the deadline of March 31st, 2021 – if you haven’t already. You can also find other grant funding available in your State on grant listing databases such as GrantWatch.com. There are new grants released on a weekly basis, so regularly check these grant listing databases for the latest updates.