BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA —
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce has opened up the application process for its Small Business Grant Program.
“In accordance with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s mission, vision and values, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce is please to introduce a new small business support and start up program,” says the Chamber’s website. “The Small Business Grant Program will be administered by a subcommittee of the Opelika Chamber Small Business Committee and will include diverse business owners and impartial participants who are ineligible to receive the grant for their own busines.”
The Chamber will award grants to businesses in need, but the amount will not go over $5,000. The Chamber also said that businesses may not receive the full amount the request when they apply.
Grants will mostly be awarded to existing businesses — 80%, while 20% will be given to start-ups.
The guidelines are as follows from the Chamber:
– Complete applications must be submitted by the published deadline.
– Business must be licensed within the city of Opelika.
– Should employ 10 or fewer employees (two part-time = one employee).
– Must demonstrate a need for funding.
– Must not have received a grant through this program in the past 12 months.
Applications will be accepted indefinitely at www.opelikachamber.com.
“If not selected, your application will be saved for consideration in the following selection round for a maximum of 1 year,” the chamber said.
The chamber has previously awarded grants. In 2022, the chamber awarded $25,000.
These recipients included the Emerald Cover Early Learning Center LLC, Out The Mud Boxing LLC, Twice Baked, Market Street Paint Shop, Six Dollar Cafe, The Bottling Plant Event Center, Hare Loss Center for Alabama and Whit Works.
“This was our inaugural selection of recipients, and we look forward to continuing to review and award additional recipients in the future,” the chamber said.
Applications must be received by Aug. 18, 2023, and can be found at www.opelikachamber.com/elevate-business/small-business-grant-program/ and can be submitted to grants@opelikachamber.com.