The Thryv Small Business Foundation announced today the first recipients of its Small Business COVID-19 Grant Program, a grant application program that awards immediate grants to struggling small businesses.
First round recipients are small business owners from cities all over the U.S. including Nashville, New York City, Portland, Long Beach, Calif. and smaller cities like South Berwick, Maine.
“Our business was thriving leading up to the pandemic,” said Carolyn Greig, owner of Highland Village, Texas-based dog daycare and spa Dogtopia and grant recipient. “Over the last few weeks, we’ve had little to no income. This grant could not have come at a better time. We employ 15 people and plan to use the grant immediately to cover payroll.”
After announcing the grant program a week ago, the Foundation received nearly 3,000 submissions and has been working to allocate the funds among qualifying applicants. Once it selects and notifies grant recipients, the Foundation is wiring the money directly to individual businesses. The grants are sponsored by Thryv, Inc., its leadership team, employees, board members and other donors.
“We understand the urgency of the situation,” said Matthew Gourgeot, who oversees the foundation. “We knew struggling small businesses needed the money immediately to cover monthly essentials like rent, and we are proud to have made that happen.”
The grants gifted are between $2,500 and $15,000.
“We own a floral shop in Laurens, Iowa, a small rural town with a population 1,200,” said Julie Wurr, owner of Heart ‘n Home and grant recipient. “March through May are our biggest months of the year. We had pre-ordered palms and lilies for Easter but all churches canceled them afterwards. We are out that money. We have weddings on hold. We don’t know if there will be a prom or graduation.
“I cried when I found out I would be receiving a grant. This money will help keep us afloat for a month.”
The Thryv Foundation welcomes donations from anybody interested in helping small businesses through this crisis. If you wish to donate, please click here. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
In addition, the Foundation announced it is no longer accepting new applicants due to overwhelming demand.
“We’re trying to help as many applicants as possible,” said Gourgeot. “Unfortunately, with such overwhelming demand, we are closing new applications at this time to make sure we fully evaluate the current applicants.
“But we’re proud to have made an impact where we can in the future of our small business community.”
About Thryv Small Business Foundation
The Thryv Small Business Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization created by small business automation software provider Thryv, Inc. It invests in small businesses through education and efforts like its Small Business Ambassador Program, which offers live webinar and seminar training around the country.
In addition, the Foundation develops entrepreneurs by speaking to and working with Small Business Development Centers, vocational schools and local communities. The Foundation invests in small business America through in-kind donations and small business grants gifting the tools needed to start, run and grow their businesses.
About Thryv, Inc.
Thryv, Inc. builds and owns the simple, easy-to-use software Thryv® that helps small business owners with the daily demands of running a business; and allows them to take control and be more successful.
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