#United States #Progressive Insurance #Mayfield Village #Hello Alice #Driving Small Business

Small Business Growth Initiative: $1 Million in Grants

Empowering Small Businesses Across the U.S.

In a significant move to support small businesses, Progressive Insurance® has announced the launch of the 2025 Driving Small Business Forward grant program. This initiative, executed in collaboration with Hello Alice, is set to distribute a total of $1 million in grants. The goal: to empower small businesses across the United States by assisting them in acquiring commercial vehicles essential for their operations.

The grant will be awarded to 20 small business owners, with each recipient receiving $50,000. This funding can be utilized not only for the purchase of commercial vehicles but also for associated expenses crucial for business development.

A Milestone in Small Business Support

Karen Bailo, President of Commercial Lines at Progressive Insurance, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses. "Our mission extends beyond simply providing funds; we're investing in the growth of small businesses across the country," remarked Bailo. With the introduction of these grants, Progressive will have contributed over $2.5 million to small businesses since the inception of the Driving Small Business Forward fund.

The successful impact of these grants is showcased through testimonials such as that of Dermot Jones, owner of Jones Family Bee Removal. A past recipient explained how the funding allowed him to invest in specialized equipment, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of his operations while also expanding outreach programs that educate at-risk youth about pollinator conservation.

The Application Process

For those interested in applying for the grant, applications are now open. Small business owners can find more details and submit their applications through the Hello Alice website. The deadline for applications is June 20, 2025, with recipients to be notified via email in August.

In addition to the financial support, approved recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-week Boost Camp, a business coaching program designed to help them maximize the grant funds effectively. Through this camp, participants will acquire knowledge on financial budgeting, funding strategies, and customer acquisition techniques, all vital for business scaling.

Program Features

Here are some key features of the Driving Small Business Forward grant program:

• - Financial Support: A total of $1 million divided among 20 selected small businesses.
• - Business Health Engine: Access to Hello Alice's proprietary tool that helps small business owners evaluate their business health and offers tailored action plans.
• - Intuitive Application Process: A user-friendly application designed to support all eligible small businesses.
• - Ongoing Support: Commitment from Hello Alice to foster a supportive network for small business owners.

To qualify, applicants must be the primary executive of a small business with 10 or fewer employees and annual revenues of less than $5 million. A clear need for a commercial vehicle and a well-defined plan for business scaling must also be articulated.

Conclusion

The Driving Small Business Forward grant program represents a significant investment in the entrepreneurial spirit that drives American communities. Progressive Insurance's partnership with Hello Alice not only enhances small business operations through financial aid but also offers educational resources that foster long-term growth. This initiative underlines the importance of supporting small businesses, recognizing their vital contributions to local economies and communities across the country.