The Opelika Chamber of Commerce awarded $35,000 in small business grants and scholarships to six minority-owned businesses at Opelika Main Street on Wednesday.
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce Small Business Grant program awards grants of up to $5,000 to a range of diverse business owners. In addition, membership to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce includes healthcare benefits, access to $1,000 in free or matching advertising efforts through partnerships with various media outlets, free business cards and office supply discounts.
The small businesses are awarded Minority-Owned Business Scholarships for a year-long membership with the Opelika Chamber in hopes to elevate locally-owned minority small businesses.
The businesses receiving grants include:
● Holloway BBQ
● JI Creative Studios
● Pannie-George’s Kitchen
● Skinz Again
● Soul Sistaz Eatz & Treatz
● Visions of Colors Paint and Pour Studio
“This is really a wonderful opportunity for these businesses to grow through gaining the benefits and having access to the resources that the Chamber of Commerce offers you,” said President and CEO Ali Rauch.
Local and national organizations will champion the recipients. These organizations include Alsobrook Law Group, Auburn Bank, Golden State Foods, Hanwha Advanced Materials America, SouthState Bank, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Renasant Bank.
A subcommittee of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and the recipients will work hand-in-hand with their champions . 80 percent of the funding will be allocated to existing small businesses while 20 percent will be given to businesses founded within the last year.
Applications are accepted twice a year, although the application remains open. Apply at www.OpelikaChamber.com.
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