Application deadline tomorrow for NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant program

Tomorrow is the deadline for small business owners to apply for the NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant Program. 

According to program specifications, “Certifications and official designations can help businesses realize new opportunities to grow. But obtaining these certifications often requires additional resources that can strain small businesses.  Under this program, $5,000 grants will be awarded to deserving entrepreneurs to support small businesses in rural and urban communities across five states and companies led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones).”

NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant is intended to assist entrepreneurs in Georgia, and four other states, in obtaining vital business certifications, which are important to facilitate networking, business connections, and draw partnership opportunities with larger corporations and organizations. Certifications and official designations include Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE), among others.

Brad Gazaway, Chief Legal Officer at Leslie’s, states, “We are thrilled to partner with the NAACP in support of diverse small businesses and their entrepreneurial leaders, as well as propel the NextGen Leadership program supporting young adults seeking to become the civil rights leaders of tomorrow.”

The program will award 17 one-time grants of $5,000 each. Recipients may use awarded funds for costs related to completion of state and/or federal applications for certification, including but not limited to, legal/consulting fees.

To be eligible to receive this grant, your small business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are African-American or otherwise persons of color; or be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women; or be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more persons with a disability. 

The business must operate in the consulting and/or food services industries, and be located in Georgia, Arizona, California, Florida or Texas. 

Business and employee location in a Small Business Administration-defined HUBZone may also be eligible. 

For more information, or to apply for the grant, visit naacp.org/find-resources/grants.