"At Your Side" Campaign

We Are "At Your Side"

Main Street America and Brother Partner to Support Small Businesses

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The "At Your Side" Small Business Grant Program

Main Street America and Brother International are working together to support small businesses and amplify the importance these enterprises play in communities across the country. The collaboration will shine a light on inspiring entrepreneurs and provide critical resources and marketing support to small businesses in need.

As part of this initiative, we’ve teamed up to launch the “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program to provide a total of $75,000 to Main Street small businesses in need. The program will support brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated Main Street districts as they work to adapt to COVID-19 and prepare for the next phases of reopening across the country, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial corridors.  

Small business applicants may apply for any amount between $5,000 and $10,000 USD and the final awards will be awarded on a competitive basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, defined as BIPOC, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned. See Program Terms and Conditions here.

Grant Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for participation, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • The applicant must be located in an Accredited or Affiliate Main Street America community or UrbanMain commercial corridor. This list is available here.
  • The applicant’s business must be a business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.
  • The applicant’s business must operate a “brick and mortar” store front since at least January 1, 2020.
  • The applicant’s business must employ less than 20 full time employees. 
  • The applicant must be an owner of the business. 
  • The applicant must be at least age 18 years or older.
  • The applicant’s business must be a for profit business. 501(c)(3) entities and 501(c)(6) entities are not eligible for a Program grant.
    If you have questions about your eligibility, please email atyourside@savingplaces.org.

    Eligible Grant Expenses

    Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
    • Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
    • Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
    • Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
    • Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
    • Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses

    Grant Application Judging Criteria

    • Feasibility of proposal
    • Extent to which grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to address COVID-19-related challenges
    • Opportunity for other businesses to learn from work
    • Business’ contribution to the local community
    • How the grant will help improve the viability of business 
    • Strength of letters of recommendation and supporting documents

    Grant Recipients

    You can find the announcement about the grant recipients here. 

    Questions?