As we continue to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 by sheltering in place and social distancing, many small businesses have had their cash flow abruptly cut off for months due to coronavirus restrictions forcing them to close their doors to customers.
This has left many small businesses having to tap into their entrepreneurial grit and perseverance, as they adapt to continue operating and marketing their businesses.
To help provide some relief to small businesses, Keap launched its Keep Going Grant Contest back in March when the company received 968 applications and granted $500 to 200 small businesses, dispersing a total of $100,000.
It was difficult limiting the grant funding to only 200 applicants because we heard so many inspiring ways in which small businesses allocated their funds and adapted to the times including:
- Making their annual conferences and events virtual
- Continuing to pay their employees
- Keeping their businesses open by continuing to manufacture products and taking their businesses solely online
- Using tools such as Keap to maintain communication with customers
The most common types of business industries we saw affected by the pandemic included:
- Event & Travel
- Fitness & Wellness
- Beauty
- Business Coaches
We were so inspired by these stories that we wanted to do more. Keap is announcing that it is launching Round 2 of its Keep Going Grant fund. By investing another $100,000 into the Keep Going Grant, we’ll be able to help empower more small businesses to keep going and to never forget there’s a community out there that is in their corner and a champion for their growth.
This time around, we are giving out $1,000 grants to 100 small businesses in need. The second round is open to small businesses in the 50 United States only.
With the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and too many other Black Americans, we stand in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and are allocating $50,000 of the $100,000 total in grants to empower Black-owned businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Per The New York Times, “Small businesses around the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Black-owned businesses have been impacted the most with 40% reporting they weren’t working in April compared to 17% of white-owned businesses that were surveyed.”
Any unclaimed grant money will be donated to a nonprofit organization that supports the movement or black entrepreneurs.
Applicants who were not selected in the first round of grants may apply again in the second round. Customers and non-customers may apply. When you do, please share your Keep Going story with us on the Keep Going Application Page:
- Tell us about your small business and what makes your products or services unique. (500 words or fewer).
- How has your business been impacted by the pandemic? What are you doing to adapt? (500 characters or fewer).
- Do you have advice for other entrepreneurs facing challenges right now? (500 characters or fewer).
Business owners have and always will overcome hardships with their perseverance to succeed and help their companies thrive. Everything from 9/11 to the 2008 market crash and recession to illnesses, disease and family loss, many organizations have bounced back and we will get through this as well and be stronger for it. Be well and stay safe!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years of age or older (or the age of majority in jurisdiction of residence, at the time) and a legal resident of the 50 United States and D.C. Enter by submitting essay answers during the promotional period beginning July 6, 2020 and ending July 20, 2020. 100 prizes of $1,000 each available to be won. Click here for Official Rules. Entries will be judged, and chances of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received and the judges’ decisions. Void where prohibited.
