ASCEND: Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Diversity Grants, Round 3
October 12, 2023
U.S. Bank, in partnership with the Downtown Springfield Association (DSA), has opened applications for a third round of ASCEND – Advancing Springfield, Missouri’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking & Diversity small business grants. Current and planned Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses in center city Springfield are eligible for one of the five $5,000 grants. Applications are now open, through December 31, 2023.
The DSA launched the partnership with U.S. Bank last year to support diverse small business development. Within the last two rounds of ASCEND grants, ten different restaurateurs, retailers and professional service providers were provided $5,000 awards. This grant program secures new resources specifically targeted for recruiting and empowering BIPOC business owners.
The third round of grants will be awarded based on the identified needs of the businesses and in conjunction with existing resources from the Springfield Finance & Development Corporation, City of Springfield and other community organizations. The program is a collaboration with U.S. Bank, DSA, the efactory at Missouri State University and the Multicultural Business Association.
Deadline to apply is January 31, 2024. All interested applicants can apply through the link below.