Many businesses are closing their doors for a second time. But even amidst this continuing hardship, there’s hope for local companies trying to stay afloat. Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) launched the Main St. Matters Grant Program to support businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. BBB has awarded nearly $30,000 of potentially business-saving capital to recipients during the first cycle of the program, and more grants will be awarded soon.

Over 700 Main St. businesses and entrepreneurs have applied for the emergency grant. A thorough review process included verifying immediate need, length of time in business, and history of upholding BBB Standards for Trust. These are just a few factors that set this program apart from others.

Grants are being distributed to businesses throughout the BBB Pacific Southwest service area and include many Lake Havasu City businesses. The recipients truly embody Main St. businesses, ranging from a coffee shop, a cleaning company, and construction business, to a bakery, and pool service. Awardees stood out for the impact they’ve made on their local community and the story behind their business.

Award announcements have been received with heartfelt appreciation and tears of joy. The testimonies prove the depth of many who have been placed in desperate situations.

“This is the first help I’ve gotten through all of this and I’ve felt really alone with my business,” said one awardee, who also was afraid she would “just get lost in the crowd”.

Every business matters to BBB.

“BBB is honored to provide this incredible program to support as many businesses as possible in Lake Havasu City and across the region. Through this emergency funding, it’s our hope that these businesses are able to sustain through, and long after, this crisis,” said Kryistyna Hook, BBB Regional Director.

Every Donation Helps. Small businesses are the heart of the marketplace, and BBB is requesting community support to lift those in need. BBB proudly seed-funded the Main St. Matter Grant Program and continues with the generous support of our donors. Even amidst uncertainty, when BBB Pacific Southwest employees underwent salary adjustments to ensure no layoffs, over 30% personally donated to the fund. With applications exceeding the amount of funding currently available, every contribution, big or small, supports the mission.

GoDaddy Joins the Mission. GoDaddy recently joined BBB in funding Main St. Matters at the Community Champion level, alongside Desert Financial Credit Union and SDG&E. With a trusted reputation of enhancing every stage of the business journey, GoDaddy’s generous contribution will expand the impact of the Main St. Matters Grant Program.

“We’re proud to join an incredible and necessary initiative,” said Stacy Cline, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for GoDaddy. “Main St. Matters allows us to expand on our support of #OpenWeStand and Empower by GoDaddy in partnership with BBB to not only provide tools and resources, but to offer monetary assistance to small businesses who need it most.”

Two Months Remain to Apply. Awards will continue throughout the four-month program in the form of $500 and $1,000 grants. Visit our website for application and criteria details by clicking https://www.bbb.org/pacific-southwest/main-st.-matters/application-information/ .