Hispanic Heritage Foundation, other national organizations offer $5,000 grants to Latinx small business owners

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chatham’s Latinx business owners who showed entrepreneurial innovation and perseverance during the COVID-19 pandemic could receive thousands of dollars in small business grant money.

In late August, the Washington-based Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) partnered with the social media company TikTok to launch “Creciendo con TikTok,” a small business grant program meant to recognize and support Latinx entrepreneurs all over the U.S. while they pivot and recover from the pandemic.

Drawing from a $150,000 grant fund, the partners will award $5,000 in cash to 30 Latinx business owners. Beyond TikTok and the HHF, the USHCC (US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) and Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) will also help select the finalists.

“HHF is thrilled to partner with TikTok in support of Latinx business and entrepreneurship who will continue to play a vital role in America’s economic recovery as well as moving our community forward,” said Antonio Tijerino, HHF president and CEO, in a press release. “We are also looking forward to working in tandem with USHCC, LBAN and our LOFT Network to identify and award the small businesses who can use the help in sustaining their vision and hard work as entrepreneurs.”

To apply, Latinx business owners can visit bit.ly/38IKNxi. Eligible business owners must be 18 years or older, own at least 51% of the business and have been in business prior to Sept. 15, 2020. Owners must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents. All owners will be required to undergo background and credit checks as well.

According to the HHF’s application criteria, successful candidates will have shown exceptional perseverance, hard work and commitment to entrepreneurship during the pandemic.

Among other things, the application form asks business owners to explain why they started their companies, what challenges COVID presented to them and their businesses as well as how they would use the grant funds. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30.

For more information, visit the HHF’s website at hispanicheritage.org or send an email to info@hispanicheritage.org.