CLAYTON – The Clayton Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2019, recently launched a Small Business Grant Fund in response to the economic hardship caused by COVID-19. The mission of the Clayton Chamber Foundation (CCF) is to raise funds to support and advance Clayton Chamber of Commerce initiatives for the betterment of the Clayton community.
This Small Business Grant Fund is a community wide support initiative providing grants of up to $2,000 directly to qualified small businesses in the Clayton area that apply. The link to donate and apply can be found at www.claytonchamber.com/ccf.html.
These Clayton Chamber Foundation Small Business Grants are being powered by business and community donations, so the CCF Small Business Grant (SBG) application will be open for as long as funds are available. When submitted, all applications are time stamped and grants will be provided on a first come basis, providing all criteria is met. The CCF Small Business Grant advisory committee will be reviewing, processing and awarding grants on a 30-day cycle.
Clayton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Dana Wooten, said “Many Clayton businesses have suffered grave hardships during the COVID-19 crisis. The success of these businesses is vital to the economic vitality of Clayton and Johnston County. CCF is proud to be able to directly affect the bottom line of these businesses by establishing this grant fund to assist them in their recovery and reopening efforts. I would like to thank the Clayton Chamber Foundation Board of Directors for their hard work in making this grant program possible. Now it is time for our community to come together to make this Small Business Grant Fund a huge success.”
Businesses applying for the CCF Small Business Grant (SBG) must meet all the following criteria:
- Must have experienced a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19
- Must have a business typically open to the public within the city limits of Clayton (or ETJ), or if not within the city limits of Clayton, a CCOC investor in good standing for 2020.
- Must have not received any local, state, or national funding assistance for COVID-19 hardship (PPP, EIDL, etc.) at time of application.
- Must have been in business on or before the first quarter of 2019
- Must be an official NC business registered with North Carolina in some capacity (Secretary of State)
- Must be in good standing with federal, state, and local government jurisdictions
To learn more about the Clayton Chamber Foundation, donate to this Small Business Grant Fund, or apply for a Small Business Grant, visit www.claytonchamber.com/ccf.html
About the Clayton Chamber Foundation
Separate from the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, the Clayton Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019. Its mission is to raise funds to support and advance CCOC initiatives for the betterment of the Clayton community. The Clayton Chamber Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors which includes Tony Brown (Chair), Ruth Anderson (Vice Chair), Melissa Oliver (Secretary/Treasurer), Jim Perricone, Joy Garretson, and Brent George.
About the Clayton Chamber of Commerce
The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit civically engaged economic advancement organization led by the businesses that invest in our mission. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce (CCOC)’s mission is to champion business, economic development, and education in Clayton, North Carolina. CCOC achieves this mission by collaborating with various organizations through forums, task forces, committees, and even one-on-one conversations; advocating within the community, various organizations, and governments; and providing innovative solutions, community pride, business marketing opportunities, networking, and professional development through various signature events and other initiatives. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization governed by a board of directors.
