:quality(70):focal(672x555:682x565)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MYBPOH36RZAB3IUELJTYKHD4MY.jpg)
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce on May 3 announced a new scholarship program for selected small businesses that are members in good standing with the Batavia Chamber.
A fund called the Grow Your Business Scholarship has been established, according to a news release from the Chamber.
One of the roles of the Batavia Chamber is to be a catalyst for business prosperity, and the scholarship aims to assist businesses in developing skills needed to thrive in all environments, according to the release.
“During the pandemic, it became evident that although a small business was previously successful, they were not prepared to weather the extra challenges created by the pandemic,” said Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “A thriving business community is crucial as it enhances the economic viability and growth throughout the area.”
According to the release, the goal of the Batavia Chamber Grow Your Business Scholarship is to subsidize the costs for businesses to work with outside resources. The Batavia Chamber hopes that the selected Chamber members will build a sustainable business through the skills learned across all areas of operation. To ensure a successful program, the Batavia Chamber is partnering with the Fox Valley Entrepreneurial Center, which will assist in vetting the business’s needs, provide expert advice and contribute money to the Grow Your Business Scholarship fund, according to the release.
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has donated $10,000 and the FVEC is donating the remaining amount to provide two scholarships into the program.
“We’re investing into the Batavia Chamber businesses and helping them to secure future success,” Perreault said.
To apply, submit the form at fvec.org/bcoc-form. Businesses must be members of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce or willing to become a member. Information about joining the Chamber is at bataviachamber.org/member/newmemberapp/.
For information about the Grow Your Business Scholarship, call Margaret Perreault at 630-879-7134 or email margaret@bataviachamber.org. You can also text (478) CHAMBER.