Small-biz grant program returns with $25K awarded

Five local small businesses have been awarded grant funding through a program that debuted in 2022.

Claro Studioworks, Hair Waves Salon, Ozarks Farm Stop LLC, Ozarks Life and Queen City Collectors received $5,000 apiece through the Ascend program, according to a news release. A check presentation was held Nov. 14 at the Efactory, one of the partners in the initiative with U.S. Bank and the Downtown Springfield Association.

Grant recipients additionally receive business training and consulting through the Efactory and the Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University; financial literacy support through U.S. Bank and the city of Springfield; and marketing assistance, networking events and a one-year DSA membership through the downtown economic development organization.

“Supporting the development of small businesses and a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like DSA to help small businesses prosper and build thriving communities,” said Kristen Polchinski, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank, in the release.

Last year's grant initiative awarded $5,000 grants to 10 small businesses for a total of $50,000, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

Ascend is stylized as an acronym that stands for Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Development, according to the release. Officials in past years have said the acronym stands for Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Diversity. 

The change was not addressed in the release, and officials could not be reached for comment by deadline.