Financial capital is critical to help small businesses weather the current crisis. That’s why Salesforce has partnered with us to administer their Salesforce Care Small Business Grants program, which will provide $10,000 individually and $3 million in total to small businesses across the United States. Salesforce is also providing $2 million to help small businesses outside of the US.

The program opened in two phases – the Eastern US on April 24th and Western US on April 27th. As of program closure yesterday, we have received more than 7,000 applications across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. These applicants are a true representation of the Next Wave entrepreneurs Ureeka is committed to helping launch, grow and thrive. Over 60% of submissions came from female founders, entrepreneurs of color and members of the LGBTQ community and span across 12+  industries including Professional Services, Healthcare and Hospitality.

We know speed is of the essence during times of need, which is why we have built a program that allows for a rigorous judging process while still delivering funds to business owners quickly. Over the next few weeks, applications will be evaluated across criteria including, but not limited to:

• How has COVID-19 impacted the business?

• How will the grant be used to help the business manage through COVID-19?

• How will the grant be used to impact the local community?

Applications undergo three rounds of review by our panel of trained, independent judges. These reviewers represent a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as gender identities and ranges of age groups. Once final grantees are selected the business owner will be notified via email around the second week of June.

Salesforce and Ureeka are committed to supporting the small business community.  All applicants receive access to the Ureeka Community, which includes a one-hour session with a mentor to talk about their unique business challenges and how to steer through COVID-19 disruption. As part of their VTO initiative, we’re excited to welcome Salesforce employees into our mentor network expanding the knowledge and expertise we offer our small businesses in these sessions. Real people, real help because together we will make it to the other side.

Learn more about how Salesforce is helping Small Businesses here.