THE CENTER ON CENTRAL MOVES TO JUDGING PHASE OF MISSION: SMALL BUSINESS

The Center on Central is participating in the Mission: Small Business grant contest. We are happy to report that we have reached the 250 votes necessary to advance to the judging phase. Twelve different small businesses (100 employees or less) will each win a $250,000 grant to help them grow and sustain themselves.

Among the initiatives we’d implement if we win are a $25,000, 5-year challenge grant to create a $50,000 arts scholarship fund for students who are in need of financial assistance.

We’re also looking to maintain our quality offerings and home-like feel even as The Center on Central grows, and winning the grant could help us with that challenge.

Another obstacle at times is after-school transportation for children who want to attend classes but can’t easily get here – which the grant could also help us solve.

Aside from needing to receive at least 250 on-line votes, each business needed to submit 6 separate 500-word essays on a variety of topics, including one essay on the topic of our choice. (Read our essay, articulating the value of arts enrichment)

Thank you for your support!

Postlogue: Unfortunately, The Center on Central was not chosen as one of the 12 winners out of nearly 70,000 applicants.

We are happy to report that despite not obtaining outside funding, one of the initiatives we were seeking to launch with the grant funds – our after-school program with transportation – is coming to fruition regardless!