The NAACP, VistaPrint and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation announced the second set of recipients from the Power Forward Small Business Grant. This shared commitment of $1 million was designed to create a lasting impact through the economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses across New England, reports Afro Tech. Featuring grants of $25,000 and the opportunity to be featured on national co-branded platforms, recipients also receive design and marketing assistance customized to their specific needs.
The second group of grant recipients consists of 13 small businesses from the Boston area, Western Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut representing a variety of industries including health and wellness, fashion, food service, journalism and consulting, among others.
Recipients of the Power Forward Small Business Grant were notified with a mix of surprise in-person and virtual visits from Celtics players Aaron Nesmith and Grant Williams; Head Coach, Ime Udoka; President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens; Cedric Maxwell; Director of Community Engagement, Kash Cannon; and the team’s mascot, Lucky.
Applications for the financial grants opened in February 2021 and will remain open until all funds have been disbursed. Applicants selected to receive grant funding will be announced on a rolling basis.
