Earlier this year, we launched the HomeBase Program, which empowers small businesses to grow by providing microgrants up to $5,000 for eligible activities that increase revenue and leverage additional funding opportunities. While we had a feeling that this low-entry grant program was needed, the response was overwhelming and proof of concept! Within weeks of opening the program, we had received 204 applications and had to subsequently close the application due to our limited funding! It was an extremely competitive round and so many of the small businesses had amazing applications. From this first round, we were able to provide over $70,000 in grants for 15 small businesses in Allegheny County! Out of our 15 initial grantees, one business is woman-owned, one business is minority-owned, and 13 are minority-woman owned. Our grants ranged in size from $3,800-$5,000.
Congratulations to the grantees!
Gellyball Pittsburgh
Gellyball Pittsburgh offers rentals of a carnival-style shooting games as an alternative to paint ball for events, parties, and more! With the grant, they purchased additional and upgraded equipment so that they could run several events at once, a generator to help them save money at events that charge for power usage, plus an on-site marketing package to help them make an impact!
The Life Potion
The Life Potion offers handcrafted, organic, medicinal, herbal extracts, loose-leaf teas, body lotions and oils, and more. With this grant, they expanded their product line, improved packaging, enhanced marketing efforts, and increased outreach by hosting herbal workshops.
“I truly appreciate the work you do in empowering small businesses like mine. Your investment in “The Life Potion” is not just a financial contribution—it is an affirmation of the importance of holistic wellness and community well-being.”
Theresa Poindexter, Owner
Productivity LLC.
Productivity LLC. works with businesses to assist them in developing and implementing data management systems and processes to maintain operational compliance. With the grant, they purchased new equipment to allow them to expand their services to businesses to inspection and mapping of real estate projects using a drone, opening a new line of revenue for them. This new service aims to build a bridge between subcontractors and real estate developers, ensuring projects are built within scope and meet financing and government compliance requirements.
Shannon Parris Consulting
Shannon Parris Consulting provides consulting and coaching services for nonprofit organizations and small, locally owned and operated businesses. With this grant, Shannon invested in a consultant to assist in curriculum development to launch a brand-new program.
“Thanks to the HomeBase grant, I was able to accelerate the process of developing my group coaching program for small business owners and to reduce the cost of participation, making it accessible to more entrepreneurs with racial, gender, and neurodiverse identities.”
Shannon Parris, Owner
OJ Macklin Fitness
OJ Macklin Fitness offers gym members with personal and group fitness programs. With this grant, they purchased upgraded equipment for the gym.
“I am deeply grateful for the generous $5,000 grant from your organization. It allowed me to upgrade and replace essential fitness equipment I couldn’t afford on my own, which has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my business. The new equipment has greatly improved the gym environment, providing my members with a safer, more modern fitness experience while enhancing the appeal of my gym to attract and retain clients.”
OJ Macklin, Owner
HOT Designs
HOT Designs is a rental and event company. With this grant, they purchased additional seating options to offer for rent, helping them to potentially increase their client pool and revenue.
“The HomeBase Grant has aided us in a critical step toward expanding our business prospects. It has facilitated our entry into the luxury weddings and events market and also enables us to diversify our offerings as well as increase revenue streams. These luxury items not only improve our service capabilities but also pave the way for future growth. We finally unboxed the luxury seating we purchased with the HomeBase funds, and we are looking forward to sharing photos to our website to attract a new customer base.”
Ridgley Home Improvements
Ridgley Home Improvements offers services to create comfortable, safe, and healthy homes. They offer a wide range of services and tailor their services to meet their clients’ unique needs. They used this grant money to increase marketing and outreach, including purchasing new signage for their vehicle and conducting a mail campaign.
“[This grant] has meant major growth for us as we continue to expand. Being able to market ourselves has been a challenge financially, but this [grant] is allowing us to reach 3X the customer base and we hope to see a 3X sales volume increase.”
Boss Girl Collection, LLC.
Boss Girl Collection, LLC. sells apparel, beauty and skincare products, and accessories “were beauty meets ambition.” With the grant, they purchased equipment that will allow them to increase inventory and production capacity, as well as partner with more beauty stores.
Icey Aesthetics
Icey Aesthetics is a full-service aesthetics salon and wholesale lash seller. With this funding, they purchased new lash inventory, allowing them to create and sell lash kits to cosmetology schools and at a recent convention.
SheaLovie
SheaLovie offers premium, handcrafted shea butter products. With this grant, Lovie invested in consulting services, market research, and prototyping for a brand-new product, the iCARE Caddy. See an example of a prototype below!
“HomeBase funded the guidance I needed to bring my blooming ideas to fruition. I feel more than ever like my tree is set to bear fruit…in a timely manner. I used the grant to contract with a cosmetics marketing consultant who can help me craft products that resonate with my high-standards and well-deserving youth. We’re getting set to market-test labels, logos, and scents to inform the SheaLovie iCare Caddy—the best body care buddy a young person can have!”
-Lovie Foster, Owner
JVisionary Visuals
JVisionary Visuals offers photography and videography services ranging from personal portraits to weddings. With this funding, they purchased an upgraded camera and other equipment to stay competitive in the photography and videography field.
HillEd LLC
HillEd provides consulting services in leadership and organizational transformation. They utilized the grant to invest in a certification in digital transformation, organizational change, and change management projects to expand their consulting offerings.
Everything Iz Art
A children’s arts and crafts business dedicated to fostering creativity through technology-free play, they used the funds to purchase new and upgraded crafts and materials.
“Since receiving the grant, I’ve been able to fully stock up on supplies, upgrade the materials I use in my classes, and expand my services to reach more children than ever before. In addition, with the improvements I’ve made, I’ve been able to design, teach, and sell customizable products—something my community has truly embraced and enjoyed. I relaunched my classes on April 1st, and I am thrilled to report that they’ve had consistent attendance ever since, with enthusiastic participants eager to learn and create.”
Shakia Macklin, Owner
Vitamin C Healing
Vitamin C Healing‘s mission is Creating Calm Minds in the Workplace using a trauma responsive and systems approach that prioritizes work-life balance and integration to mitigate the impact of Compassion Fatigue and Leadership Burnout. They used the grant funds to invest in consulting services around marketing and branding.
Farmer Girl Eb
Farmer Girl Eb offers locally grown produce, organic herbals, made-to-order food, and freshly squeezed juice at her corner store on Noblestown Rd. With the grant funding, she purchased a high-end scale to assist in properly weighing and labeling her products.
