Blog

Introducing HomeBase | Flexible Microgrants up to $5,000 for Small Businesses

Jan 16, 2025

Over the years, Neighborhood Allies has grown to support minority-and-women-owned small businesses in a variety of ways – like through our Get Online Grow Online (GOGO) Program, which has helped hundreds of business owners to promote and sell their products and services online, as well as connect with customers in a post-pandemic world.

Demi Kolke, our Director of Community Investments, has been at the helm of GOGO and other MWBE-supporting initiatives since Day 1, working closely to connect over 500 business owners with resources, both within and outside of Neighborhood Allies’ program areas. As with all staff at Neighborhood Allies, Demi actively listens to the concerns of those we serve. Because of this insight, she is uniquely positioned to create innovative programming that best addresses the needs of small business owners.

Which is exactly how our new HomeBase program came to be.

The HomeBase Program empowers small businesses to grow by providing microgrants up to $5,000 for eligible activities that increase revenue and leverage additional funding opportunities. We aim to eliminate barriers for growth by providing flexible funding for minority-or-women-owned small businesses in Allegheny County.

“The building blocks for this program have been stacked in my brain for years, just waiting to be assembled,” said Demi. “I’ve spent lots of time brainstorming solutions to problems that minority-and-women-owned small businesses in Allegheny County face. While no program is one-size-fits-all, I believe the flexibility of HomeBase paired with targeted support and guidance will help businesses take their next growth step, hopefully leading to more funding opportunities and increased revenue.”


Eligibility guidelines

  • Be located within Allegheny County
  • Have less than 5 employees
  • Have been operating for at least one year
  • Made less than $1M in revenue in the previous year

Use of funds

Funding from HomeBase is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to use it where they need it most. These funds are NOT to be utilized for day-to-day business operations such as payroll, rent, existing debt, or any other ongoing expenses.

Examples of eligible activities include:

  • Ceritifcations or subscriptions to expand your business
  • Equipment or materials for new product launch
  • Specialized consulting for entering new markets

How to apply

Apply for assistance here. For more information on HomeBase, connect with our Senior Program Manager of Economic Opportunity, Ashley McLean at ashley@neighborhoodallies.org

This is an open enrollment program with no deadline while funding lasts. We focus on supporting minority and women-owned businesses. 

Top Header Image Photo Credit: Prototyping Larimer Stories by artist John Peña, photo by OPA