As part of the first phase of the Nextdoor Kind Foundation's Keep It Local Business Fund, providing local grants to help residents strengthen their communities, $100,000 was split among 20 diverse entrepreneurs.

In partnership with the NAACP, America's largest and preeminent civil rights organization, and Hello Alice, the grant program awarded entrepreneurs working to strengthen and support communities at the local level.

Shireen Santosham, executive director of the Nextdoor Kind Foundation, noted:

Our first-ever grantees are a reflection of what ‘keep it local’ means — an unyielding commitment to their communities with the mission to make a positive impact — they are true changemakers.

Get to know: Nextdoor Kind Foundation

Created with the mission of distributing microgrants to individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses, the Nextdoor Kind Foundation supports all who seek to solve challenges and organize in their neighborhoods and communities by offering resources, tools, and personalized training to grow their businesses.

“Small businesses make up the vast majority of businesses in the U.S, heavily contributing to local communities, economies, and innovation. While the sector continues to grow, due to systemic barriers, entrepreneurs of color are less likely to have access to capital and business mentorship than other entrepreneurs,” highlighted the foundation.

Who got a micro-grant?

Those shortlisted were chosen from more than 7,000 grant applications from across the country, spanning a variety of industries, including construction, wellness, educational services, food service and more.

Here are the first recipients of a 2023 Keep It Local grant:

1. Black Men's Health Clinic, Austin, Texas
2. Cafe Coco Latte, Aurora, Ill.
3. California Hardwood Floor Co, Baton Rouge, LA
4. C. K. Cleaning Specialists, Inc, Bradenton, FL
5. Davis Transport Services LLC, Euclid, Ohio
6. Education Media, LLC, Long Beach, CA
7. Geniuscribes, Friendswood, Texas
8. Growth & Guidance Counseling, Oak Lawn, Ill
9. Health Care Solutions of Delaware Valley (HCS), Media, Pa
10. Julian's House LLC, Cypress, Texas
11. Matrescence Occupational Therapy, Austin, Texas
12. Melospeech Inc., Temecula, CA
13. MsP’sGFree Inc., Chicago, Ill
14. Purple Ribbon Chef, Chicago, Ill
15. Seed At The Table LLC, Compton, CA
16. Soulgood, Dallas, Texas
17. The Hardy Clinic, Atlanta, GA
18. The Heart of Art: Coaching For Creatives, Oakland, CA
19. Wheatley Montessori School, Greenville, S.C.
20. World City Center, Los Angeles, CA

“We were blown away by the quality and number of submissions we received for the Keep It Local Business Fund. It’s an indicator that local businesses remain in the forefront of thriving communities. It’s also a reminder in our belief that good ideas start at the grassroots level,” added Santosham.

The Nextdoor Kind Foundation, in partnership with the @NAACP and @HelloAlice, is proud to announce the grant recipients of the Keep It Local Business Fund. Learn more about the inspiring entrepreneurs here: https://t.co/hkvWtC6Q6D pic.twitter.com/c8QTFoYFVN

— Nextdoor (@Nextdoor) February 27, 2023

More reactions

“I am honored my business was selected as a grant recipient. This funding will enable us to begin seeking a large facility as we’re outgrowing our current location and have a waiting list of people we currently cannot serve,” said Ingrid and Dyon Crawford, Julian’s House founders.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said: “Black families must have equal opportunity to create generational wealth if we are going to achieve true racial equity. One of the most crucial tools to achieving this goal is providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources necessary to grow their businesses and enrich their communities. That's why NAACP proudly leads partnerships like this one with Nextdoor Kind Foundation and Hello Alice to cultivate strong, small Black-owned businesses and provide grants to ensure they can thrive.”

Later this year, the Nextdoor Kind Foundation will launch micro-grants for nonprofit community leaders looking to positively impact their neighborhoods.

For more information on the Keep It Local Business Fund, click here.