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Kinetic Black Business Support Fund Now Open for Applications
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The Kinetic grant provides $2,500 and one year of free internet services to each grant recipient.
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The grant has funded more than $300,000 in small business support since 2020.
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, February 22, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In honor of Black History Month, Kinetic is once again proud to announce that the Kinetic Black Business Support Fund is now accepting applications for the 2024 season.
Kinetic started the fund for Black small business owners to give them more access to capital available exclusively for their businesses in Kinetic's 18 states. This initiative aims to address the disparity in traditional funding sources by providing financial grants to Black-owned businesses.
Since its inception in 2020, the Kinetic BBS Fund has awarded more than $300,000 in grants. Along with the funds, each selected business receives one year of free Internet services and business consultations for recipients. This offering is designed to provide Black businesses with the digital tools and connectivity they need to thrive in today's fast-paced marketplace.
“The goal of the fund is not only to offer financial support, but also to provide resources that can help these companies thrive and sustain their operations in the long term,” said Lorenzo Clark, national vice president of Consumer and Enterprise Digital Sales at Kinetic. “We hope that through this grant we can provide businesses with the digital tools and connectivity they need to thrive in today's fast-paced marketplace.”
Once chosen, each small business grant recipient receives $2,500 in cash and a year of free internet for their business. Those selected are also eligible for a free consultation from Kinetic on processes and products that can improve efficiency and make your business more profitable.
“At Kinetic we are excited to support the growth and innovation of these companies,” said Clark. “They are considered essential to the vitality and economic growth of their local communities.”
Applications are now open and we encourage all eligible Black-owned small businesses to apply and join the more than 100 small businesses that received the grant and improved their operations.
To be eligible for a Black Business Support Fund grant, a business must:
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Be a new or existing small business in a market served by Kinetic and receive broadband Internet from Kinetic;
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Be black-owned and have 25 or fewer employees;
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Not currently be immersed in bankruptcy proceedings;
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Not be a nonprofit organization, liquor store, check cashing agency, gun store, pawn shop, or adult entertainment business, and
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Does not apply to multiple businesses.
Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis that meets the criteria. Applicants must verify Black Business Support Fund website for full terms and conditions and application process.
Homes and businesses can call Kinetic toll-free at 800-255-8358 to find out if they are or will be eligible for a fiber speed upgrade. You can also pre-register with Kinetic for fiber broadband at windstream.com/kinetic-fiber.
For more information, visit GoKinetic.com.
About kinetics
Kinetic is a business unit of Windstream Holdings, a privately held software and communications company. Kinetic offers premium broadband, entertainment and security services over an enhanced fiber network to consumers and businesses primarily in rural areas across 18 states. The company also offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses throughout the U.S. Additional information is available at GoKinetic.com.
Category: Kinetics
View the source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240222932738/en/
Contacts
Victoria Carmen, victoria.carman@windstream.com
David Faggard david.faggard@windstream.com