GRCC Now Accepting 2023 INCspire BizMaker Grant Applications

Reston, VA - INCspire Education Foundation, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is accepting applications from innovative small and startup businesses in Fairfax County for its 2023 INCspire BizMaker Grant Program through Friday, March 31.
 
The BizMaker Grant Program was created in 2021 to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and a diversity of economic opportunities for businesses committed to job creation and revenue generation in Fairfax County. Applications will be evaluated on the innovation of the business’s product or service, stability of its organizational structure, and the organization’s impact to the local community.
 
BizMaker grant awardees will receive funds from the $30,000 prize pool. The grant awardees also will be enrolled in the INCspire Mentorship Program. This program provides the awardees quarterly advisory sessions with professional service providers who best address growth opportunities in their operations.
 
Please visit www.restonchamber.org/incspire for additional details and application submission.
 
“The inaugural call for grant applications was a tremendous success,” says Greater Reston Chamber CEO Charles Kapur, reflecting on the 2021 INCspire BizMaker Grant outcome. “The applicant pool reflected the diversity of Fairfax County’s small business ecosystem. Fifty-four percent of the applications were minority-owned organizations, and 63% were women-owned businesses. Applications were received from a mix of existing businesses and startup ventures, as well as non-profit organizations serving our local community. A wide range of industries comprised the applicant pool, ranging from information technology to education to health and wellness.”
 
The program is supported through the financial and leadership commitment of local business leaders, including Leidos, M&T Bank, Microsoft, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, and Reston Community Center.
 
“The success of small businesses in our communities is vital to the future of Fairfax County,” said William Berg, Senior Branch Manager of M&T Bank’s Reston Business Banking Center and a member of INCspire’s board of directors. “As the region’s top small-business lender, M&T is once again proud to support the INCspire BizMaker Grant Program and its awardees past and present.”
 
INCspire, created in 2000, has served the needs of our region’s business community, mentoring more than 130 companies that have created over $45 million in business value, secured over 100,000 square feet of commercial office space, and developed nearly 1,000 new jobs.  INCspire’s Business Education Series produces monthly webinars, educating hundreds of attendees each year on a variety of critical, easily implemented business strategies presented by local subject matter experts.