Grants given to small businesses

SANDUSKY — This past week, several local organizations — the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, the Erie County Economic Development Corp., the Minority Business Empowerment Team and H2 Property Management — awarded five small businesses each with a start-up scholarship. The recipients: Christina's Creations, BODY by Erica Taylor, C-1st, Studio by the Bay and Essence of Grace Studio. Earlier this year, the Minority Business Empowerment Team announced it would award up to 35 minority entrepreneurs $625 each to support the start of their new business. The grant program also receives support from the Mylander Foundation. Eligible entrepreneurs and small businesses include women, veterans, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. An applicant's business ideas must be new with no company legally in existence. An existing business owner who has been filing personal taxes as self-employed but wishes to form a business entity will also qualify. About the Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship The Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, often shortened to "RISE," is operated by the Erie County Economic Development Corp., the Norwalk Economic Development Corp. and BGSU Firelands. The Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship program offers support for entrepreneurs and businesses by linking them to a wide range of assistance and skilled providers with expertise in business start-up, development and acceleration. Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship is celebrating its 10th program year and has served more than 300 entrepreneurs across many stages of development and industries in the north-central Ohio region. Visit eriecountyedc.org/rise for more information About Minority Business Empowerment Team (MBET) The Minority Business Empowerment Team, often shortened to "MBET," is a grassroots collaborative effort between local minority-owned businesses, economic development organizations like the Erie County Economic Development Corp. and the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship; the city of Sandusky and its commissioners; and Sandusky City Schools. Its mission is to champion minority business development through collective and intentional entrepreneur support that improves the economic, social and personal standing for all minority entrepreneurs in the greater Sandusky area. Since forming in 2020, the group has used networking events and social media to build community and increase the visibility of local minority entrepreneurs and have delivered business and financial assistance to minority-owned businesses.