Blog

Small Business Resource Guide: Exclusive Opportunities for Chamber Members

As valued Chamber of Commerce members, your businesses form the backbone of our local and national economies. This Small Business Month, we're highlighting exceptional resources and grant opportunities specifically beneficial to chamber members like you. Many large corporations and organizations are stepping up their support for small businesses, creating unique advantages you can leverage through your chamber membership.

Featured Grant & Support Programs

TikTok's $1 Million Advertising Credit Initiative

TikTok has launched a substantial support program designed to help U.S. small businesses expand their digital reach:

• Advertising Credits: Apply for complimentary ad credits to enhance your presence on one of today's fastest-growing platforms
• Small Biz Fest TikTok Academy: Beginning May 15, access weekly expert webinars on creating high-converting ad campaigns
• "100 Ways to Grow on TikTok": Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs through this practical video podcast series
• In-Person Roadshows: Network and learn at events in Los Angeles, New York City, and Austin

Chamber Advantage: Members can coordinate group applications through your chamber's digital marketing committee for increased visibility.

For application details: tiktoksmallbizfest.com

Stamps.com $25,000 Small Business Flexibility Grant

This substantial grant targets service-oriented businesses looking to streamline operations:

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S.-based service business
• Minimum three employees
• Operating for at least two years

Timeline:

• Application Period: May 1–31, 2025
• Winner Announcement: June 2025

Chamber Advantage: Your chamber can provide application review services and letter of recommendation to strengthen your submission.

Apply at: www.stamps.com/grant

Walmart's "Grow with US" Program

This comprehensive initiative helps chamber members scale to national distribution channels:

Four-Step Support Program:

1. Education: Access 30 e-learning modules through Walmart's Supplier Academy
2. Product Discovery: Showcase products via Walmart's Open Call, RangeMe platform, and Marketplace
3. Mentorship: Partner with experienced Walmart advisors
4. Financing: Leverage Early Payment Programs and Bridge Marketplace funding

Important Dates:

• Road to Open Call Events: May-June 2025 in Orlando, Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, Columbus, and Atlanta
• Main Open Call Applications: Opening June 24, 2025
• Open Call Event: October 7-8, 2025 (Bentonville, Arkansas)

Chamber Advantage: Your chamber's economic development committee can coordinate group participation in Road to Open Call events.

Verizon's $5 Billion Small Business Initiative

Verizon has committed substantial resources to small business development:

Small Business Supplier Accelerator:

• Integration into Verizon's supply chain
• Training and mentorship opportunities
• Flexible procurement terms

Digital Ready Program:

• Free online business development courses
• Expert coaching sessions
• Access to $10,000 grants

Grant Eligibility:

• For-profit U.S.-based business
• Register on the Digital Ready portal
• Complete two learning activities by June 30, 2025
• Submit application by June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM PT)

Chamber Advantage: Coordinate with your chamber's technology committee to organize group learning sessions that fulfill program requirements.

Apply at: digitalready.verizonwireless.com/onboarding

Additional Grant Opportunities for Chamber Members

SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration has expanded its Community Navigator Pilot Program, allocating $100 million to support underserved small businesses. Chamber members can access specialized advisors for technical assistance and funding guidance.

Eligibility: Small businesses in underserved communities Benefit: Up to $20,000 in technical assistance plus direct connections to capital sources Deadline: Ongoing through December 2025

Chamber Advantage: Your chamber has designated Navigator representatives who can expedite your application process.

Visit: sba.gov/navigators

SCORE-FedEx Small Business Grant

This collaborative program between SCORE and FedEx offers ten $10,000 grants annually to small businesses demonstrating innovation and community impact.

Requirements:

• Under 25 employees
• Operating for at least one year
• Clear growth strategy and community engagement

Application Period: July 1-30, 2025

Chamber Advantage: Access exclusive grant writing workshops through your chamber's partnership with local SCORE chapters.

Apply at: score.org/fedex-grant

Google Digital Growth Program

Google has introduced a comprehensive support program featuring:

• $10,000 Google Ads credits for qualifying businesses
• Free Google Business Profile optimization
• Access to digital skills training through Grow with Google
• Participation in the Google for Startups Accelerator

Chamber Advantage: Your chamber's technology committee offers hands-on workshops to optimize your Google applications.

Learn more: grow.google/smallbusiness

Special Resources for Rural NY & Adirondack Region Businesses

New York State Rural Business Development Grant

Empire State Development has launched a tailored program specifically for rural New York businesses, with special consideration for Adirondack region enterprises.

Program Highlights:

• Matching grants of $10,000-$50,000 for qualifying rural businesses
• Low-interest microloans for businesses in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents
• Technical assistance focused on rural market development
• Priority consideration for businesses in the Adirondack Park Economic Development Zones

Application Window: June 15-August 31, 2025

Chamber Advantage: The Warrensburg Chamber maintains an active rural development liaison who can assist with application preparation and regional economic data.

Learn more: https://esd.ny.gov/regions/north-country

Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Center for Businesses in Transition

This specialized program addresses the unique challenges facing Adirondack region businesses, particularly those undergoing ownership transitions.

Resources Available:

• Succession planning grants up to $25,000
• Buyer-seller matching service for business continuation
• Technical assistance for rural enterprise modernization
• Special focus on maintaining essential businesses in small communities

Chamber Advantage: Our chamber hosts quarterly transition planning workshops in partnership with ANCA representatives.

Contact: https://www.adirondack.org/center-for-businesses-in-transition/

USDA Rural Business Development Program - NY Focus

The USDA has allocated additional funds specifically for New York's rural counties, with emphasis on:

Grant Categories:

• Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG): $10,000-$500,000 for rural public entities
• Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG): Up to $100,000 for training and technical assistance
• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP): Loans up to $50,000 for rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees

Special Adirondack Region Priorities:

• Tourism infrastructure development
• Value-added forest products enterprises
• Local food system development
• Rural broadband utilization projects

Chamber Advantage: The Warrensburg Chamber hosts a dedicated USDA grant specialist monthly for member consultations.

Application information: rd.usda.gov/ny

How Your Chamber Membership Maximizes These Opportunities

Your Chamber of Commerce membership provides exclusive advantages when applying for these resources:

1. Application Support: Access grant writing assistance and review services
2. Collective Bargaining: Participate in group applications for increased visibility
3. Endorsement Letters: Receive official chamber endorsements to strengthen applications
4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with previous grant recipients through chamber events
5. Resource Navigation: Get personalized guidance on which opportunities best match your business needs

Contact your Chamber membership coordinator to schedule a consultation on how to leverage these resources for your specific business needs.

This resource guide was prepared exclusively for Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Members by Suzanne Tyler, Warrensburg Chamber Executive Director. Suzanne believes in the power of community-based economic development and helps local businesses leverage chamber resources to achieve sustainable growth. Her collaborative approach has helped strengthen the Warrensburg business community through strategic partnerships and innovative member programs.

Connect with the Warrensburg Chamber:
Website: warrensburgchamber.com
Email: styler@warrensburgchamber.com