What is it?
We received an unsolicited email from our bank, CHASE, which explained a grant program. Normally we wouldn’t have even read it, but something about the header of “Mission Main Street” caught our eye. It is targeted toward small business owners who are involved in the community. So we read their website and thought “Wow, those companies who received it prior sound like us.” Then we thought, what’s the catch? So we read all the rules and everything checked out. Check it out HERE for yourself.
How does it work?
We filled out the profile form, answered 5 essay questions (200 words or less), and now have to get 250 votes by June 19th (that is where you come in, more below). Then a panel decides out of all of the applicants which 20 companies will receive the grant.
What would you do with the grant?
Funny you should ask! That was one of the essay questions and here is what our answer was.
“This grant would have a massive impact on our ability to move SPA forward, and maintain a responsible debt load.
We would use the grant money to purchase infrastructure that would allow us to bring several aspects of design, production, and R&D in house. This would improve turn-around times, increase production flexibility (just in time manufacturing) and improve Quality Assurance. We would need to hire several employees to operate the equipment.
The added capability and flexibility would allow new projects like the Cougar (two seat Panther) and the Stroker Corvair “engine in a box” move forward at a much quicker and cost effective pace!”
How can you help?
Simple: Vote for Us!
One of the criteria is we have to receive 250 votes by June 19th in order to be considered for the grant. Anyone can vote, but you have to have a FaceBook account in order to vote. We need you to forward this to all of your friends via email, repost on FaceBook and get everyone you know to vote for us. Don’t worry, you will NOT be signed up for anything and they will not share your information.
We have never applied for a grant before, and have no idea if we have a chance to be selected for this one. But since it is not a government funded program, and sponsored by private businesses we figured why not? If we secure the grant it would be a game changer for us in terms of future production and the time frame in which we introduce new and exciting products.
