Presented by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Seattle, WA.

Center of the Universe Small Business Relief Fund

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Our goal is to raise a minimum of $75,000 – DONATE TODAY! No amount is too small.

Only $9,400 more to go! Can you help?

Our unique blend of small retailers, restaurants, services, and nonprofits make Fremont an incredible place to do business and work. It’s what makes the Center of the Universe, the Center of the Universe! And right now, those friends and neighbors are hurting. You can help!

That’s why the nonprofit Fremont Chamber of Commerce has launched the Center of the Universe Small Business Relief Fund to help our small businesses & nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. While there are multiple grant relief resources available, we have identified gaps that leave some of our neighborhood businesses and nonprofits without relief opportunities.

Thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals like you, we’ve already been able to help 32 businesses. If we can meet our goal of $75,000, we can help as many as 50 businesses in our Community! Please help us reach our goal. Donate now!

 
 
 

 

Center of the Universe

Small Business Relief Fund Impact Statistics

As part of our Center of the Universe Relief Fund, The Fremont Chamber of Commerce awarded $1,500 small business grants to 45 Fremont businesses through the Fremont neighborhood to assist with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thanks to the generous contributions of the Center of the Universe Relief Fund donors, we were able to raise more than $65,040 for small business grants to distribute in our community. 

Proliferating the vibrant history of small businesses in our community is vital to maintaining the quirky culture of Fremont. The 45 businesses who were awarded small business grants have been in business in Fremont a cumulative 399 years! 

Part of our work to strengthen the business climate of the Fremont community is giving back to the neighborhood and contributing to social good. As such, we were happy to award six local nonprofits with $1,500 small business grants. 

The Center of the Universe is home to a multitude of industries and businesses owned & operated by diverse groups of individuals. Our data revealed that 48% of awarded businesses are women-owned, 16% are minority-owned and 4% LGBTQ-owned.

Apply for a Grant

We are currently CLOSED to new applications.

We successfully distributed $65,600 in grants last fall! Many thanks to our wonderful donors who made this possible.

How to Apply & Application FAQ

  • Fill out the SIMPLE APPLICATION.
  • The first round of funding will open on August 1st. Our goal is to distribute initial funds by August 15, 2020. The more we raise, the more will be distributed. 100% of all funds raised will be distributed.
  • $1,500 Grants will be awarded based on availability of funds to help as many Fremont businesses and nonprofits as possible. A Chamber Board Committee will review applications and recommend awards.
  • You only need to submit your application once and it will remain active throughout the duration of the Fund.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Has fewer than 50 employees.
  • Is located in Fremont (from Ballard Bridge to I-5, from the Woodland Park Zoo to both sides of the Ship Canal, and on Westlake Avenue to Roy/Terry Avenue).
  • Is a Fremont Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. If you are not a current member and meet the Fund eligibility requirements, you may JOIN HERE for 2020.

Granting Prioritizations

  • Businesses/organizations who have not yet received any other means of financial relief.
  • Businesses/organizations who have demonstrated support of and participation in Fremont community activities, initiatives & neighborhood improvements.
  • Business/organization’s tenure as Fremont Chamber members.
 
 

Join the list of our generous donors:

Website Design

Founding Donors

               

Center of the Universe Fund Donors

Brian Regan

Solar System Donors

Aditi Bhide

Ann Bassetti

Christopher Woodfield

Jeremy Bowen

Leo Griffin