In this edition of local business news, the charitable foundation of an internationally known guitar maker has provided grants to two non-profits with local projects. Also, for Chester County small business owners, a new round of micro-grants is now available.
Local Non-Profits Win Guitar Maker’s Foundation Grants
NAZARETH PA – Two non-profit organizations that operate across portions of Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties have received grants from The Martin Guitar Foundation. The foundation is the charitable arm of acoustic guitar maker C. F. Martin & Co. in Nazareth.
The foundation awarded a total of $596,500 in grants to more than 90 non-profits it says create “opportunities for the communities in which (Martin) employees live in Nazareth and throughout the Lehigh Valley, as well as acoustical music organizations nationally.”
Among the grant winners are:
- The Philadelphia Folksong Society, which again in August 2025 will host the Philadelphia Folk Festival in Upper Salford Township; and the
- Norristown-based Special Olympics Pennsylvania, which annually works to provide year-round sports training and competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by C. F. Martin & Co.
Chester County Program Offers Professional Service Grants
EXTON PA – Applications are being accepted between Feb. 17 and March 17 (2025) from Chester County small businesses interested in obtaining money for mentoring and professional services.
Up to $2,000 in “micro-grant” funding per qualified applicant is being offered to small business operators in Chester County to use professional services provided by the county Economic Development Council. The grants are part of the council’s “New Business Champions program.”
Requests can be made with an online form. The application window closes March 17 at 5 p.m. With the grant money, businesses can access services from some of the region’s top professional service advisors and mentors. Their expertise includes accounting, marketing, human resources, and other fields.
To apply, the council recommends businesses gather appropriate background information. They will be asked to provide a description of their products and services, how the business began, key areas driving the business, and key areas where the business can benefit from professional services.
About Business Eligibility
Eligible businesses must have been established within the past 5 years, be based in Chester County, and have 10 or fewer employees. Consideration is given to business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Earlier grant recipients are not eligible.
Awards are subject to business eligibility and funding availability, as well as a business needs assessment conducted through the council’s Business Resource Center. The micro-grants are funded in part by the county Workforce Development Board and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
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