Chase To Award $3 Million To Small Businesses Through Mission Main Street Grants; Premier Sponsor Google Provides Special Advertising Offer

NEW YORK, October 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to small business, Chase today launched Mission Main Street^SM Grants, a program that will award 12 grants of $250,000 to small businesses across America. All businesses that apply for a grant and meet the eligibility requirements will gain access to a Social Media Toolkit and receive a special advertising offer from Premier Sponsor, Google. In addition, the 12 grant recipients will be eligible to receive a trip to Google for an exclusive small business marketing workshop with Google experts and a Google Chromebook Pixel computer.

Today through October 31, any for-profit business that has been engaged in current business activity for at least two consecutive years, has less than 100 year-round, full-time employees and meets all other eligibility requirements may apply. Businesses must receive at least 250 votes to be eligible for a grant. Full eligibility requirements are available at www.MissionMainStreetGrants.com/rules.

“Small businesses inspire us every day, and Mission Main Street Grants is just one way that Chase can say ‘thank you’ for all that small businesses do in their local communities and across the country,” said Donna Vieira, head of marketing and product for Chase Business Banking. “Chase’s commitment to small business is a long term investment through products, services and Mission Main Street Grants, so small businesses can take big steps for their business and community.”

Consumers can show support by voting for their favorite participating small businesses at www.MissionMainStreetGrants.com using Facebook Connect. The voting period is open from October 1- November 15, 2013. To learn how grant recipients from the 2012 program used social media to rally support, improve their applications and much more, watch highlights from a Google Hangout with four of the small businesses at www.MissionMainStreetGrants.com.

“The Internet presents endless opportunities to help small businesses grow and reach new customers,” said Jon Kaplan, Vice President of US Sales & Operations, Google Inc. “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Chase for Mission Main Street Grants to spotlight some of the great small businesses around the country and help them make the most of the Web.”

To help drive small business participation, Chase garnered the support of a diverse group of organizations with a passion for small business.  Having long-standing relationships with Chase, these organizations will each also provide one representative to participate on the panel of judges.

The 12 grant recipients will be selected by expert panelists, including:  

• Ali Brown, entrepreneur mentor and CEO, Ali International
• David C. Chavern, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Marco De Leon, Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Mark Garzone, Senior Vice President, Marketing, National Federation of Independent Business
• Jon Kaplan, Vice President, US Sales & Operations, Google Inc.
• Joset Wright-Lacy, President, National Minority Supplier Development Council
• Chance Mitchell, CEO & Co-Founder, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League
• J.P. Torres, PR & Communications Director, U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation
• Len Vermillion, Media Manager, National Veteran Owned Business Association
• Donna Vieira, head of marketing and product for Chase Business Banking
• Candace Waterman, Chief of Staff, Certification & Program Operations, Women Business Enterprise National Council

"Small businesses employ millions across the country, and continue to be a driving force in our nation’s economic recovery,” said David Chavern, the Chamber’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Small businesses take risks and drive innovation, and we are proud to support Chase in recognizing the important role they play in our economy.”

Mission Main Street^SM Grants recipients will be announced in January 2014.

About Chase and Small Business
In September 2013, Chase launched Mission Main Street (#MissionMainSt), a campaign that celebrates growing American businesses and raises the profile of select entrepreneurs to help inspire others. For more information about the campaign, please visit www.chase.com/missionmainstreet.

The #1 SBA lender by approved units for three years running, Chase is offering limited-time lending offers to qualified borrowers on SBA and conventional loans and lines of credit now through Dec. 13, 2013.  Businesses interested in using credit for expansion, working capital, or to purchase equipment or owner-occupied real estate, should contact a Chase Business Banking or Middle Market banker or visit www.chase.com/business.  

About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves more than 52 million consumers and small businesses through more than 5,600 bank branches, 18,700 ATMs, credit cards, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com and @Chase.

Media Contact:
Erich Timmerman
212-622-4080
erich.timmerman@jpmchase.com