Lowe's More Than Doubles Small Business Grant Program to $55 Million, Expands Minority Grant Offering and Extends Reach to Rural Communities

Rhea-AI Summary

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) has increased its minority small business grants from $25 million to $30 million and donated an additional $25 million to its grant program with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The total commitment now stands at $55 million, supporting rural communities severely impacted by the pandemic. Lowe's is now the largest donor to LISC's Small Business Relief Program. Additionally, this summer, selected Lowe's stores will host drive-in movies to raise funds for small business relief, matching donations up to $50,000.

Positive

• Increased minority small business grants from $25 million to $30 million.
• Total commitment of $55 million makes Lowe's the largest donor to LISC's Small Business Relief Program.
• Focus on rural communities will help small businesses facing challenges during the pandemic.
• Drive-in movie events to further raise funds for small business relief efforts.

Negative

• Small businesses nationwide face significant risks, with 7.5 million possibly closing permanently.
• Rural communities have limited access to credit and support services, exacerbating their vulnerability.

MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the overwhelming need to help support small businesses across the country, -1%26h%3D2136820971%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.lowes.com%252F%26a%3DLowe%2527s%2BCompanies%252C%2BInc.&a=Lowe%27s+Companies%2C+Inc." rel="nofollow">Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is announcing it is increasing its minority small business grants from $25 million to $30 million while donating an additional $25 million to its small business grant program with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), doubling the amount already committed. The additional funds will focus on rural communities, which have been hard hit by the pandemic. The total $55 million commitment makes Lowe's the largest donor to LISC's Small Business Relief & Recovery Program and COVID Rapid Relief & Resiliency Fund.

Additionally, this summer, select Lowe's stores in North Carolina and Georgia, will host drive-in movies to benefit local small business relief efforts for those impacted by COVID-19. For any donation made, Lowe's will match two-to-one up to $50,000 to its grant program. Interested customers in these markets can reserve a spot or learn more about the drive-in movies at Lowes.com/DIY.

"Having grown up in a small town, I have first-hand knowledge of the extraordinary challenges small business owners in rural communities across the country face during the pandemic. We also remain committed to supporting minority small businesses that are being disproportionately impacted. Today's announcement that we are increasing our minority grant commitment to $30 million while making an additional $25 million grant donation to rural communities reflects our commitment to double down on our small business grant program and is another step in putting actions behind our words to support all the communities we serve," said Lowe's President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison. "We cannot solve this need alone, and I encourage other companies to step up and make a difference in supporting small businesses, which are the cornerstone of our economy. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, especially for those in historically disinvested communities and areas hit hardest by COVID-19."

Nationwide, 7.5 million small businesses may be at risk of closing permanently, according to a survey by Main Street America. Small businesses in rural communities often face even more hurdles than their urban counterparts due to limited access to bank credit, capital and other support services. For the purpose of these grants, rural communities will be defined based on the USDA Rural Development (RD) standard of a population with 50,000 or less. Without the resources, many of these businesses may permanently close, resulting in significant job loss to the area.

"This remarkable commitment from Lowe's is a game changer for rural America, and as a someone who grew up in a small rural town, I know directly the impact this investment is going to make for the future of rural businesses, residents and communities," said Maurice A. Jones, LISC president and CEO. "With it, we can help rural business owners sustain operations and protect jobs during the current crisis, while at the same time investing in sustainable growth throughout small towns, agricultural communities and coal country.

These grants will provide immediate relief for critical needs such as rent, payroll and operational expenses to keep businesses running. The donation also helps connect both the applicants and grantees to a network of local small business development, support, advocacy and capital access organizations. These grant recipients will receive one year of technical assistance post-grant to help further ensure their survival over the longer-term.

LISC's COVID-19 efforts continue to focus on support for small businesses and nonprofits led by women and minorities in economically vulnerable communities. For more on the LISC-Lowe's partnership or to apply for a grant, visit -1%2526h%253D555978231%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fnam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%25252F%25253Furl%25253Dhttp%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.lisc.org%2525252Flowes%252526data%25253D02%2525257C01%2525257Cjaclyn.pardini%25252540lowes.com%2525257Cd4009c642fe44ada52cc08d80cbcd8e9%2525257Cbcfa3e87841e48c7983b584159dd1a69%2525257C0%2525257C0%2525257C637273352511214308%252526sdata%25253DHjMEKV1SUT9MnEuwm9hpR4sfj03Po8%2525252FCX3FjVwXnLqM%2525253D%252526reserved%25253D0%2526a%253DLISC.org%25252Flowes%26data%3D02%257C01%257Csarah.f.lively%2540lowes.com%257Ce8722a29fdea43ae423708d82352bc79%257Cbcfa3e87841e48c7983b584159dd1a69%257C0%257C0%257C637298185558882412%26sdata%3DuIDq81i%252FnoI4KL77o5gse0V2vxLPnwTotcbgCjXbkYM%253D%26reserved%3D0&a=LISC.org%2Flowes" rel="nofollow">LISC.org/lowes.

About LISC
With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Since 1979, LISC has invested $22 billion to build or rehab more than 419,000 affordable homes and apartments and develop 70.3 million square feet of retail, community and educational space. For more, visit -1%26h%3D2983231132%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.lisc.org%252F%26a%3Dwww.lisc.org&a=www.lisc.org" rel="nofollow">www.lisc.org.

About Lowe's
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 18 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2019 sales of $72.1 billion, Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

FAQ

What is Lowe's total commitment for small business grants in 2020?

Lowe's total commitment for small business grants in 2020 is $55 million.

How much are the minority small business grants increased to?

The minority small business grants have increased to $30 million.

What initiatives is Lowe's taking to support rural communities?

Lowe's is focusing on rural communities with a total donation of $55 million and hosting drive-in movies for fundraising.

Why is Lowe's supporting small businesses?

Lowe's aims to support small businesses that are crucial to the economy, especially those impacted by COVID-19.

How does Lowe's plan to help businesses with the grant program?

The grant program provides immediate relief for rent, payroll, and operational expenses, along with one year of technical assistance.