6 minute read
Helping small businesses create economic pathways
2020 brought huge and unexpected challenges to people around the world, especially the small businesses that are so fundamental to local communities and the livelihoods of families.
As communities became vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, we offered our support to small businesses by funding organizations that make a difference on the ground.
Supporting Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
A $200,000 grant to help small businesses
SC Johnson awarded a $200,000 grant to Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) to help small businesses navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges. The grant supports CNI’s Small Business Micro-Lending Program and its new Small Business Repair Program.
The grant is providing credit at affordable rates to small businesses that don’t have access to loans from commercial sources. It’s also being used to assist minority-owned and women-owned small businesses.
As communities became vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, we offered our support to small businesses by funding organizations that make a difference on the ground.
Supporting Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
A $200,000 grant to help small businesses
SC Johnson awarded a $200,000 grant to Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) to help small businesses navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges. The grant supports CNI’s Small Business Micro-Lending Program and its new Small Business Repair Program.
The grant is providing credit at affordable rates to small businesses that don’t have access to loans from commercial sources. It’s also being used to assist minority-owned and women-owned small businesses.
Small businesses are vital to the health of our neighborhoods, and we all have a responsibility to help support the communities we live and work in during these challenging times. SC Johnson is proud to have a strong presence in Chicago, and partner with organizations like CNI as we continue our commitment to providing greater pathways to economic opportunities in underserved communities.
CNI’s Small Business Micro-Lending Program
aiding minorities and women in business
92% of borrowers are minorities
82% of which are African American
48% of which are women
aiding minorities and women in business
92% of borrowers are minorities
82% of which are African American
48% of which are women
The first $100,000 was invested in supporting the CNI’s Small Business Micro-Lending Program. The remaining $100,000 helped fund CNI’s newly created Small Business Repair Program. The program provided $5,000 grants to 40 small businesses to offset the costs of replacing storefronts, equipment and inventory, as well as other expenses from 2020.
"Without this program, many of us might not be in business today. And so, I want to thank CNI for giving us a hand when we really needed it. We are grateful they understood the vital role small businesses play in our neighborhoods. That inspires us to get back at it."
Nate Pendleton - Owner, New Look Restaurant (A recipient of the Small Business Repair Program)
SC Johnson brands. Community initiatives.
Supporting causes close to our brands’ hearts
As well as corporate donations from SC Johnson, many of our individual brands choose to support initiatives, programs and organizations in their communities and beyond.
2020 was a tumultuous year and various SC Johnson brands were moved to show their support through making donations and giving a platform to timely and important causes.
Supporting causes close to our brands’ hearts
As well as corporate donations from SC Johnson, many of our individual brands choose to support initiatives, programs and organizations in their communities and beyond.
2020 was a tumultuous year and various SC Johnson brands were moved to show their support through making donations and giving a platform to timely and important causes.
Every gift tells a story
Donations by SC Johnson brands
A handful of recent examples:
My Block My Hood My City, Chicago Method® gives $100,000
SC Johnson’s Method® brand donated $100,000 to My Block My Hood My City in Chicago, the home of our South Side soap factory, standing with those working for racial equality in Chicago and beyond.
NAACP, U.S. Stasher® COOLA® make donations
Our Stasher® brand made a donation to the NAACP to support equality and fight injustice. The donation was one step as the brand continues to listen and learn how best to support the Black community. SC Johnson’s COOLA® brand also made a donation to the organization.
The Conscious Kid Babyganics® gives $100,000
The Babyganics® brand donated $100,000 to The Conscious Kid—an education, research and policy organization with a mission to disrupt racism at the earliest possible age, reduce bias and promote positive identity development in youth.
Donations by SC Johnson brands
A handful of recent examples:
My Block My Hood My City, Chicago Method® gives $100,000
SC Johnson’s Method® brand donated $100,000 to My Block My Hood My City in Chicago, the home of our South Side soap factory, standing with those working for racial equality in Chicago and beyond.
NAACP, U.S. Stasher® COOLA® make donations
Our Stasher® brand made a donation to the NAACP to support equality and fight injustice. The donation was one step as the brand continues to listen and learn how best to support the Black community. SC Johnson’s COOLA® brand also made a donation to the organization.
The Conscious Kid Babyganics® gives $100,000
The Babyganics® brand donated $100,000 to The Conscious Kid—an education, research and policy organization with a mission to disrupt racism at the earliest possible age, reduce bias and promote positive identity development in youth.
Across the coming years, we’ll continue to offer support that helps small businesses survive and — we hope — thrive.