Originally distributed to media on August 22, 2022. This grant round has closed; current grant information is on our Grants page.
The UpStart Thrift Store has begun accepting applications for the first grant to be awarded to a local small business, dubbed UpStart Grants.
The first $5,000 grant will be awarded to a Washington County-based entrepreneur chosen by the UpStart Thrift and Startup Junkie Foundation teams based on the merits of their application.
The UpStart Thrift Store was launched in June with an all-volunteer team, reselling donated clothes and home goods at 235 Main Street, in Farmington. All the proceeds after rent and utilities are covered for the store are designated to fund Kiva loans and small business grants to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Washington County.
Kiva is a global organization that provides 0% interest loans of $1,000-$15,000 to small businesses. The NWA Kiva Hub is administered by the Startup Junkie Foundation with support from the Walton Family Foundation. UpStart Thrift will help fund 0% interest loans to small businesses in Washington County from the sales proceeds from the store.
UpStart Thrift is a project of the Startup Junkie Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit based in Fayetteville. The organization exists to empower and enable small businesses, startups, and innovators through programs, mentorship, events, and access to capital.
To learn more or to apply for the $5,000 grant, visit our Grants page.