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Good afternoon MYPros members,
The application window for the MYPros Community Crowdfund is open until February 19th, providing community members with an exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the growth and enhancement of businesses within the community. Final interviews will be conducted the week of February 26th - March 2nd.
This unique collaborative crowdfund allows young professionals and beyond to "vote with their dollars," qualifying one or more businesses to be eligible for matching funds from the Midland Business Alliance via the Midland Area Community Foundation's Impact Investing Committee. Businesses fundraise a portion from the "crowd," and that money is traditionally matched. Each application is to be based on a specific project, enhancement, or offering. In past years, businesses have used funds to add or improve outdoor seating, increase capacity, and bolster crucial equipment. One-time rewards for individual businesses have ranged from $20,000 to more than $30,000.
To apply, businesses are asked to fill out an application at bit.ly/myproscrowdfund2024. The application requirements include submitting a 90-second pitch video and a detailed articulation of how the funds will positively impact the community through project implementation.
Last year, the MYPros crowdfunding campaign successfully injected over $60,000 into two businesses: Nor'East Outdoors and Three Bridges Distillery. Since the inception of the MYPros Community Crowdfund in 2019, the cumulative economic impact has exceeded $150,000. Other past crowdfund award winners include Pizza Baker, Aviator Cookie Company, Grove Tea Lounge, and Aster. Want to learn more about the impact? Check out this Catalyst Midland article.
We encourage all members of MYPros to reach out to your favorite businesses and encourage them to apply if you think they'd be good candidates!
For more information about the 2024 MYPros Community Crowdfund or to apply, please visit bit.ly/myproscrowdfund2024. Don't hesitate to contact Kevin LaDuke at the Midland Area Community Foundation (989-839-9661) or Marybeth Penkala at the Midland Business Alliance (989-839-9901) with any questions.
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