Case Study: The PUSH Grant – Small Business Relief for Minority Entrepreneurs
Client/Collaborators: The PUSH Grant Fund, Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), Main Street Ventures, First Financial Bank, The Kroger Co., The Haile Foundation, Cincinnati Development Fund, PNC Bank, and additional community partners
Project Focus: Emergency economic assistance for minority-owned businesses in Hamilton County, Ohio
Timeline: May – June 2020 (First Round)
Overview
The PUSH Grant was launched as a rapid-response initiative to provide critical financial support to minority-owned small businesses across Hamilton County during the COVID-19 economic crisis. The grant program aimed to fill gaps left by federal relief efforts, especially for micro-enterprises, solopreneurs, home-based businesses, and e-commerce companies often overlooked by traditional funding mechanisms.
In its first round alone, the PUSH Grant received 237 applications and raised $237,000 in funding, with awards designed to support 75–100 minority-owned businesses. Grants were issued in two tiers—$2,500 and $5,000—and could be used for essential needs like restocking inventory, initial payroll, rent, revenue-generating pivots, and more.
Strategy and Execution
Ballr Media supported the initiative by helping shape public messaging, awareness, and outreach strategy, highlighting the inclusive and community-driven nature of the program. The goal was not just to offer emergency funding, but to empower small business owners with visibility, support, and a bridge to long-term stability.
GCMI, the principal CDFI, led backend operations including:
Application portal management and data collection
Disbursement tracking and eligibility reviews
Technical assistance in collaboration with partner organizations including MORTAR, ECDI, LISC, SBDC, the Hispanic Chamber, and AAfC
Key strategic components included:
Inclusive, accessible application process
Emphasis on historically underserved entrepreneurs
Strategic partnerships with banks, foundations, and local business incubators
Alignment with local COVID-19 recovery plans
Results
237 applications received from minority-owned businesses in Hamilton County
$237,000 in funds raised within weeks
Supported 75–100 businesses with emergency cash assistance
Businesses served included storefront retailers, contractors, 1099 freelancers, home-based businesses, and micro-enterprises
Targeted media outreach and social sharing campaign engaged supporters and donors online
Extended funding goal to reach up to 150 businesses with ongoing contributions
Insights
Accessibility matters: The simplified application process allowed more micro-businesses and informal entrepreneurs to apply—many of whom were ineligible for PPP and federal aid.
Partnerships drive speed and impact: Coordinating with banks, local CDFIs, and community organizations allowed for faster disbursement and broader reach.
Community trust builds participation: Working with known and respected partners like GCMI and MORTAR gave the campaign credibility and immediate traction in the target community.
Messaging matters: Centering the program around economic justice and restorative funding helped drive engagement and align with public interest during a time of national urgency.