Amerant Bank Renews Microgrant Program with Branches
Now in its third year, Amerant’s Microgrant program will continue serving the crucial needs of microbusinesses and sole proprietors
MIAMI – Amerant Bank, the largest community bank headquartered in Florida, announces its third year in partnership with Branches. This year, the partnership aims to provide support to entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, and small business, throughout the greater Miami area who continue to feel the adverse effects left from the pandemic.
Serving Miami-Dade County, Branches is a local nonprofit organization that empowers the people it serves by providing life-changing opportunities to small businesses, hardworking families and their children to help them break the cycle of poverty.
“We are truly proud to enter our third year in partnership with Branches and continue supporting local, micro-business, and sole proprietors throughout our community with the Amerant Microgrant program,” said Mary Ann Cruz, Vice President & CRA Officer at Amerant Bank. “Branches is an exemplary organization that we hold in high regard – they provide excellent resources that help alleviate stress challenging times can cause families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. They empower people, their businesses, and families so that they can all flourish within their communities.”
Through the Amerant Microgrant program, Amerant Bank will provide funding for mentorship programs, specialized training, as well as micro-grants so businesses can acquire technology, equipment, or supplies needed for businesses to operate and thrive.
“The last two years have been particularly difficult for lower-income, families, small businesses and communities as the pandemic is still causing adverse impacts on them,” said Brent McLaughlin, President & CEO of Branches. “With Amerant’s continued support, we can provide the supplemental services and financial aid small businesses and sole proprietors need to experience opportunities for growth.”
The program helps entrepreneurs create and implement a roadmap that guides them to achieve success and ensures they obtain the proper business acumen and confidence to establish short- and long-term goals while improving or establishing their credit. The program also includes business assessment and entrepreneurial readiness workshops, comprehensive business management training, personal one-on-one financial coaching, one-on-one business technical assistance and coaching, peer support networking groups, and ongoing business mentoring services through the Micro Mentor platform. The program also provides financial wellness services, free tax preparation services, emergency assistance; as well as additional resources, including relief or disaster-related assistance.
For more information about Amerant Bank, visit amerantbank.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn @AmerantBank.
For more information on Branches’ programs and services, visit branchesfl.org.
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About Amerant Bank
Amerant Bank, N.A., is the largest community bank headquartered in Florida and the main subsidiary of Amerant Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTB), with a presence across South Florida and in Tampa, FL, and Houston, TX. The bank has been serving clients for over 40 yearsand comprises subsidiaries Amerant Investments and Amerant Mortgage. Rooted in the communities it serves, Amerant Bank supports numerous non-profits, charitable and arts organizations. For news and updates, visit the Amerant Newsroom.
About Branches
For nearly 50 years, Branches has made a positive impact in the community by delivering on its mission to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial stability services. Branches provides long-term, holistic services for motivated individuals and families. We help people grow deeper and climb higher in life by building a foundation through education so they can achieve their goals and fulfill their potential. For more information about Branches, please contact Isabelle Pike at 305-206-5689 or ipike@branchesfl.org or visit Branches at www.branchesfl.org