Amerant Micro-Grant Program to Continue in Partnership with Branches
After the successful launch of a pilot program during the pandemic, Amerant’s Micro-Grant Program will continue providing needed support to microbusinesses and sole proprietors, pivoting to meet their post-pandemic needs
CORAL GABLES – After a successful launch of its Micro-Grant program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amerant Bank, the second largest community bank headquartered in Florida, announces that it will continue to partner with Branches to support local micro-businesses and entrepreneurs.
Branches is a local nonprofit organization serving Miami-Dade County which provides life- changing opportunities for small businesses, working families and their children. Amerant will be supporting Branches’ Micro-Business program which grants recipients and their businesses a broad range of crucial support services, with the goal of achieving financial wellness, increase opportunities for economic mobility and wealth creation.
When the pandemic impacted mom-and-pop shops and sole proprietors that were struggling to keep businesses operating, but did not meet the prerequisites needed to qualify for PPP or other financial assistance, Amerant’s Micro-Grant Program served as a bridge to pay rents, repair food trucks and other similar needs.
“We were very proud to partner with Branches last year and help support small businesses in our community during the pandemic,” said Mary Ann Cruz, Vice President & CRA Officer at Amerant Bank. “Now that we have made it through the recovery efforts, these businesses need access to professional services which can be costly. We are happy to partner with Branches again and provide micro-businesses important resources needed to thrive.”
Earlier this year, Branches’ Micro-Business initiatives shifted from providing economic recovery support to micro-businesses and sole proprietors, to providing the assistance they need to ensure their business’ long-term sustainability. Today, the grant program provides access to professional services, such as building of websites, graphic design, marketing, and legal services so that their businesses can reap of the benefits for the long-haul.
“Thanks to Amerant, Branches will continue to serve the needs of more small businesses in Miami-Dade County and provide them with the access and professional services they need to keep their businesses running for the long-term,” said Brent McLaughlin, Executive Director of Branches.
Branches serves to create opportunities for small businesses by providing Technical Assistance as well as micro-grants. Small businesses in Miami provide 53% of jobs in the community, and during COVID-19 many businesses struggled to stay open and now lack access to professional services.
“With the generous support and contributions of companies like Amerant, the resources we provide, lead small businesses to become financially stable. Together we turn negative circumstances into positives for hundreds of micro businesses,” added McLaughlin.
About Amerant
Amerant Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTB and AMTBB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida since 1979. The Company operates through its subsidiaries, Amerant Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), Amerant Investments, Inc., Elant Bank and Trust Ltd., and Amerant Mortgage, LLC. The Company provides individuals and businesses in the U.S., as well as select international clients, with deposit, credit, and wealth management services. The Bank, which has operated for over 40 years, is the second largest community bank headquartered in Florida. The Bank operates 25 banking centers – 18 in South Florida and 7 in the Houston, Texas area. For more information, visit AmerantBank.com, Investor.AmerantBank.com, and follow Amerant on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn at @AmerantBank.
About Branches
For over 45 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 305-442-8306 x1002 or ipike@branchesfl.org or visit Branches at www.branchesfl.org.
Media Contacts:
Amerant
Israel Kreps
amerant@krepspr.com
305.663.9802
Branches
Isabelle Pike
ipike@branchesfl.org
305-206-5689