Ridekick Needs Your Vote for $250,000 Grant

Program Supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aims to Help Small Businesses Expand; Awards Up to $3 Million to Small Businesses Nationwide

Ridekick International has submitted an application to the grant program Mission: Small Business^SM  sponsored by Chase and LivingSocial.  The new grant program offers up to $3 million to small business owners nationwide. Chase and LivingSocial also obtained the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to promote the program and drive small business engagement and participation.

“We’re proud to work with Chase and LivingSocial to equip entrepreneurs across the country with valuable tools and resources they need to market and grow their businesses,” stated a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The program, which will award up to 12 individual grants of $250,000, was developed to provide small businesses with capital and innovative marketing resources needed to make a positive impact on their business.

Ridekick International would use the funds to further build the market and to develop its product line.  “We have heard inspiring product ideas from our fans.  On the drawing boards are a larger cargo bin, solar panels, and color choices for the frame and bin,” explained Dee Wanger, Co-owner of the company.  “Having capital to dedicate to these areas enables the business growth we have targeted,” she added.

Chase and LivingSocial invite small business owners who have been in business for at least two years and have less than 100 employees to visit missionsmallbusiness.com to enter the program. Each business will be required to answer questions about why their business is unique, outline a proposed plan for utilizing the grant to grow their business and describe how the business is involved with its community.

Ridekick International only just became aware of the opportunity, so doesn’t have as much time to collect the 250 votes required to be considered for the grant.  Marketing Specialist, Chelsey Walker, believes that the Ridekick supporter-base is out there, “Among our team members, our families, our current riders, and our Facebook fans, we know we’ve got the numbers to step forward and give a vote.  Our challenge will be in getting the word out quickly and efficiently.”

Ridekick supporters can get involved by clicking the “Support” button at missionsmallbusiness.com, then searching for Ridekick International, and clicking the VOTE button. For each pledge of support, Chase will add five dollars to the grant pool, up to $3 million.  Ridekick must receive at least 250 votes to be considered for a grant. The voting period is open  through 11:59 pm EDT, June 30, 2012.