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Applications Now Open for Small Business Owners Seeking Support for Commercial Vehicle Needs

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Progressive Insurance^®, in cooperation with Hello Alice, today announced the opening of the 2025 Driving Small Business Forward grant application, committing $1 million in grants to empower small businesses across the United States. Twenty recipients will be awarded $50,000 each to go toward the purchase of a commercial vehicle and related expenses.

"Our mission extends beyond simply providing funds; we're investing in the growth of small businesses across the country," stated Karen Bailo, Commercial Lines President at Progressive Insurance. "With $1 million in grants planned to be distributed this year, we'll reach over $2.5M in funding since we started the Driving Small Business Forward fund. We're proud to be a catalyst for their businesses to continue to move forward."

To date, Progressive has distributed $1.5 million in funding to 40 recipients through its collaboration with Hello Alice.

"This grant enabled us to invest in specialized equipment, enhancing the safety and efficiency of our bee removal operations. It also allowed us to expand our Juvenile Hall Beekeeping Program, teaching at-risk youth valuable skills and the importance of pollinator conservation," said Dermot Jones, owner of Jones Family Bee Removal and 2024 grant recipient.

To apply and learn more about the program, visit https://helloalice.com/grants/progressive.

Additionally, grant recipients are invited to participate in the Boost Camp, a 12-week business coaching program from Hello Alice designed to equip business owners to capitalize on the grant funds.

Hello Alice, a free online platform, empowers businesses from launch to growth. It provides entrepreneurs with essential resources like knowledge, funding opportunities, networks, and connections to a vast community of over one million small business owners. This is the fourth year Progressive has worked with Hello Alice to distribute grants to small businesses.

Key Program Features:

• Financial Support: $1 million total in grants will be distributed to 20 selected small businesses owners.

• Business Health Engine: Applicants can participate in Hello Alice's proprietary Business Health Engine, a digital experience that helps small business owners assess their overall business health and provides a specialized action plan for improvement.

• Intuitive Application Process: The application process is designed to be user-friendly, reflecting a commitment to supporting all eligible small businesses.

• Boost Camp Curriculum: This program will instill repeatable frameworks focusing on core concepts such as financial budgeting and forecasting, funding and pitch strategies, and sales and customer acquisition.

• Ongoing Support: Hello Alice is dedicated to fostering a supportive network for small business owners, recognizing their vital role in local economies.