On May 6, 2025, The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. unveiled a significant $2 million commitment aimed at bolstering small businesses across the United States. This multi-year initiative is designed to address the challenges faced by small business owners, particularly regarding access to commercial real estate, through an expansion of The Hartford's Small Business Accelerator Grant Program in collaboration with Main Street America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of local communities.

2. Grant Program Overview

The funds will be allocated to support various initiatives that facilitate the establishment, growth, and operation of small businesses within historic downtowns and commercial districts. The Hartford, which insures more than one million small businesses, plans to award grants to up to 15 communities nationwide. These grants will help small businesses gain access to affordable multi-use spaces, which are critical for fostering local economic development.

Chris Jones, The Hartford’s head of Small Business, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “At The Hartford, we have the privilege of working with small business owners every day, and we are proud to partner with Main Street America to address one of their biggest challenges - access to commercial real estate.” He further noted that this initiative will enable business owners to connect with their communities, attract new customers, and contribute to the economic growth of their localities.

3. Accelerating Growth: Initiatives and Goals

The initiative will support the development of various small business accelerator sites over the next two years, including pop-up shops and co-working spaces. Additionally, it will fund a virtual accelerator program that will provide essential training, networking opportunities, and mentorship for small business owners. The program aims to reach approximately 1,500 small businesses nationwide, creating a robust support system tailored to their unique needs.

Matt Wagner, Chief Innovation Officer of Main Street America, highlighted the multifaceted approach of the program, stating, “The Small Business Accelerator Grant Program is built on the understanding that small businesses need more than just financial resources. They need a vibrant support system with access to strategic spaces and networks that can help them scale and sustain growth for the long haul.”

4. Grant Categories and Recipients

The first round of grants has been awarded to eight Main Street communities, categorized into three distinct groups: New and Expanding Grants, Operating Grants, and Sustaining Grants.

New and Expanding Grants

These grants support the establishment or expansion of commercial sites, such as pop-up shops and incubator spaces. The recipients include:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, Elgin, Ill.

Downtown Lansing Inc., Lansing, Mich.

Florence Downtown Development Corp., Florence, S.C.

Operating Grants

These grants enhance the ongoing services of existing and operating physical accelerator sites. The recipients are:

Sterling Main Street, Sterling, Ill.

Mount Vernon Downtown Association, Mount Vernon, Wash.

Sweet Auburn Works, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

Sustaining Grants

These grants ensure the long-term success of previous grantees of the Small Business Accelerator Grant Program. The recipients include:

Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Chicago, Ill.

Middlesboro Main Street, Middlesboro, Ky.

5. Looking Ahead

This initiative represents a continuation and expansion of The Hartford and Main Street America's collaboration, which began in 2023 with a pilot program that awarded $300,000 in grants to three communities. The next round of grants is set to be announced in 2026, reflecting The Hartford's ongoing commitment to empowering small businesses.

By investing in the resilience and growth of small businesses, The Hartford is not only fostering economic development but also strengthening the very fabric of communities nationwide.

Original press release