Local Businesses Compete for Grants

Undoubtedly, $250,000 can go a long way for any small business. That's exactly why some local businesses need you help.

A handful of local business owners are vying for a $250,000 grant via the "Mission: Small Business" competition, which is sponsored by Chase and LivingSocial. Twelve grants of $250,000 will be awarded to small businesses across the country.

Ana del Castillo, whose family owns , a boutique, tailoring and shoe repair shop in East Hampton, needs about 200 more votes to qualify for the grant. Her family would use the money to expand the shop with more work space and machines. "Increasing our facilities will mean more jobs for the local community," she said.

"Currently there is definite lack of professional tailoring and shoe repair services in East Hampton so that many people choose to search elsewhere instead of spending locally," she said. "We believe that the high demand for tailoring/shoe services can be satisfied locally and that our talents can be very beneficial to accomplish this."

in East Hampton is also competing for the grant. Brittany Alvarado said that her husband Alexander J. Alvarado dreamed of owning his own shop since he was very young. "Owning our own business in a town where we both grew up is truly a blessing. We love being able to serve the locals, and our friends and family," she said.

"Having a grant like this would not only financially help us but give us a cushion of support. We started the business from scratch and two years later we’re still going strong," she said.

Among other local small businesses in the running are dancehampton, dogOdog Organics, , , Culinary Nutritionist, Stefanie Sacks, MS, CNS, , Beacheesy, , and , among others.

Businesses that grab enough votes in the initial round will move on to the next round, in which a panel of business experts will choose 12 winners.

To support your local businesses, visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/ and search by state and city. Voting ends June 30 at 11:59 p.m.