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About VIVA Grants

Real Money. Real Businesses. Real Growth.

VIVA Grants is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's programming, and one of the ways we help turn ambition into lasting progress for Hispanic businesses across our region.

We award grants of $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000 to Hispanic and historically disadvantaged businesses in Southwest Pennsylvania. The money goes to the specific thing standing between you and your next step — a certification, a piece of equipment, a first website, the working capital to take a bigger order.

You do not need to be a Chamber member to apply. Support is available in Spanish at every stage. Esta solicitud también está disponible en español.

 

Most applicants finish in about 20 minutes.

How It Works

  1. Apply once, in English or Spanish. Tell us about your business and what you need.
  2. Name the actual item, not the category. A label printer is an answer. "Equipment" is not.
  3. We check eligibility the day after applications close. Only cleared applications go to judges.
  4. A panel scores every cleared application against the same rubric.
  5. Awardees are notified the week of October 13 and celebrated in the closing days of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Three Grants



A separate pool is set aside for requests under $1,000. Ask for what you actually need — a smaller, specific request is not a weaker application.

Who Should Apply

  • A for-profit business at least 51% owned by individuals from a historically disadvantaged or marginalized community
  • Owner is a Pennsylvania resident, and the business operates in Southwest PA
  • In business at least three months, or with a clear plan to launch
  • In good standing on state and local taxes, with no outstanding liens or loan defaults
  • You do not need to be a PMAHCC member to apply




What You Get

  • A grant of $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000, paid directly to your business
  • An application you can complete in English or Spanish, with help available in both
  • A connection to free one-on-one consulting through the Duquesne University SBDC, on request
  • An introduction to the Chamber's other programs — Entrepreneur Roundtables, Entrepreneur ESL, and Smart Business Advisors
  • Recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month if you are selected



Priority Consideration

Priority goes first to businesses already working with a Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) or a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and then to businesses earning under $1 million a year.

Not working with either? Apply anyway. We can connect you.

 

Questions

Email celina@pmahcc.org. We answer in English or Spanish, and we are glad to walk through the application with you before you start.

Where the Money Comes From

VIVA Grants is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. These are Commonwealth dollars — public money, returned to the businesses that generate it, in the year Pennsylvania marks 250. The Chamber administers the program; the investment belongs to the public.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Sponsorships & Partnerships

PMAHCC is seeking additional corporate sponsorship for VIVA Grants. Please contact Chamber@pmahcc.org for more information.

To download the full press release CLICK HERE.
For more information please contact: Chamber@pmahcc.org or 412-553-9300

What is PMAHCC?

The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the principal regional advocate for the Hispanic business community's civic and economic interests, and provides regional business opportunities for economic development. PMAHCC is a member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

PMAHCC is your bridge to networking opportunities with Pittsburgh's Latino business and professional community.

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