Stamford, Conn.—Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, announced 21 winners of the Synchrony Pillars Project Grants, one of which was Independent Carpet One.
Launched in 2016, Synchrony’s small business grant program has honored entrepreneurial retail owners and health and wellness providers who have risen above in times of change.
“Supporting small businesses is foundational to Synchrony’s commitment to helping partners grow,” said Michael Bopp, Synchrony’s EVP and chief growth officer. “With these funds and our experts giving time and talent, small businesses will have the opportunity to accelerate their growth and digital transformation.”
Small businesses today face multi-layered challenges, including supply chain chaos, inflation, talent wars and continued impacts from the pandemic. This year, Synchrony’s Pillars Project increases its focus on digital transformation for small businesses facing these challenges.
This year the company will help small businesses address digital transformation through a total of $210,000 in grant awards. Each grant recipient receives $10,000 and consulting services from Synchrony experts to expand the digital transformation of their business.
A recent survey found small businesses that are leading in digital transformation saw 8x the revenue growth of small businesses in the earliest stages of their digital efforts. The Pillars Project grants will help the winning small businesses and healthcare providers advance their digital competitiveness through transformational projects, including:
- Increasing their digital capabilities by enhancing website and mobile experiences, search engine optimization, digital marketing and social media content.
- Updating technology including mobile devices, cybersecurity software, company-based apps and wireless connections.
- Driving brand awareness and enhancing marketing.
Synchrony chose the winners of this year’s grants from more than 500 applicants. By the end of 2022, Synchrony will have made Pillars Project grants to more than 80 small businesses and providers across the United States chosen from more than 4,500 applications, with nearly 100 of Synchrony’s top experts delivering pro bono services and grants valued at more than $850,000.