Milk Bar founder looks to help small businesses with new grant program

Christina Tosi, founder of the Milk Bar dessert empire, is teaming with Newell Brands, the maker of Ball home canning products, on the launch of the Made For More Small Business Fund. The brand will award $10,000 to 10 US-based small businesses who have gone above and beyond to support their local communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

“From growing Milk Bar over the past 12 years, I know what running a small business is like and know the importance of support during challenging times like these,” says Tosi. “I've been blown away by how many have found new and inventive ways to show up, proving the power and passion small businesses have in our lives. I’m incredibly honored to partner on this important Made For More initiative, and to support the businesses who keep our communities going.”

Small businesses can visit Ball’s website now through January 31, 2021, to enter by sharing a brief description of how their business is contributing to the community and incorporates Ball brand home canning products. Businesses must have 99 or less full/part-time employees to be eligible. The 20 finalists will be selected and then America will vote for the top 10.

The 10 winners will be awarded $10,000 each to use towards their businesses with the remaining 10 finalists awarded $1,000 each. In addition to the grants, the selected businesses will be showcased on the social media channels for Ball brand home canning products with potential for exposure on packaging, and provide owners business mentorship opportunities from Newell Brands’ senior executives.

“Small businesses are the heart of our country and our Ball brand home canning products business,” says Kris Malkoski, chief executive officer, food business unit at Newell Brands. “We have been moved by the support our small business customers have shown their communities this past year, and they’ve inspired us to do more as well. We have created the Made For More Small Business Fund to celebrate and honor them, offering our platform to further their businesses and provide monetary funds to help them grow.”