Pathway Lending will administer the Neighborhood Growth Grants Program in Murfreesboro; funded by Wells Fargo to support local businesses in select communities welcoming new Wells Fargo branches, this program will award $25,000 grants to small businesses based in Murfreesboro.
Pathway Lending will independently manage the application process, determine eligibility and select grant recipients in accordance with program requirements.
The Wells Fargo branch associated with this community investment is scheduled to open in December in Murfreesboro.
Pathway Lending will award and administer $25,000 grants to 15 to 20 eligible businesses in the area. The application period will close on Nov. 17.
The grants are designed to help local businesses build resilience and support long-term growth, contributing to vibrant and economically stable neighborhoods.
“Supporting small businesses has always been central to Pathway Lending’s mission because we know they are essential to building strong, thriving communities,” said Leslie Hayes, SVP of education and entrepreneurship at Pathway Lending. “Through our collaboration with Wells Fargo, we’re able to build on that work and use these grants to reach more entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to grow.”
Following the application period, grant recipients will be randomly selected from among eligible applicants. Funding may be used for general operating needs, asset acquisition, or building improvements.
“When small businesses succeed, communities prosper,” said Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy for Wells Fargo. “Through the Neighborhood Growth Grants program, Wells Fargo is investing in local entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, strengthening neighborhood business corridors and helping fuel Murfreesboro’s continued economic growth.”
Local businesses that meet the program requirements are encouraged to apply here.
Eligibility requirements include:
– Businesses must be located within the 37127, 37128, 37129, 37130, 37131, 37132, and 37133 zip codes
– Applicants must be a for-profit business with a storefront or commercial space
– Applicants must be an operating business generating between $100,000 and $2 million in annual revenue
All applicants will also have access to free business coaching and educational resources from Pathway Lending, extending the program’s support beyond grant recipients.
To learn more about the program application and selection process, visit pathwaylending.org/neighborhood-growth-grants.
Pathway Lending is a Tennessee-based community development financial institution certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that propels economic growth in under-resourced communities. Since its establishment in 1999, Pathway has financed over 1,800 businesses, delivering more than $640 million in direct lending through its small business, affordable housing, and sustainability-related loan funds.
