On August 22, Square launched the Cornerstone Grant Program, providing local businesses with $10,000 grants, mentorship, and professional support to help them grow and thrive. Although applications are already open, winners will be announced in November.
Recipients will receive accounting support from certified public accountants, financial therapy sessions, business technical assistance from the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council, and access to nonprofit resources and networking opportunities. Square said the program is designed to combine well-timed financial support with expert guidance to maximize impact.
“With over a decade of small business lending experience, we’ve seen that a $10,000 investment, paired with guidance, can be transformative,” said Adam Turnbull, head of banking at Square. The company emphasized that the program offers a stark contrast to traditional six-figure loans, which can be less accessible to smaller businesses.
The grant program builds on Square’s previous efforts to support local businesses. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Cash App, Visa, and the New Orleans nonprofit Propeller to provide technology and personalized consulting to 125 food and beverage businesses. In April, Square expanded its banking tools, allowing sellers to apply for a combined Square payments and checking account while also receiving personalized savings recommendations based on cash flow and industry insights.
Square said cash flow management remains “the lifeblood of a small business,” noting that effective planning can mean the difference between success and failure. By pairing financial support with technical assistance, mentorship, and practical resources, the Cornerstone Grant Program aims to help small businesses navigate challenges, strengthen operations, and build long-term sustainability.
With this initiative, Square continues to expand its role beyond payments processing, providing tools, guidance, and funding that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen local economies.
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