In an unprecedented effort to expand year-round support for small business growth and success, Sam’s Club and the Sam’s Club Giving Program have forged a collaboration with national non-profit SCORE to provide more than $500,000 in supplies, training and holiday spirit to 102 U.S. small businesses (two in each state plus Washington, DC).
Stepping Stones Occupational Therapy in Bellevue is one of two businesses selected from Washington. Stepping Stones provides pediatric occupational therapy services including comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy services for children on the Eastside.
Each business will receive a $1,000 Sam’s Club gift card in addition to training through SCORE, an organization dedicated to helping small businesses grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
“Working with SCORE has provided a foundation to help my business grow,” said Jessica McMurdie, owner of Stepping Stones Occupational Therapy. “I am honored to win this award, I appreciate Stepping Stones being recognized and bringing awareness in the field of pediatric occupational therapy.”
“Our collaboration with SCORE allows Sam’s Club to provide the tools and goods that small business owners need to enter the New Year with increased confidence and optimism,” said John Boswell, senior vice president of marketing, member insights and ecommerce for Sam’s Club. “Everyday our associates strive to positively impact the lives of small businesses that are so important to the fabric and success of our country. The Christmas season is certainly no exception.”
The 102 businesses were selected by SCORE based on each business’ need and commitment to ongoing learning and growth. SCORE will utilize the grant from Sam’s Club to sponsor a two-day “High Speed Growth Seminar” especially for the 102 winners, a special training program featuring key executives and workshops on attracting customers, branding, online marketing and developing a sales plan. The grant will also fund continued regional and local training for these businesses with SCORE mentors.
“Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy, particularly during lean times,” said W. Kenneth Yancey, Jr., CEO, SCORE. “With the support of Sam’s Club this holiday season, these small businesses will be in a position to take the critical next step in their evolution.”
Sam’s Club serves an estimated 600,000 Business Members daily in 620 club locations across the U.S., providing low prices, a convenient shopping experience and easier access to capital through an SBA Loan program, credit options and merchant payment processing support. To see a full list of small businesses benefitting from the Sam’s Club and SCORE alliance, including videos from small business owners Revelle Academy (Sarasota, Fla.) and Sweet Robichaux Bakery (Gonzales, La.), visit SamsClub.com/giving.
In the spirit of giving, Sam’s Club and non-profit Off the Field Players Wives Association will huddle in mid-December for a $220,000 shopping spree to benefit 220 U.S. families in need through The Salvation Army. In total, Sam’s Club will provide $869,000 to help SCORE and the Salvation Army in their missions to create jobs and aid families this holiday season.
About Sam’s Club Giving
Sam’s Club supports community-based programs that empower young people, families and small businesses to make smart choices that lead to healthy and bright futures. In 2011, Sam’s Club and the Sam’s Club Giving Program made cash and in-kind contributions of more than $101.3 million which included donating more than 38 million meals.
A recent Sam’s Club study on Holiday Cheer reported that more than 85 percent of American consumers get more cheer from giving than they do receiving. To learn more about grants through the Sam’s Club Giving program and simple ways to give back to the community, visit SamsClub.com/giving.
