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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Local First Arizona awards HomeSlice Stays a grant to help combat COVID-19 Crisis” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]By Chelsea Young

Now more than ever, small businesses across the country need help, including us. This is why we’re so grateful that HomeSlice Stays was recently selected by Local First Arizona for a grant through their Small Business Relief Fund (SBRF).

So, first, a HUGE thank you to Local First Arizona for being a resource and an advocate for Arizona businesses, always, but especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Even though there are so many challenges right now, we think this uncertain time is also showing the inherent generous spirit in our community, which has been encouraging to witness.

Understanding that small businesses are vital to Arizona, Local First Arizona exists to celebrate and support the state’s homegrown businesses. The nonprofit organization – founded by Kimber Lanning and led by executive director Thomas Barr – is dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable Arizona economy, even during statewide hardship.

This is where Local First Arizona’s Small Business Relief Fund comes in. The SBRF was created to help micro-entrepreneurs like HomeSlice Stays – non-franchise, local businesses that have up to three employees and have less than $250K in annual revenue – be able to better sustain the impact caused by COVID-19. Over 2,700 businesses applied for a $2,500 grant and only a few were selected.

The funding criteria also gave priority to business owners with children at home, which really shows the heart behind Local First Arizona. The founder of HomeSlice Stays, Ellie Paget, is the head of household, so this grant is especially meaningful.

“This grant has really given me as a single mother of two boys with a baby due in June, the working capital needed to fulfill our obligations and commitments while also giving me liberty to rest knowing our bases are covered,” Ellie says.

The grant will help HomeSlice Stays continue to provide a safe place to stay for those who need it with our short-term and mid-term rentals, and also continue to maintain our operations for homeowners. Just like everyone else, we are pivoting as a company to make the necessary changes that better serve our staff and customers as vacation rental experts.

Beyond the grant, Local First Arizona also surprised us with some additional news: HomeSlice Stays was selected to receive a free Local First Arizona Business membership! A business membership will give us access to helpful resources, ongoing education, financial assistance, advocacy and promotion through Local First Arizona’s vast network.

Both the membership and the grant were made possible by community donations, so we’re sending a big virtual thank you to those who gave us and the other selected local businesses this opportunity.

We’re proud to announce that HomeSlice Stays is officially part of the Local First Arizona family! During the coronavirus pandemic, we can use all the family and community we can get – and we will be sure to pass along this warmth and compassion to our guests and homeowners.

If you’re in need of a safe, comfortable place to stay, we’ve got you covered in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Austin, and Seattle. Book now or contact us at 360.674.6588 and paget@homeslicestays.com with any questions.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

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As a lifelong student of the written word, Chelsea Young has a heart for inspiring others through writing. Based in Phoenix, Chelsea is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader for entrepreneurs and businesses across a variety of industries. She is also the founder of lifestyle brand Color Everything and the author of The Color of Mother, a picture book that colorfully illustrates the special bond between mothers and children. Since studying journalism and earning a master’s degree in professional writing, Chelsea has gone on to be an editor at five magazines, and she is currently the editor-in-chief of So Scottsdale magazine. Chelsea previously taught writing at a university, and she continues to lead workshops on writing, editing and getting media coverage as well as empowerment workshops for children related to her book. Connect with Chelsea at www.chelseayoung.com and on Instagram at @young_chelsea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_pinterest][/vc_column][/vc_row]