Resources and Press
Read the latest news about Remain Nantucket, Remain Ventures and our many island partners who are working to make the community more sustainable, viable and resilient. Please come back frequently for updates.
Rock Solid Grants Ventures
Launched in 2020, the Rock Solid Grants are administered by the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and supported by Remain Ventures. The grants provide funds to Nantucket-based small businesses to ensure their continued contribution toward a strong local economy.
The Vision
Funding to support grants for Nantucket-based small businesses to ensure their continued contribution toward a strong island economy.
The Mission
The Rock Solid Grants are administered by the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce as part of their overall mission to foster, promote and advocate for Nantucket’s economic vitality.
The Project
was made possible through Remain Ventures.
Keep the Rock Solid
Rock Solid Grants Program
Supporting Nantucket businesses with annual grants
With the support of Remain Ventures, the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce established the Rock Solid Grants program in late 2020 with the purpose of providing micro-grants to help local, established businesses accelerate their recovery from the economic challenges of Covid-19. The program continues today, providing grants to Nantucket-based small entrepreneurs to launch or grow businesses across the island.
To date, grants have gone toward upgrading technology, purchasing equipment or resourcing innovative systems that reduce a business’ consumption of goods and products that contribute to waste. Funds may also be used as critical startup support for things like filings for patents and IP protection, market research and professional development.
Ideally, applicants will use the grant support to execute an innovative project that ensures the growth and economic stability of their business while serving as a positive role model for others in the entrepreneurial community.
For more information about the grant program, please contact the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.
Rock Solid Grants Qualification Criteria
- The current or proposed business must be for-profit, with primary operations on
Nantucket. - If the application is for an existing business, it must have generated revenue and
profit in the previous calendar year. - If the application is for a new business, there must be a well-developed business
plan for producing revenue in the current calendar year. - Businesses that have received prior grants are eligible, although priority will be
given to those who have not already benefited from this grant program.
Application Process and Timeline
The Chamber is utilizing an online system for the submission of grant applications. All
applications must go through this system—PDF or word document versions will not be
accepted as they have been in the past. A Spanish-language version of the application
is available.
Washashore Farm
With a Rock Solid Grant the farmers purchased two washing stations for root vegetables and eggs that reduced labor time and led to an increase in sales
Supple Sirens
A Rock Solid Grant led to the purchase of equipment that reduced production time, decreased materials wasted and increased sales
Peraner Landscaping
Through a Rock Solid Grant, the business purchased electric equipment that has reduced fuel consumption by 50% and at the same time reduced noise pollution
Partner: Nantucket Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber has been a key partner in supporting the island’s economic success as well as that of the tourism industry. Through the MORE campaign, the Chamber also supports a greener and healthier island for all visitors and islanders alike.
Nantucket Chamber of Commerce to Launch the Rock Solid Fund
NANTUCKET, Mass. (November 18, 2020) — Today, The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with ReMain Ventures, is pleased to announce a new grant program has been established for local small businesses owners, to help them launch innovative responses to economic challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rock Solid Fund will award micro-grants…
More than $200,000 in relief funds for Nantucket small businesses impacted by the pandemic
Yesterday’s Island (February 28, 2021) — The Town of Nantucket has given a $153,500 grant to the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce to assist the island’s business community address the economic challenges of the global pandemic according to Yesterday’s Island. Read the full article here.
Nantucket Chamber of Commerce Announces the First Recipients of Rock Solid Grants
NANTUCKET, Mass. (January 13, 2021) — Today, The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it has awarded $20,000 in grants to local small businesses owners, to help them fund innovative projects in response to the challenges of operating during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the support of ReMain Ventures, The Chamber’s Rock…
Remain Ventures invests in buildings and mission-related businesses that strengthen the island’s year-round economy and spark innovation that brings long-term value to its residents. Remain’s buildings not only reflect a commitment to the wise use of energy and natural resources, they also serve as gathering places and critical cornerstones of the community. The entrepreneurial work of Ventures is implemented as private investments and contracts through its impact-focused limited liability company.