Chase Bank and LivingSocial have partnered to present Mission: Small Business, a program which will potentially award $250,000 grants to 12 small, local businesses. The program invites small business owners who have been in business for at least two years and have less than 100 employees to apply for a grant. Small business owners will be required to explain why their business is unique, outline a proposed plan for utilizing the Grant to grow their business, and describe how the business is involved with its community. Consumers are encouraged to get involved by voting for their favorite registered small businesses on the project’s web site.

Each time a consumer clicks to support small business; Chase will add five dollars to the Grant Pool, up to a maximum of $3 million. Each registered small business must receive at least 250 votes to be considered for a Grant. The voting period is open from May 7, 2012 through June 30, 2012. At the end of the Voting Period, small business applicants that have received 250 votes will have their applications evaluated and Grant Recipients will be chosen. Grant Recipients will be announced on or before September 15, 2012. To register or to vote for local businesses, visit www.missionsmallbusiness.com.