Office Depot awards 19 Palm Beach County businesses grant money

A wide range of businesses across Palm Beach County received the support they need to thrive in the form of grant money on Wednesday. Stay informed: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsIn partnership with Office Depot, The Hispanic Chamber of Palm Beach County, and The Urban League of Palm Beach County, 19 businesses were awarded between $5,000 and $10,000 in grant money. Twelve of those businesses selected are Hispanic-run and were hand selected by a committee based on various factors, including a thorough application process explaining how the money would be used. Never miss anything: Sign up for personalized newsletters and alerts from WPBF 25 News“The impact of these grants will be so important for them to grow their business and continue their business, which is what we want, prosperity with the businesses and make the economic impact,” Maria Antuna, CEO of The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Executives with Office Depot say their Elevate Together Program allows the company to connect, assist and put essential conversations at the forefront. “We have a commitment to be able to invest in the local communities in which we do business around the country,” said Andrew Tomlin, vice president of print and business services at Office Depot.“It enables us to provide education, access and aid, to be able to help Black and Hispanic businesses thrive, which is really important to us,” he added. Carmen Bernard, who is the broker and owner at Luxury Realty of Florida, received $5,000 for her business and says it will be put to good use. “With the increase of everything, it just helps with equipment for the office, computers and copy machines and everything like that,” Bernand said. “I need it for marketing, which is very essential for my type of business,” she added. This is the third year Office Depot has helped local businesses through its Elevate Together Program.