Progressive Insurance and The Hartford have announced initiatives to support small businesses and address mental health awareness.

Progressive Insurance has revealed the recipients of its Driving Small Business Forward 2024 grant program, which is being implemented in partnership with fintech platform Hello Alice.

The program, now in its third year, provides $50,000 grants to 20 small business owners, with the money going toward purchasing commercial vehicles. The initiative seeks to support the growth of small businesses, which account for 99.9 percent of U.S. businesses, according to the Small Business Administration.

Karen Bailo, Head of Business Lines at Progressive, highlighted the challenges small businesses face when seeking capital, particularly when it comes to transportation needs. She noted that the Leading Small Business Forward program is part of Progressive’s broader efforts to help entrepreneurs succeed.

“Over the past three years, the Leading Small Business Forward grant program has been one of the ways we have supported entrepreneurs on their small business journey, and we are proud to continue facilitating business progress as part of our belief that insurance must do more,” said Bailo.

In partnership with Hello Alice, which connects more than 1.5 million small businesses to capital and other resources, Progressive is focused on making it easier for small business owners to grow. The grant program underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

Hartford Promotes Mental Health Awareness

Meanwhile, The Hartford Company announced an expanded partnership with the mental health nonprofit Active Minds.

The partnership coincides with National Suicide Prevention Month and will bring Active Minds’ Send Silence Packing exhibit to more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities over the next two years.

The exhibition, which features 100 backpacks that represent stories of mental health challenges, loss and resilience, aims to raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma.

Christopher Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford, emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health crisis, especially among young people. Swift noted that education and a collective community response are critical to combating stigma and encouraging mental health care.

“We are honored to partner with Active Minds to bring their powerful exhibition to communities in need to raise awareness of mental health, inspire hope and save lives,” he said.

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Alison Malmon, founder and CEO of Active Minds, echoed Swift’s sentiments, noting that the exhibition provides an opportunity for communities to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.

“We hope that by sharing these powerful stories of loss and survival, we can inspire communities across the country to take action, lead meaningful conversations, and provide critical support to those in need,” Malmon added.

The Send Silence tour is expected to stop in the fall of 2024 in 23 cities across nine states, reaching nearly 375,000 students. The fair has already shown positive results, with 76% of attendees using the information to support their personal well-being and 70% using it to help friends and family, according to new data from Active Minds.

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