Faire Commits $100K to Help Independent Retailers Grow in 2025

Today we announced the expansion of our small business grant program, committing $100,000 to help independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada grow and open new stores in 2025. After seeing the impact of last year’s initiative, we are excited to continue supporting entrepreneurs who are shaping their local communities.

The small business grant program is part of Open with Faire, a pioneering program that helps new shop owners stock their stores without exorbitant upfront costs. Through the program, retailers can access up to $20,000 in inventory credit with no added interest or fees—allowing them to launch fully stocked without depleting their capital. Since the inception of Open with Faire, we have extended over $150 million in inventory credit to more than 25,000 small businesses across the U.S., Canada, and Europe—helping to lower barriers for local retailers and enabling Main Streets to continue to thrive.

“Many small business owners have limited funding options—and in some cases, no access to traditional banking at all,” said Lauren Cooks Levitan, President of Faire. “Cash flow remains one of the biggest challenges for new shop owners, often making it difficult to secure the capital needed to open a store. We’re thrilled with the success of Open with Faire, and with the addition of our small business grant, we’re excited to help even more independent retailers bring their dream stores to life in 2025.”

Last year, Faire awarded $60,000 in grants to small businesses across various industries, helping entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds achieve their retail dreams.

“We are so incredibly excited for the opportunity this grant money provides us to invest back into our community by providing them with products that meet their needs and wants, while simultaneously alleviating some of the overhead pressures of our small family business in this new season of parenthood,’ said Jeneisha Hastings owner of Prickly Pear Espresso + Co.

The 2025 grants will be awarded as a $5,000 Faire credit to be used for inventory purchases on the platform. Retailers in the U.S. and Canada can learn more and apply [here].