Synchrony, a consumer financial services company, announced Independent Carpet One as one of 21 entrepreneurial small businesses to receive a Synchrony Pillars Project Grant. Launched in 2016, Synchrony’s annual small business grant program has honored those who have risen above in times of change. This year’s program is focused on digital transformation.

Independent Carpet One, based in Westland, Michigan, receives $10,000 and consulting services from Synchrony experts to expand its digital transformation. The timing couldn’t be better as small businesses continue to deal with a myriad of challenges like supply chain, inflation, staffing and continued impacts from the pandemic. 

A recent survey found small businesses that are leading in digital transformation saw eight times the revenue growth of small businesses in the earliest stages of their digital efforts.The Pillars Project grants will help the winning small businesses and healthcare providers advance their digital competitiveness through transformational projects, including:

• Increasing their digital capabilities by enhancing website and mobile experiences, search engine optimization, digital marketing, and social media content;
• Updating technology including mobile devices, cybersecurity software, company-based apps, and wireless connections; and 
• Driving brand awareness and enhancing marketing.

Synchrony chose the winners of this year’s grants from more than 500 applicants.

The Pillars Project Grant program was open to both current and prospective partners of Synchrony and CareCredit, a Synchrony Solution, with 30 or fewer employees. This year’s application focused on both the vision and transformation of the business – how the business adopted digital tools and processes to adapt to changing needs. The small business winners represent a wide range of industries, including retail (e.g., automotive, bicycle, furniture, flooring, HVAC, jewelry, powersports, and sewing) and health and wellness (e.g., audiology, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, and physicians).

By the end of 2022, Synchrony will have made Pillars Project grants to more than 80 small businesses and providers across the United States chosen from more than 4,500 applications, with nearly 100 of Synchrony’s top experts delivering pro bono services and grants valued at more than $850,000.

For more information, visit synchronybusiness.com.