At least three local companies are applying to a small business program that could yield a $100,000 grant and access to resources through the program's Premier Sponsor, LinkedIn.

Technology and communications company Cloudwyze, baby blanket purveyor SunSnapz and River to Sea Gallery are preparing applications ahead of a Friday deadline for Chase’s Mission Main Street Grants program.

Through Mission Main Street Grants, a program it launched in 2012, Chase awards $2 million each year to 20 small businesses across America, according to its website. The 20 grant recipients also will receive a trip to LinkedIn headquarters.
 
All businesses that apply for a grant and meet the eligibility requirements will receive access to Toolkit, a package of marketing templates and social media tips. They can also view a small business webcast by LinkedIn.
 
CloudWyze, in its application, is pointing to its “significant community give-back programs" and outlines expansion plans as the use for the grant, according to a news release from the Leland-based company. 
 
“It would be a great tip of the hat to Wilmington business if CloudWyze were to win this competition,” CloudWyze CEO Shaun Olsen said in a news release. “CloudWyze offers the technology infrastructure upon which outstanding businesses are built. As we grow, Wilmington’s knowledge worker community grows, making for a better community all around.”
 
In the case of SunSnapz, which sells multi-use baby blankets that provide UV protection, the grant would help with the cash-flow needs of this young, home-based company, which also works with the Melanoma International Foundation to help educate children and families about the importance of sun protection.
 
“We are at a tipping point with our business when we have to decide whether to go all-in,” said Julia Jacobsen, who founded SunSnapz in 2011 with her husband Seth. “The grant would push us to where we need to be.”
 
Becoming eligible for grant consideration isn’t as simple as submitting a completed form and a compelling rationale. Applicants must also garner at least 250 votes through a Facebook site by June 19. SunSnapz has a voting link displayed prominently on its home page.
 
After June 19, all qualifying applications will go through a panel review process, with the 20 grant recipients announced in September, according to the grant program’s website.