The Well Work – Just Thrive Program: Up to $6,000 Credit for PEO Services to Diverse Founders and Non-Profits

Grant Overview

Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs and Non-Profits with Credits for HR, Payroll, and Compliance Support through Justworks

Donor: Justworks, The Well Work

About: The Well Work – Just Thrive Program is a significant initiative developed through a partnership between Justworks and The Well Work, aimed at promoting equitable access to fundamental business infrastructure. This program specifically targets entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations actively working to dismantle systemic racism. It acknowledges and addresses the historical disadvantages these groups often encounter by offering substantial financial credits towards Justworks’ Professional Employer Organization (PEO) administrative fees. By reducing the financial strain associated with critical operational aspects such as human resources, payroll management, and regulatory compliance, the Just Thrive Program empowers these businesses to dedicate more resources towards achieving growth, ensuring long-term sustainability, and maximizing their societal impact. Understanding the complexities of business operational support is key, and this program provides a crucial stepping stone.

Justworks is a company dedicated to streamlining the entrepreneurial journey by providing a comprehensive suite of PEO services. These services encompass payroll administration, access to HR tools and expert support, assistance with navigating complex compliance requirements, and options for employee benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) plans. The Just Thrive Program is a direct reflection of Justworks’ wider commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment, particularly for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and other founders from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants in the Just Thrive Program not only benefit from service credits but may also gain entry to valuable educational resources, networking events, and enhanced visibility through platforms like Justworks’ MWBE Directory. This multifaceted approach demonstrates a firm dedication to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who have historically faced significant systemic obstacles. For businesses exploring avenues like grants for minority entrepreneurs, this program offers a unique form of direct service support.

The program is available to Justworks PEO customers who meet specific criteria, notably the employment of a minimum of two W2 staff members. The primary eligibility hinges on the business being at least 50% owned by individuals who identify as members of an underrepresented group, or the organization being a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit with a clear mission focused on eradicating racism. The financial credits are structured in two tiers: $6,000 for businesses established more recently (typically within the last 12 months), and $2,000 for those with a longer operational history. These credits are applied directly to Justworks’ PEO administrative fees, offering tangible relief. This tiered system acknowledges the varying needs and developmental stages of different businesses. Organizations in this sphere might also look into grants for non-profit organizations for broader funding opportunities.

The Well Work, as a key collaborator in this initiative, brings its expertise in supporting underrepresented founders, with a particular focus on empowering Black women and non-binary entrepreneurs to build wealth and achieve business success. Their involvement reinforces the program’s deep commitment to creating meaningful, positive change and cultivating a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape. The Just Thrive Program transcends a simple discount; it represents a strategic investment in the untapped potential of businesses that are crucial for community development, economic empowerment, and social justice. Entrepreneurs seeking to build a strong foundation for their ventures can also benefit from expert business plan development. Grantaura is equipped to help businesses like yours by offering comprehensive grant research, meticulous document preparation for applications (including business plans, financial forecasts, Letters of Intent, and pitch decks), and dedicated application submission support, ensuring you can effectively pursue opportunities such as the Just Thrive Program and other USA funding ready grants.

Focus: PEO service credits, HR administration, Payroll management, Compliance support, Underrepresented entrepreneurs, Minority-owned businesses, Women-owned businesses, 501(c)3 non-profits, Racial equity initiatives

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Must be an existing Justworks PEO customer or become one to receive the credit.
– The business must employ a minimum of two individuals on W2 payroll.
– The business must be at least 50% owned by one or more individuals who are members of an underrepresented group (e.g., socially disadvantaged groups as per the U.S. Small Business Act, which often includes racial or ethnic minorities, women, etc.).
– Alternatively, the organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit with a primary mission focused on eradicating racism.
– The specific credit amount ($6,000 or $2,000) is determined by the age of the business (e.g., formed within the last 12 months for the higher credit).

Benefits:
– A one-time credit of $6,000 for eligible businesses formed within the past 12 months to cover Justworks’ PEO administrative fees.
– A one-time credit of $2,000 for eligible businesses older than 12 months to cover Justworks’ PEO administrative fees.
– Subsidized access to comprehensive PEO services including payroll processing, HR support, compliance assistance, and access to benefits like health insurance and 401(k) plans.
– Potential access to additional resources, networking opportunities, and visibility through Justworks’ initiatives for minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), such as the MWBE Directory.

Deadline: Ongoing

Terms:
– PEO (Professional Employer Organization): A company that provides comprehensive human resource services to small and mid-sized businesses through a co-employment model. These services typically include payroll administration, benefits management, HR guidance, and compliance assistance.
– W2 Employee: An individual employed by a company whose wages and tax withholdings are reported on IRS Form W-2, indicating a standard employer-employee relationship in the United States.
– 501(c)(3) Non-profit: An organization recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt due to its charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, or preventing cruelty to children or animals purposes.
– Underrepresented Group: Refers to business owners who are part of demographic groups that have historically faced systemic barriers to accessing capital, resources, and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This often includes, but is not limited to, women, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
– MWBE (Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise): A business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are members of a minority group or are women. Certification as an MWBE can provide access to specific programs and procurement opportunities.