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Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase Announce 40 Recipients of Innovator Awards, Investing $1 Million in Small Businesses Driving Community and Sustainability

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026--The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase today announced the 40 recipients of the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards, a $1 million grant program celebrating the ideas, practices and business models that promote sustainability and environmental innovation. Selected from across the country, each recipient has received a $25,000 grant to strengthen and iterate proven practices in sustainability, workforce well-being and community impact.

articleJp Morgan Chase & Co.March 25, 20264/company/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/news/independent-restaurant-coalition-irc-and-chase-announce-40-recipients-of-innovator-awards-investing-dollar1-million-in-small-businesses-driving-community-and-sustainability
Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase Announce 40 Recipients of Innovator Awards, Investing $1 Million in Small Businesses Driving Community and Sustainability

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Chasesustainabilitycommunity impactenvironmental innovationChase Disaster Relief Fundindependent restaurantsErika Polmar