718 Homegrown is a small attempt to share the opportunities and successes we’ve had as a business with people and groups who are underrepresented in the bike industry. This twice-yearly program we will be putting tools in the hands of people on the front lines of change.  This might be a pathway to help people start their own small business and serve a city that is in need of bike repairs.

This is not sponsored by anyone, nor propped up by any company.  This hasn't been vetted by focus groups (it’s barely been spell-checked). This is purely my wife and I searching for ways that we can do more to fight the inequality that is built into our system and help build a community of small businesses that can thrive in this crazy economy. 718 has always made diversity and inclusion a priority (through hiring practices and programs offered), and we wanted to create an actionable program that put our proverbial money where our mouth is. We will do grassroots fundraising within our community and will not accept funding from large corporations 

There are fewer bike shops now than there were 10 years ago. Bike shops have gravitated to the more affluent neighborhoods of Brooklyn. With Covid-19, cycling is becoming more essential to workforce for mobility and creating healthy life habits. This increase in cycling also magnifies the disparity regarding where people can get their bikes serviced, and which neighborhoods do not have coverage. 

Bike shops don’t have to be big brick and mortar shops; they can start on stoops, on the sidewalk or in the backyard. They can grow in any neighborhood. Bike shops are also becoming more non-traditional in their physical presence. Clean corporate boxes are becoming a thing of the past. Working with one’s hands is the most gratifying work there is, and work that can never be outsourced or done remotely.

This program will give a grant of free tools, and offer as much coaching and business guidance as the participant would like. We are not here to “mentor”, we are here to provide a space, and step back.

The Tools

For our first round, we will be giving out 5 Park Tool SK-3 Home Mechanic Starter Kits. Applications due 7/31/20. Recipients announced 8/15/20. Application below.

“The SK-3 is great way to start a tool collection! The perfect combination of tools to help the novice home mechanic clean, adjust, maintain, and do some basic repairs on their bike. The SK-3 includes more than 15 genuine Park Tool products plus a custom Park Tool toolbox.”

Tools Included

• AWS-11 Fold-Up Hex Wrench Set

• CC-3.2 Chain Checker — Instructions

• CN-10 Professional Cable and Housing Cutter — Instructions

• CT-5 Mini Chain Tool — Instructions

• GP-2 Pre-Glued Super Patch Kit — Instructions

• GSC-1 GearClean™ Brush

• MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers — Instructions

• PW-5 Home Mechanic Pedal Wrench

• SD-2 #2 Phillips Screwdriver

• SW-7.2 Triple Spoke Wrench

• TL-1.2 Tire Lever Set — Instructions

• #1622 T25 Torx® Compatible "L" Wrench

Posts

Grants

To date, we have given out 5 tool kits

Fundraising

Caps sold 20, Funds Contributed to Toolset Grant $220

Donor List

Exclusive Homegrown Cap $20 (Pre-Orders only), arriving in shop in early September. All proceeds will go towards funding toolset grants. Click image to purchase.

Grant Application Form

We will be open to applications until August 31, 2020, with recipients announced Septeber 15th, 2020. Application is open to Brooklyn residents 18 years or older