It’s The Fourth Quarter And It’s Time To Apply For These Grants
In December 2019, most of us were plotting and scheming on our vision boards with 2020 plans. Then COVID-19 hit us with a huge pump fake and those plans were diminished.
Especially for those in business. Whether you own a small business or work for a Fortune 500 corporation, “rona” definitely messed some things up. However, those that were optimistic saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Being in quarantine since March may have closed a lot of doors for businesses but it’s also opened many as well.
Grants have been provided to businesses, large and small, in order to sustain. Many people don’t take full advantage of grants for numerous reasons; they don’t know how to find them, the time it takes to complete and more. And that’s understood. Did you know that it’s been found that just 35 percent of corporations/foundations who receive grant requests fund 50 percent of them?
But that doesn’t mean your company can’t be a part of that 50 percent, right?
If you haven’t considered getting some free money, this fourth quarter is the time. The fact is there is a bunch of grant opportunities open for businesses, especially women-owned businesses.
Let’s start with IFundWomen Idea Grant. With the deadline being Halloween, this grant is awarding $2,500 to six entrepreneurs looking to move their business forward. In order to apply, applicants must have a strong proof of concept/prototype, have innovative solutions to an interesting problem, strong digital presence, and visual media including a website and at least one active business social handle.
Since 2016, IFundWomen has been the hottest marketplace for women-owned businesses. The platform provides a safe space to find capital while making meaningful connections. One connection they recently made is with American Express for a new program called “100 for 100″ to support Black female entrepreneurs.
“What we tried to do is build a program to help 250,000 small business owners who are Black but within that we saw something really inspiring.”
“Of every group in America, one group is creating more small businesses than anybody else,” shared Clayton Ruebensaal, EVP of Global B2B Marketing for American Express. He is talking about Black women. 1,625 female minority-owned businesses open every day. Seven hundred sixty-three female African American/Black-owned businesses open every day. This triggering statistic openED Ruebensaal’s eyes and he decided he wanted to do something to help.
During American Express’ ninth annual “Business Class LIVE: Summit for Success” for Small Businesses, it was announced that the financial services company is partnering with IFundWomen of Color. The program, entitled “100 for 100,” will fund and provide 100 days of business education, mentoring, and virtual networking events to 100 black, female entrepreneurs and innovators. IFundWomen of Color found that $25,000 can really make or break an emerging business, so American Express has committed that amount to each of the 100 women, helping them jumpstart their small businesses.
Starting in November, these 100 selected business owners will get the opportunity to have one on one mentorship they need but most importantly, the spotlight will shine bright on their businesses, connected to a major platform.
“What we’ll do for these women is go a step deeper into that and make sure they get a more personalized education for what they really need,” the Washington, D.C. native said. “That’s how we think we can help.”
If you think that’s dope enough, keep looking. There are so many other corporations, government entities, and small businesses that have major opportunities for women to expand their businesses by the end of 2020. Check them out:
IFundWomen Idea Grant
IFundWomen will be awarding six (6) $2,500 grants to idea-stage entrepreneurs in our member network. This grant could be the launchpad that propels your business forward.
Criteria:
– Pre-revenue companies with a strong proof of concept/prototype
– Solving an interesting problem with an innovative solution
– Strong digital presence and visual media
– Must have a website & at least one active business social handle
This application will take you less than 20 minutes to complete
Deadline: October 31st
Amount: $2,500
Tory Burch Fellows Program + Grant
This year-long program to help you lead, grow and scale your business. Apply for this $5,000 grant and a chance to visit the Tory Burch headquarters for a 5-day workshop, networking, and Pitch Day.
Deadline: November 12th, 2020
Do you have a business in Harlem that was affected by COVID-19? Then this grant is for you! The Union Settlement, Council Member Diana Ayala, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and the NYC Economic Development Corp. joined together with the East Harlem Community Alliance to offer a $4,000,000 Grant Program.
Now, if that kind of money doesn’t help, then what will?
Deadline: Rolling
Are you a part of the #BeyHive? If not, it’s a good time to join. Queen Beyonce and the NAACP have joined forces to award grants of $10,000 on the 15th of each month through the end of 2020. The goal is to provide a lifeline for small businesses at the epicenter of dual pandemics.
Deadline: Rolling
This is an easy one. Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 grants every month. They don’t want a stake in it. They just want to help you make it happen!
Deadline: Monthly
Target Takeoff
Target Takeoff is a five-week program geared specifically toward consumer brands. This accelerator runs multiple times a year focusing on a specific Target category for each cohort (e.g., wellness, beauty, etc.). Our approach uniquely combines unprecedented access to Target, mentorship from subject matter experts, and tailored curriculum for founders to scale into mass retail.
Deadline: November 30th, 2020
The P5 Pitch Competition Series
Do you have a pitch that you think people need to hear? The P5 Project is offering a quarterly virtual pitch competition series for female and underrepresented founders. Winners of the virtual competitions will have the chance to pitch live at their annual summit in August 2021 in front of celebrity judges like Bethenny Frankel and Arlan Hamilton for an additional $20,000+ in cash and prizes!
The best part is it’s totally free to apply!
Deadline: October 30th, 2020
HelloAlice Business For All Grant
Apply for grants up to $50,000 to support business growth, including $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Business for All Grants to help small businesses in crisis. Join leaders such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Bell, Lisa Price, Armando Christian “Pitbull” Perez, and Jeff Hoffman to empower every American with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Deadline: Rolling
AMBER GRANT FOR WOMEN
Amount: $10K (and you’re entered to potentially win a $25K end of year grant)
Application Fee: $15
No business dream is too big or too small. Our past Amber Grant recipients have included everything from scientific inventors to bakers. What matters is YOU — the woman (or women) behind the business.
Deadline: October 31st, November 3oth (monthly)
SOGAL Black Founder Startup Grant
Amount: Between $5K and $10K
SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Lively, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea.
Deadline: Rolling
IFundWomen of Color
This is the grant Her Agenda received that opened us up to crowdfunding. Ask me anything if you have any questions. This is the go-to funding resource for diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs. IFundWomen of Color was created with founding partner Caress to help diverse entrepreneurs bring their dreams into reality through raising capital via crowdfunding and providing grants, coaching, and the connections needed to launch and grow successful businesses.
Deadline: Rolling
A new month means more opportunity. If you want to see which grants are available in November, sign up for our November Grants Roundup email. Did we miss any? If you have a grant we should include here email us info@heragenda.com.
