Small Business Grant and Business Opportunities

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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan

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The SBA announced that the deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan has been extended to December 31, 2021. Loans are offered at affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. All eligible small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

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Caleb Brown Urban Entrepreneur Community Grant:

Award $1,000 and 500 hours of business consulting from Caleb Brown for one year. Eligibilities: (1) Must serve an Urbanized Area, (2) Applicants must be residents or other invested members of the community that is proposed to be served by the company. (3) Start-up, for-profit businesses opened for less than three years. Funding decisions will be made by the 5th of each month and awardees must attend a presentation event. Deadline: Due on the 15th of every month by 5 pm.  Application here, submitted to CBgrant@calebbrownonline.com.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants: 

NASE grants are worth up to $4,000 and can be used for all types of activities, like purchasing new equipment, hiring help, and creating promotional material. To be eligible, businesses must be a member of the NASE, show how the grant will improve their business, and offer supporting documentation such as a resume and business plan. Applications are reviewed quarterly in April, July, October, and January.

• More information.

• Application

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Upcoming webinar series from the Department of Labor. 

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Please join the Maryland Small Business Development Center, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Maryland Department of Commerce for a 4-part Business Growth Strategies Series - Start Small….. Think Big (flyer attached)! In this series, presenters will share information on workforce services, how to prepare for growth with or without lending, procurement opportunities of 50k or less (featuring 13 state agencies), and certifications 8a, WOSB, ACDBE, SBE, MBE, SBR, and VSBE! Please share this with your business community and thank you for your support! 

Click on the link below to register and attend.   https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16777

09/15/2021 - Part 1: Workforce Strategies to Grow Your Business 10 am – 11 am

09/22/2021 - Part 2: Preparing for Growth With or Without Lending 10 am – 11 am

09/29/2021 - Part 3: State Procurement Opportunities: $50K and Less 10 am – 11 am

10/06/2021 - Part 4: Enhancing Your Business with Certifications 10 am – 11 am

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Accelerator for Established Black and Latino Owned Companies

• The 2022 EY Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN) cohort is a business accelerator program to help Black- and Latino-owned companies bridge the disparity gap and grow their businesses.  EAN is a 12-month program that includes assessments, individualized coaching, access to online tools, networking events and promotional exposure.  Applicants must be Black or Latino business owners who are founders and majority owners of any privately held, for-profit company in the US.  The company must be more than two years old. Applications are due 9/17/21. Visit ey.com/ean for more details. 

Accelerator for Minority-Owned Companies in Beauty Industry

• Sephora Accelerate is focused on incubating founders who are people of color.  Founders will embark on a six-month journey inclusive of an intensive boot camp where they’ll gain the necessary skills to create a successful business.  In addition, brands will have the opportunity to launch with Sephora, the world’s largest beauty retailer. Applications close on 9/20/21. Learn more here.

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Looking for a Loan?

• Check out this website maintained by Venturize.org - specifically in the COVID 19 resource section.  There are dozens of opportunities listed for specific areas of the country and specific industries.  Too many for me to list in one email – so click through and look for yourself!

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Looking for a Grant?

• Check out this website maintained by OpenDigits that lists “146 State Grants For Startups” (broken down by state).  Scroll through to see if something fits your location and business!

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Project Restore Grant Opportunities from The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Applications Due on October 8, 2021

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering $25 million to provide financial support to Maryland’s new or expanding businesses to help incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties.

Project Restore will provide two grant opportunities for businesses that plan on opening or expanding into previously vacant spaces:

Rental Assistance Grant: 

The maximum grant request amount is $30,000 for one year (rental payment up to $2,500 per month). Applicant’s monthly rent can exceed $2,500, but the maximum that will be paid by the Rental Assistance Grant will be $2,500 per month. Only applications that are fully complete at submission will be considered for funding.

Business Operations Grant:

The maximum grant award amount is $250,000 for 1 or 2 years. The Business Operations Grant can be used for activities and costs related to sustaining and growing the business such as staff costs, capital improvements, marketing, inventory and supplies, utilities, and the like and cannot be used for executive salaries or bonuses. Grant awards will be paid quarterly and will be based on the amount of sales and use tax generated by the business and submitted to the State in Calendar Year 2022. Only applications that are fully complete at submission will be considered for funding. For more information regarding requirements and applications click here

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Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator - sponsored by Rev: Ithaca Startup Works - this accelerator supports hardware companies as they move their prototypes into production.  The 60-week program will launch with its second cohort in October 2021 and guide entrepreneurs through design programming, train them on manufacturing do’s and don’ts, provide one-on-one mentorship, and offer introductions to manufacturers and investors. The program is funded by the Economic Development Association and is affiliated with Cornell Engineering.  Participants must have a fully functional prototype and a confirmed customer market. They do not need to be located in New York state to participate as the majority of programming will be hosted virtually. Participants don’t pay anything or give away any equity.  Applications close September 20, 2021.  Learn more here.  Apply here.

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• Live Your Dream Awards  - provides education grants to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families.  Applications are accepted Aug 1 - Nov 15, 2021.  Learn more here.

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• Jane Walker - IFW First Women Grant Program - Originally launching the program with 15 grants, Jane Walker will now be matching the program and funding an additional 15 groundbreaking women-owned businesses through the end of the year. Together with a network of powerful icons, businesses will be selected across Entertainment & Film, Music, Sports, Journalism, STEM, and Hospitality, all on their journey towards a monumental first. Each recipient will receive a $10K grant plus a one-year IFundWomen Annual Coaching Membership. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through October 2021. Learn more here.

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• IFundWomen Universal Grant Application - When IFundWomen brokers a grant with a partner, they match the partner’s grant criteria to those businesses who have applied through their Universal Grant Application. If you’re a match, they may request that you apply for that partner’s specific grant program, and you will be notified.  Learn more here.       

Grants for Not-For-Profits

• She Angels Foundation Grant - She Angels Foundation awards grants ranging from $3-10k to female-founded and operated non-profit organizations that provide mentorship, funding, training, and advancement resources to girls and women.  Learn more here by clicking on "grants".

• Patagonia Corporate Grant Program - The corporate grant program at Patagonia gives between $10,000 and $20,000 of funding to innovative nonprofit organizations that work to preserve and protect the environment.  Learn more here.

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• American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Community Action Grants provide funding to individuals, AAUW branches and AAUW state organizations as well as community-based nonprofits for innovative programs that promote education and equity through projects focused on encouraging girls to select, before entering college, the physical sciences or engineering as a career. Grants range from $3K to $10K.  Applications open on August 1, 2021 and close on December 1, 2021.  Learn more here.  

Grants for Black Artists

• YouTube Black Voices Fund  - Beginning June 21, 2021, applications will open for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2022. If you identify as a Black creator, artist, or songwriter/producer, looking to further build your voice on YouTube and make an impact, we want to hear from you. If selected, you receive resources and seed funding. Applications for the Fund will be open from Monday, June 21st through July 9th, 2021.  (Note: This fund is for Black creators, artists and songwriters/producers, located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States.)  Learn more here.

Grants for Indigenous Peoples 

• Henry Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship 2022 - First Nations will award 10 fellowships of $75,000 each to 10 outstanding Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers engaged in meaningful work that benefits Indigenous people and communities. The fellowship is a two-year, self-directed enrichment program designed to support the process of growth, development, knowledge and networks of Native leaders and thinkers. The fellowships supports the work of Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers as they significantly advance their work and spark transformative change in their communities. Applications are due by July 13, 2021.  Learn more here.                                    

Grants to Support Continuing Education

• American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Career Development Grants - For women pursuing a certificate or degree to advance their careers, change careers, or reenter the workforce in education, health and medical sciences, or social sciences and whose bachelor’s degree was received at least eight years before the award period.  Primary consideration is given to women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Grants range between $2K and $12K.  Applications open August 1, 2021 and close November 15, 2021.  Learn more here. 

Venture Funding

• Astia  - Astia is a nonprofit founded in 1999 that works to identify and invest in high-potential women-owned startups. It uses a review system based on personal referrals to find, prioritize, and reward the right female entrepreneurs. The organization operates globally with locations in SF, London, and NYC. Learn more here. 

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BGE is pledging $15 million to assist Maryland’s small businesses with COVID-19 relief and recovery. Eligible businesses located in BGE’s service area can apply for a $20,000 BGE Energizing Small Business Grant. This grant program is part of BGE's comprehensive Customer Relief and Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, designed to help the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic. To apply, visit the application site. 

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Eligible small businesses selected as grant recipients will receive $20,000. Apply by sharing how a grant would provide economic relief and help grow your business.

APPLICATION OPENS MAY 5, 2021.

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Comast RISE Small Business Award (Marketing Campaign)

• Comcast RISE Awards nearly 2,000 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses with Marketing and Technologies Resources to date! How to apply: https://www.comcastrise.com/recipients/

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COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

• Wacif are aggregating small business resources to help small businesses navigate and respond to COVID-related disruptions and providing referral information. For more information, please visit https://wacif.org/covid-19-resources-for-small-business/ or email: info@wacif.org.

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Bank of America and Kiva US

• Bank of America has partnered with Kiva US to invest in women entrepreneurs.  Loans range from $1,000-$15,000 with 0% interest and have 12-42 month repayment terms. Click this link to see if you are eligible and to apply.   Note: There is a crowdfunding component to this opportunity.  Here is a link to re-watch our August 2020 webinar with Olivia Owens from IFundWomen where she discussed successful crowdfunding strategies.

Chick Fil A True Inspiration Awards

• The True Inspiration Awards program is an annual grant that supports nonprofit organizations that are Black-led or serve communities of color and who are working in the areas of education, hunger, or homelessness. Applications for the 2022 True Inspiration Awards are open from March 1 through May 31, 2021. Click here to learn more.

For Entrepreneurs In the Environmental Space

• This summer, Wild Gift will select a group of environmental entrepreneurs for a fellowship rooted in wilderness-based programs that develop leadership and business skills.  The fellowship includes business workshops, a three-week wilderness trek, alumni retreat, airfare allowances for travel to Idaho and access to a network of mentors.  Apply by April 2, 2021. To learn more, click here.

For Entrepreneurs In The Education Space 

• Applications for the 4.0 Essentials and 4.0 New Normal Fellowships will open April 2, 2021.  These fellowships are intended for entrepreneurs who have identified a specific issue or need in related to education and you have personal experience with the issue you are trying to address.  The primary purpose of the idea should be to address inequities in our education system that disadvantage many different populations.  To learn more, click here.

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• Amber Grant Foundation (https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/) - awards a $10,000 grant each month and an additional $25,000 grant each December to women entrepreneurs with a compelling story.

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• PFC Black Chamber (http://www.pfcblackchamber.org/) is awarding grants to local small businesses. The purpose of the Open Door Fund is to provide short-term funding to small businesses impacted by Covid-19. ​This aligns with the mission of the PFC Black Chamber as we strengthen the capacity of black businesses to serve their communities by providing a collective voice, fair access to capital, and leadership support.

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• Tory Burch Fellows Program (http://www.toryburchfoundation.org/fellows/?section=eligibility) - The fellowship is a one-year program including virtual education, business guidance and a $5,000 grant. Details for this year’s awards have yet to be announced.

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• FedEx Small Business Grant (https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html) -  In 2020, awarded over $250,000 to 12 small businesses to help them grow and scale their businesses. The 2021 application process is not yet open.

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• The Cartier Women's Initiative (https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/) - is an international entrepreneurship program that provides multiple awards each year to “women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector that aim to have a strong and sustainable social and/or environmental impact.” Grant awards range from $30,000 to $100,000.

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• Galaxy Grant (https://click.galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grant?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjKqABhDLARIsABbJrGk6WOngR_KJWJreWS_kJt27Z9KWqXjT2j0uhMxU5d6NIlyTcBdT2V4aAoDxEALw_wcB) - Galaxy of Star's mission is to help minority and women-owned businesses succeed. Starting and growing a business is no easy task. Apply for a $2,900 grant to fund your business and make your dreams a reality! Exclusively for minority and women entrepreneurs. Applications close on March 31st, 2021.

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• SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant (https://www.iamsogal.com/black-founder-startup-grant/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjKqABhDLARIsABbJrGmIdXlJu5nIGbhpAzm1A8pEpxzShPG02fhG75hnWG3iwVQAaPoOpPgaApO5EALw_wcB).

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• Operation Hope Small-Business Empowerment Program (https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants-minorities) - The Operation Hope program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in low-wealth neighborhoods, which often include minority communities. The program combines business training and financial counseling along with access to small-business financing options. Participants complete a 12-week training program, plus workshops on business financing and credit and money management.

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• MSC Wells Fargo is awarding Grants to small businesses that fit the following criteria. Please see this attachment for more information.  You can download the application here.