Small Business Grant and Business Opportunities
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.
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.
Comast RISE Small Business Award (Marketing Campaign)
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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/
COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses
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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.
Bank of America and Kiva US
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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
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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
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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
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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.