Accelerators & Grants for Afro-Latinas and Latinas Update
I just recently wrapped up the Foward Founders Target Accelerator and it completely changed the way I look at my business. Accelerators are important for Latina-owned businesses for several reasons, and they play a crucial role in supporting their growth and success. Here are some key reasons why accelerators are particularly valuable for Latina entrepreneurs:
- Networking Opportunities: Accelerators offer a unique environment for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, potential investors, and strategic partners. Networking is essential for business growth, and accelerators facilitate these interactions, enabling Latina entrepreneurs to expand their professional networks and create valuable connections within the business community.
Exposure and Visibility: Being part of an accelerator program can significantly increase the visibility of Latina-owned businesses. It can potential customers, and investors, elevating the business’s reputation and market presence. The exposure gained through an accelerator can lead to new opportunities and partnerships that may have otherwise been challenging to secure.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Latina entrepreneurs can benefit greatly from having access to experienced mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and a support system throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Accelerator programs typically offer mentorship opportunities, which can be invaluable for building confidence, avoiding pitfalls, and making informed decisions.
2023 CHCI Pitch Competition CHCI celebrates the impact Latino entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers have in our communities and on the U.S. economy. The nearly 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy annually. Through CHCI’s fourth annual Pitch Competition, we commemorate some of the many ways remarkable Latino leaders who are creating and driving local business and nonprofit growth are influencing and contributing to American society. 2023 CHCI Pitch Competition Application & Deadline
(New) $5K Startup Grant for Black Women The Pepper Startup Grant is specifically for Black women business owners, a dynamic group that has been systematically disenfranchised when seeking to acquire the necessary venture capital funding to expand their businesses. We’re here to change that. $5K Startup Grant for Black Women Application and Deadline
Antares REACH Grant Program The Antares REACH Grant Program, presented in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), will provide $20,000 grants to small businesses, with an emphasis on those that have an established product/market fit, have a clearly identified need for growth capital, and are owned by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs. Antares REACH Grant Program Application & Deadline
BGE Energizing Small Business Grants In 2023, the BGE Energizing Small Business grant program, presented in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), is offering funding to help central Maryland businesses succeed and thrive. BGE Energizing Small Business Grants Application & Deadline
Build MOMENTUM with WBENCPitch! RPO First Round Pitch Make sure you are receiving your Regional Partner Organization’s (RPO) communications for the latest information on their First Round WBENCPitch Competition. View all of the Regional Partner Organizations and links to their websites here.
Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is a two-month, cost-covered training program that gives a small cohort of talented people from all over the world everything they need to launch a field-leading charity. $200,000 in seed funding is available. Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program Application & Deadline
Curated Coaching for Entrepreneurs program offered by Chase for Business Small-group coaching session on creating efficiencies to help drive business growth. You’ll learn (with up to two other business owners) how to analyze how you’re spending your time and determine what changes you can make to focus on growing your business. Join Curated Coaching for Entrepreneurs at chase.com/coaching
Digital Undivided BREAKTHROUGH 2023 – Miami Founded in 2012, digitalundivided (Didtechnology, Inc) is a fast-paced social startup with a simple, yet powerful, vision of a world where all women own their work. The company boldly empowers Black and Latina women founders with high-growth startups to think BIG. Their programs serve as the primary pipeline for these women of color into scalable entrepreneurship and economic security. To execute on their vision, digitalundivided merges data and heart to develop innovative initiatives that iterate at the speed of founders’ needs. Digital Undivided BREAKTHROUGH 2023 – Miami Application and Deadlines
Generative AI Skills Challenge Grant A global grant for organizations training and upskilling teams on generative AI to drive social impact. $250,000 in kind funding. Generative AI Skills Challenge Grant Application & Deadline
Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change The program helps high-potential startups based in Latin America and the United States grow with the best of Google through a mix of in-person and virtual activities, mentoring, and group learning sessions. Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change includes workshops focused on product design, business growth, and leadership development. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated Google Cloud technical expertise and receive credits via the Google for Startups Cloud Program. Google for Startups Accelerators
Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities for WBEs Kroger are bringing WBEs an exciting new Industry Accelerator program this fall taking place from August 3rd through October 5th. The WBENC Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities is an 8-week cohort-style accelerator program featuring education, mentoring, pitching opportunities and more.
Embrace Change NYC Leadership Certification Program For Women Of Color Across Industries Earn your Leadership Certification through the Leadership Accelerator and get the strategic tools, support, and motivation you need to launch your leadership—and your career—to new heights. 2023 Program Enrollment Dates and Application Deadlines
The Fearless VC Summit The Fearless VC Summit is a two day premier event that welcomes women, men, and organizations interested in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Whether you’re a visionary dreamer, an ambitious doer, or a seasoned investor, this summit caters to individuals at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from startups to successful businesses. The Fearless VC Summit Details
Keep it Local Business Fund One-time $5,000 grant to support your small business. Public recognition for your contributions to your community.Participation in 1-2 events with your fellow winners to share your successes and lessons learned. Ad credits to promote your local business on the Nextdoor Platform Keep it Local Business Fund Application & Deadline
Mastercard Start Path Small Business During the 4-month program, startups will have the opportunity to leverage Mastercard’s network and subject matter expertise to uncover product partnerships, scale their companies and power solutions that drive safe, secure and simple experiences. Companies should be in one of following industries: Customer Service, Banking, Security, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Payment Processing, Digital Lending, FinTech Mastercard Start Path Small Business Application & Deadline
Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund This is an evolving loan fund, which supports small businesses that don’t qualify for traditional loans or financing. This specific program will grant priority to businesses in Baltimore City and rural regions across the state. Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund Application & Deadline
Milestone Makers At the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, we’re committed to investing in the individuals taking big risks to solve problems in new ways. That’s why we created Milestone Makers, a way to help mid-stage entrepreneurs set, hit, and celebrate milestones critical to company growth. Milestone Makers Applications and Deadlines
Mom and Pop Small Business Grant (Miami/Dade) – Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program offers funding opportunities for small owned and operated businesses to purchase equipment, supplies, advertising/marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems and to make minor renovations. Applications are filed by District and all have different due dates. Mom and Pop Small Business Grant (Miami/Dade) – Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Application & Deadline
Native American Micro Enterprise Business Services The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs serves as the Agency’s small business resource to connect American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs to all Agency resources for business development and business expansion. Native American Micro Enterprise Business Services
Pure Leaf Hears Your “No” Grant Pure Leaf believes “No Is Beautiful.” Nearly 2/3 of moms have questioned their value because they were overwhelmed with doing it all. Household chores, childcare, and job stresses feel endless, and saying “no” to those responsibilities often comes at a real financial cost. Pure Leaf Hears Your “No” Grant Pure Application & Grants
Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level. Company must be registered to do business in New York Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund Disasters are unpredictable — but critical support shouldn’t be. The average small business loses $3,000 every day they remain closed due to a natural disaster. To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund Application & Deadlines
She Loves Tech Global Startup Challenge All startups must be technology-based startups and for the avoidance of doubt, technology is defined as the use of science and innovation to invent useful things or to solve problems. This extends beyond digital, information or internet-based technology and covers everything from hardware to the creation of new products and solutions to existing problems. She Loves Tech Global Startup Challenge Applications & Deadline
(New) SIETE JUNTOS FUND At the Siete Juntos Fund, we strive to empower and support Latino communities, in line with our family’s motto of “Juntos es Mejor.” Over the next 5 years, we have committed 2 million dollars towards creating positive change through collaboration and inclusivity. Our goal is to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all by providing the necessary resources and support for underserved communities to thrive. SIETE JUNTOS FUND Application & Deadline
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2023 Supercharging the next generation of young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs (18-30 years) to tackle the social or environmental issues that matter to them most. Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2023 Application & Deadline
(New) SPC Founder Fellowship Fall 2023 💰 Fellowship teams receive $400k for 7% on a SAFE, along with $600k guaranteed in your next outside-led venture round. Fellows become members of the SPC community, go through a proprietary curriculum refined to help you validate ideas, and receive 1:1 mentorship from SPC partners in a small cohort. SPC Founder Fellowship Fall 2023 Application & Deadline
Tarte Cosmetics Shape Your Future Small Business Awards The program will offer two tiers of funding for Black female-owned businesses with 6 awards of $25,000 and 15 awards of $10,000 each, tailored to the unique needs and sizes of the selected small businesses. Tarte Cosmetics Shape Your Future Small Business Awards Application & Deadline
Target Forward Founders Designed for early-stage consumer packaged goods companies looking to learn and understand how to prepare for retail shelves. 2024 applications will open in January 2024
(New) THE DEC NETWORK Program Accelerator Thank you for your interest in our accelerator programs! We offer programs for founders in the ideation, startup, and growth stages of business. Our hybrid programs are between 7-10 weeks long and selected participants may qualify to pitch for funding. THE DEC NETWORK Program Accelerator Application& Deadline
WBENCPitch Academy “Pitch Training 101 WBENCPitch Academy is the education and pitch training activation under the WBENCPitch program umbrella. The primary purpose of the academy is to prepare WBEs to apply and participate in WBENCPitch competitions.“Pitch Training 101,” where you will elevate your communication skills and the art of delivering captivating and persuasive presentations with expert guidance.
Women of Color UNIDAS: Access to Talent Women of Color UNIDAS is a groundbreaking outreach program under the WBENC Women of Color umbrella designed to foster and promote the growth of Hispanic and Latina-owned businesses nationwide.Thursday, August 24 from 2-3:30 PM ET for this insightful session led by Pinnacle Group Founder and CEO Nina Vaca focused on “Access to Talent
Women of Color: Getting to Know Walmart’s Supplier Inclusion During the session, subject matter experts from Walmart’s Supplier Inclusion team will share their extensive knowledge on navigating the world of business-to-business engagements. You’ll discover practical tips on how to tailor your products or services to meet corporate requirements, optimize your pricing and packaging, and create compelling proposals that grab the attention of potential corporate partners WBNEC on Tuesday, August 8th from 3 – 5 PM ET for an exclusive session on “Doing Business with Corporations” brought to you by Walmart. In this session, you’ll gain valuable insights and learn essential strategies on how to effectively set up your business to work with corporations.
It is essential to promote diversity and inclusivity in the funding process to create opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. There are several resources available that can help Afro-Latina and Latina’s business owners secure funding. Some of these resources include:
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) – CDFIs provide financial services to low-income and underserved communities, including micro-loans and other funding options. These institutions are focused on supporting local businesses and can be an excellent resource for Afro Latina and Latina entrepreneurs.
Crowdfunding – Crowdfunding platforms like IFundwomen can be a great way for Afro-Latina and Latina entrepreneurs to raise capital and promote their businesses to a wider audience.
Angel Investors – Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to startups or small businesses in exchange for equity or ownership in the company. Some angel investors may specifically focus on supporting diverse businesses.
It is also important to network and builds relationships with other entrepreneurs and organizations in the community to access more resources and opportunities. By supporting each other and sharing resources, we can create a more inclusive and equitable business environment.