Grant Details

The Ethnic Growth Grant is all about giving minority-led startup companies a launchpad, incubating them through their launch entailing all sorts of support:

• – Up to $250,000 in Funding
• – Website Development Assistance
• – Graphic Design
• - Event Logistics
• - Co-Working Spaces
• - Training & Workshops
• - Networking Opportunities
• - Legal & Financial Advice
• - Marketing & Exposure
• - Entrepreneurial Mentorship

The grant in addition to supporting minority-led businesses is also available as an effort to provide more job opportunities within and strengthen the communities of the areas that the startups originate from - fostering stability; and as such there is a diversity quota that must be hit.

In addition to the diversity quota, we also require a showcasing of social responsibility and an inclusive culture; these companies should not be just run-of-the-mill profit yielders, they need to have a positive impact on society, giving back to the people.

All in all, the Ethnic Growth Grant not only serves as a launchpad for minority-led startup companies, but also works towards ensuring those companies are more inclusive and socially responsible, promoting representation and empowering communities that are usually underrepresented in the business world.

The grant is our golden goose, addressing systemic inequalities head-first and providing a platform for innovative ideas and talents from cultural backgrounds. We're integrating community impact in to the core values of business, demonstrating that success doesn't have to be only financial, positive societal change is far more important.

We advise applicants to put their best foot forward, explain why you need funding/support and explain the areas in which you're struggling - we're ultimately looking to find solutions to your problems.

Requirements

Qualifying Ethnic Minorities:

• - African Americans
• - Asian Pacific Americans
• - Arab & Middle Eastern Americans
• - Hispanic & Latino Americans
• - Native Americans

Diversity Quota:
A minimum of 35% of your company's workforce must belong to a qualifying ethnic minority group, including at least one named company founder.

Business Plan:
The idea behind the company must be solid, and conform to a plan outlined in the grant application.

Inclusive Culture:
The company must demonstrate policies and practices that promote diversity and social equity.

Social Responsibility:
Companies must commit to showcasing social responsibility. Some examples:

• - Pledging a future school donation.
• - Organising a beach cleanup event.
• - Promoting important causes via social media.

Financial Need:
All named founders must hold less than ~$500,000 in personal assets, and the company must be earning less than $100,000 per annum.

(( This relates to in-character assets, having script money in excess is fine as long as you roleplay appropriate financial portrayal. ))