TRANSFORM Business Grant: Empowering Social Impact Entrepreneurs (US)

The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides $1,000 microgrants, mentorship, and professional development to entrepreneurs from systemically marginalized groups in the United States. The program supports anticapitalist and antiracist business practices while offering financial resources, expert guidance, and year-long strategic growth support.

About the Grant

The TRANSFORM Business Grant empowers entrepreneurs committed to social impact by combining financial support, mentorship, and access to professional services. It prioritizes systemically marginalized groups, helping them grow businesses aligned with anticapitalist and antiracist values.

Key Objectives

• Provide $1,000 microgrants to social impact-driven businesses

• Deliver year-long customized mentorship in business strategy and development

• Offer pro bono expert support in branding, marketing, coaching, and skill-based learning

• Support professional growth without compromising the entrepreneur’s mission

• Prioritize BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary entrepreneurs

• Focus on financially underserved applicants unable to access necessary business resources

Focus Areas

• Anticapitalist and antiracist business practices

• Socially responsible entrepreneurship

• Strategic business growth and development

• Professional mentorship and skills training

• Access to expert consultation for business branding, marketing, and operations

Who Can Apply

Eligibility requirements include:

• Individuals or teams based in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status

• Entrepreneurs leading social impact-focused businesses

• Applicants from systemically marginalized groups

• Applicants demonstrating financial need and limited access to resources

Ineligible applicants:

• Political organizations or activities

• Religious organizations seeking funding for religious purposes

• Student loans, debt repayment, or clinical/medicinal practices

• Businesses outside the grant’s scope, e.g., medicinal services

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application: Include business description, social impact goals, and evidence of financial need

2. Demonstrate Eligibility: Confirm location, group representation, and alignment with anticapitalist or antiracist values

3. Submit Proposal: Provide business plan, growth goals, and planned use of grant funds

4. Engage in Mentorship: Selected applicants participate in a year-long mentorship program

5. Access Professional Support: Receive pro bono services in marketing, branding, skill-building, and business coaching

6. Receive Grant: Awarded funds are reported via 1099-MISC

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports marginalized entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers

• Promotes equitable business growth and social impact

• Combines financial aid with mentorship and professional development

• Strengthens anticapitalist and antiracist business practices

• Encourages sustainable, mission-driven entrepreneurship

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly articulate your social impact mission and business goals

• Highlight your marginalized identity and financial need

• Provide a detailed plan for using grant funds effectively

• Emphasize alignment with anticapitalist or antiracist practices

• Be prepared to participate fully in mentorship and professional development opportunities

FAQs

1. What is the grant amount?
$1,000 microgrant per selected entrepreneur or team.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals or teams based in the U.S., focusing on social impact, and from systemically marginalized groups.

3. Are political or religious organizations eligible?
No, the grant does not fund political or religious activities.

4. What support is included besides the grant?
Year-long mentorship and pro bono expert services in branding, marketing, coaching, and skill-based learning.

5. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, applicants must be based in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

6. Are businesses in medicinal or clinical fields eligible?
No, businesses providing medicinal or clinical services are not eligible.

7. How is the grant reported for tax purposes?
Recipients receive a 1099-MISC for the awarded funds.

Conclusion

The TRANSFORM Business Grant empowers entrepreneurs from marginalized communities to scale their businesses while advancing anticapitalist and antiracist principles. By combining funding, mentorship, and professional development, the program fosters equitable growth, social impact, and sustainable entrepreneurship for a more inclusive and just business ecosystem.