Apply for a grant

Step 1 of 6 · Eligibility

First, a few yes-or-no questions.

These check the basic rules. If you answer no to any of them, we’ll tell you why before you go any further.

1Is your business a for-profit company based and operating in the U.S.?

Yes No

2Is it independently owned, and not a franchise, a subsidiary or a public company?

Yes No

3Does it have fewer than 100 employees and under $5 million a year in revenue?

Yes No

4Are you 18 or older, and an owner or an officer allowed to apply for the business?

Yes No

5Is the business free of the activities we can’t fund? See the list

Yes No

Step 2 of 6 · About you

Tell us about yourself.

We’ll use these details to contact you about your application.

First name

Last name

Email

We’ll send your confirmation and decision here.

Phone

U.S. number, in case we need to reach you.

Your role in the business

Owner or founderCo-owner or partnerOfficer authorized to apply

Your ownership share

Roughly what percentage of the business you own.

Step 3 of 6 · Your business

Now, your business.

This helps us check you’re eligible and show you which grant fits.

Legal business name

Doing business as (optional)

If customers know you by a different name.

Website or social media page (optional)

Industry

Business structure

City

State

ZIP code

When did the business start operating?

People working in the business

Full- and part-time, including you.

Annual revenue

Last 12 months, or your best estimate.

Ownership (optional)

Select any that describe the business’s majority owners. Reviewers never see these answers and they’re never used in scoring. They only help us report on who we reach.

Step 4 of 6 · Grant request

What are you asking for?

Pick a grant, set your amount, then list what you’ll spend it on.

Which grant?

Spark Grant $5,000 – $25,000 For new and very small businesses For businesses with less than 2 years in business, or under $50,000 in annual revenue. Growth Grant $25,000 – $100,000 For established businesses ready to grow For businesses with 2+ years in business and $50,000+ in annual revenue. Expansion Grant $100,000 – $300,000 For proven businesses ready to expand For businesses with 3+ years in business, $250,000+ in annual revenue and at least 2 people on the team.

Amount requested

Choose a program first.

Budget

List what you’ll spend the grant on, up to 10 lines. The total has to match the amount you asked for.

Allocated $0 of $0

Step 5 of 6 · Your story

Tell us your story.

Write it the way you’d explain it to a friend. Plain words work better than business jargon, and we read every answer.

Tell us about your business

What do you sell, and who buys it? What makes you different? Tell us about something you’re proud of.

What will this grant let you do?

Be specific. What will you buy or build, who will you hire, and when? Reviewers look for a clear, realistic plan.

What difference will it make?

Think jobs created, customers served, sales growth, or what it means for your neighborhood. Numbers help.

Anything else we should know? (optional)

For example, challenges you’ve overcome, partners you work with or awards you’ve won.

Grant proposal (optional)

A short PDF describing your business and what the grant would fund. PDF only, up to 10 MB each, 3 files at most.

Drop a PDF here or browse your files

How did you hear about us? (optional)

Step 6 of 6 · Review & submit

Check and submit.

Look over your answers, then sign. You can’t change your application after you submit it.

Certify and sign I certify that the information in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I am an owner of this business, or an officer authorized to apply on its behalf. I have read and agree to the Program Rules and Privacy Policy. Email me about future grant cycles and resources. (optional)

Type your full name to sign

Signed electronically on .

First, a few yes-or-no questions.

Tell us about yourself.

Now, your business.

What are you asking for?

Tell us your story.

Check and submit.

Application received.

What happens next