Grant Making

Application Form

Please be sure that you allow enough time to complete your application or save your answers in a separate document as you are not able to save responses.

Grant Application
MEDC HUB GRANT

About Our Grant Making

Our Philosophy

The philosophy underlying our grant-making approach is rooted in fostering economic empowerment, addressing systemic inequalities, and promoting sustainable growth within the Black community. Our approach is guided by the following principles:

We prioritize supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to accessing capital and resources. Our grant-making process is designed to be inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible applicants, regardless of background or circumstances.

Community-Centered: We believe in the power of community and seek to actively engage with and uplift local Black communities. Our grant-making decisions are informed by input from community leaders, stakeholders, and members to ensure that our support aligns with their needs and priorities.

Wraparound Support: We recognize that building and sustaining successful businesses requires more than just financial assistance. In addition to providing grants, we offer resources, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges, develop their skills, and thrive in the long term.

Innovation and Creativity: We encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship within the Black community. Our grant-making approach is flexible and adaptive, allowing us to support a diverse range of ventures, from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses to tech startups and social enterprises.

Impact and Sustainability: We are committed to making meaningful, measurable impacts that contribute to the long-term economic empowerment of Black communities. We look to resource businesses that have the potential to create sustainable growth, generate wealth, and create job opportunities for Black individuals and families.

Transparency and Accountability: We maintain high standards of transparency and accountability in our grant-making process. We regularly communicate with stakeholders, provide clear guidelines and criteria for funding, and ensure that our decision-making processes are fair, consistent, and well-documented.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: We are committed to learning from our experiences, gathering feedback, and continuously improving our grant-making approach. We evaluate the effectiveness of our programs, identify areas for growth and innovation, and adapt our strategies accordingly to better serve the needs of the Black community.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to empower Black entrepreneurs, foster economic resilience, and contribute to the creation of a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

1. Submit An Online Grant Request

2. Partnership Meeting

If an organization’s Application aligns with BWSK’s eligibility criteria, mission, and funding priorities, the organization may be invited to meet with the BWSK team or may be asked to provide some additional information about the grant request.

3. Grant Decision

The length of this process will vary depending on the request. We suggest submitting Applications six months before funding is needed.

If you were not awarded funding, you may apply again around the same time the following year. We generally review one request per year from each organization.

4. Grant Reflection

Nearing the end of the grant period, we will reach out to request a required Grant Reflection Conversation. We find this conversation a part of relationship building that takes the place of a final report, and will be an informal opportunity to discuss successes, challenges, knowledge gained and next steps for your organization.

Black Ownership: The applicant business must be at least 51% owned and operated by individuals who identify as Black/African American.

Legal Status: The applicant business must be legally registered and operating

Stage of Business: We accept applications from businesses at various stages of development, including startups, early-stage ventures, and established enterprises.

Financial Need: While financial need is a consideration, it is not the sole determining factor for eligibility. We encourage businesses of all financial backgrounds to apply, as long as they meet other criteria outlined in the guidelines.

Compliance: Applicants must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in their industry and jurisdiction.

Use of Funds: Applicants should clearly articulate how the grant funds will be utilized and how it aligns with their business goals, growth plans, and overall mission.

Sustainability: Preference may be given to businesses with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices.

Capacity for Growth: We seek to support businesses with the potential for significant growth and scalability, as well as those that demonstrate innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We prioritize businesses that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workforce, leadership team, and customer base.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Applicants who demonstrate partnerships or collaborations with other organizations, institutions, or stakeholders may receive favorable consideration.

These are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific objectives and criteria of each grant program. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements outlined in the official grant application materials and contact the fund administrators if they have any questions or need clarification.