COVID-19 Resources

Job Creators Quest Grants

Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues and creating premium wage jobs.

A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Southern California. Grants are a great way to receive growth capital for your small business. With a simple application, you can receive cash and full tuition scholarship to one of our stellar accelerators. Hear first hand from grant recipients and partners.

Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs. Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.

A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 small businesses: $10,000 grant, $4,000 grant, $2,500 grants, $1,000 grants. In addition, each grant recipient will receive a tuition scholarship for one of Founders First CDC’s stellar business accelerator programs.

Grant recipients will be selected based on their demonstrated ability to maintain and grow their workforce despite the pandemic, as well as their ongoing commitment to creating premium wage jobs in their communities.

Over 400 diverse-led small businesses have gone through Founders First programs to increase revenue, profitability and team members.

The grant amount shall be disbursed in two installments. Half of the cash grant award amount will be disbursed up to 30 days after signed terms and conditions, W-9 and set up of payment disbursement system is confirmed. The remaining portion will be disbursed up to 30 days after the completion of the business’ participation in the eligible accelerator program.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Founder identify as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • Must be located in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego regions and have a current staff of 2-20 employees.
  • Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months.
  • Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.

DEADLINE:

The application deadline is November 30, 2021.

APPLICATION:

Visit website to apply and learn more.