Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program

Grant Program Details

Each Grant Recipient will receive:

• Grant Award (amount varies up to $10,000)
• Membership in Catalyst 360, the Foundation’s small business platform, which provides business advisory services, technical assistance, education, mentorship, connections, and access to broader capital.
• Invitations to Catalyst 360 Business Bootcamps, networking events, and the Catalyst Business Expo, an annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and community partners from across Southern California.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business must be registered and operating within one of the following counties: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, or San Bernardino County
• Business must have annual gross revenues of $500,000 or less in the most recent tax year
• Business must have been in continuous operation for 1 year or more
• Business must have 10 or fewer employees, including the owner(s)
• Business must operate in a low-to-moderate income (LMI) area, as defined by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). Please enter your business address using the FFIEC Geocoding System: geomap.ffiec.gov/ffiecgeomap
• Business must have all necessary and required licenses and registrations as required by the city (or cities) and county (or counties) in which it operates

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Any business whose owners and/or investors include any of the following (collectively, the “Program Parties”):
  • Employees, Executive Officers, Directors, Shareholders, or Agents of Genesis Bank or its affiliates;
  • Directors, officers, or employees of the Genesis For Good Foundation; and
  • Immediate family members and/or persons living in the same household of any of the parties listed above
• Any business that participates in influencing legislation or taking part in political campaigns on behalf of candidates
• Nonprofit organizations, including any organization classified as tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3)

How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, complete the online application and include:

• A short video (3 minutes or less) covering:
  • Your background as a business owner
  • How you will use the grant to grow your business
  • Your business vision and the impact you want to have in your community
• Other required documents, such as proof of business registration and licenses, to match the application form

The video is a chance for us to get to know you and your business. Recording yourself on your phone is fine. We don’t expect professional video or editing.

The Foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis and grants are issued on a quarterly basis. Due to the volume of applications received, applicants will only be notified if selected to move into the next stage of the application process.

Funding Availability
Orange County: Grants are currently being awarded.
Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties: Applications are being accepted, and will be considered during the 2027 grant period as funding becomes available. Eligible applications will remain under consideration for 12 months from the date submitted.

What to Expect

• You’ll receive an email confirming that your application was received.
• If you’re selected, you’ll sign a grant agreement with the Genesis For Good Foundation. The agreement includes your consent for the Foundation to collect business information to measure the program’s impact.
• Within 12 months of your award, you’ll submit a brief Grant Impact Report describing how you used the grant and how your business has changed.
• Applying for or receiving a grant does not require opening an account or doing business with Genesis Bank.

The Genesis For Good Foundation uses the information you submit to review your application and evaluate the program, as described in our Privacy Policy.

Ready to Apply? Please email hello@genesisforgood.org