Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program

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Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program

The Genesis For Good Foundation (GFG) launched the Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program in partnership with Genesis Bank, a mission-driven financial institution that is committed to empowering growth and success for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Genesis Bank is one of only four diverse, multiracial Minority Depository Institutions (“MDI”) out of approximately 4,600 banks in the U.S., and is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and positively impacting business communities across Southern California.

This innovative program provides grant funding paired with strategic support to help historically under-resourced entrepreneurs and small businesses across low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities overcome financial barriers and accelerate growth.

Catalyst Grant Program Details

The program provides grant funding and membership in the Catalyst 360, an ecosystem-driven platform designed to equip small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs with access to business advisory services, technical assistance, education, mentorship, connections, and broader capital needed to grow, scale, and succeed.

In addition to the grant award, all recipients will receive access to the following resources:

  • Membership in the Catalyst 360, an ecosystem-driven platform designed to equip small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs with access to business advisory services, technical assistance, education, mentorship, connections, and broader capital needed to grow, scale, and succeed.
  • Exclusive invites to business bootcamps, networking events, and the Catalyst Business Expo—our premier annual gathering of entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and community stakeholders to accelerate inclusive economic growth 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 gross revenues of $500,000 or less
  • Business must have been in continuous operation for 1 year or more
  • Business must have 10 employees or less, including the owner(s)
  • Business must operate in a low-to-moderate-income area as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • 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
  • Grant application submission must include a brief video (3-minute max) outlining the following:
    • Business owner background
    • How grant funding will be used to help accelerate business growth
    • Business vision and mission for community impact
    • Note: The video is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your business and may be as simple as you speaking on camera to your phone. We do not expect professional-grade videography, editing, etc.

Nonprofit organizations and the following businesses are not eligible to apply for this grant:

  • 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, 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
  • Any nonprofit organization or business that is classified as a tax-exempt organization under IRC 501(c)(3)

This grant program is administered by the Genesis For Good Foundation. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or need more information, please contact hello@genesisforgood.org

Click the Apply Now link below to start the application process for the Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program.

Apply Now