Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award

The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is an annual national award program launched by Ferrero North America in 2020. IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses. Black small business owners are invited to apply by submitting a short video pitch. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs, and 10 finalists are selected to compete in the next round. Ultimately, three winners will each be awarded $50,000 and access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities.

The Cannabis Business Assistance Loan/Grant Fund (CBAF) is a financing resource operated by the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce), to provide grants and loans for small businesses, including small, minority-owned and small women-owned businesses entering the adult-use cannabis industry. CBAF may also provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for cannabis-related programs and to business development organizations, including incubators, to train and assist small businesses, including minority and women business owners and entrepreneurs, seeking to become licensed to participate in the adult-use cannabis industry.

The Invention Incentive Program is part of Rhode Island Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Portfolio created to support local small businesses and innovators in Rhode Island, offering reimbursable grants up to $5,000 for eligible expenses incurred when filing patents.

The Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant provides up to $10,000 in funding, with no match required, to startup or expanding Native American-owned tourism businesses in Montana. Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce as part of its Indian Country Financial Assistance programs, the grant is available to enrolled citizens (aged 18 or older) of Montana's 12 federally recognized tribes, with approximately 24 awards distributed each fiscal year. Applicants apply under one of five business categories: Native American Made in Montana retail sales products; hosted accommodations or experiences such as vacation rentals or tours; licensed hunting and fishing outfitting or guiding; licensed food, beverage, or grocery businesses such as food trucks; or other operational businesses that supply or serve tribal tourism in Montana.

She's Connected by AT&T is open to U.S.-based small-businesses that are women-owned and have fewer than 51 employees. The grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 grant and a year of free AT&T service alongside a new device. Four runner-up businesses will receive $5,000 microgrants.