Muskegon Business Equity Initiative

Black entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers when it comes to accessing funding to grow their businesses. Fifteen Percent Pledge is working to address this challenge by supplying Black-owned businesses with no-strings-attached funding to accelerate and sustain their success. For the third year in a row, Fifteen Percent Pledge is partnering with Shop with Google to provide $250,000 in grant funding to unlock the next horizon of growth for three Black-owned businesses. The winner of the Achievement Award will also receive mentoring and pro-bono consulting services from industry leaders.

Boost Harlingen is a small business matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) which is designed to assist businesses in expanding their production capabilities through strategic marketing efforts. Eligible businesses may receive up to $1,500 in matching funds per year, subject to fund availability. No funds are provided upfront. Eligible pre-approved marketing efforts must be completed by August 31, 2026. The matching reimbursement payment is provided when the project is completed, subject to the terms of the grant and final approval from the HEDC Board of Directors. Program eligibility is discretionary and may be discontinued by the HEDC Board of Directors or Harlingen City Commission at any time.

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide. Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

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 Virginia Global Business Internship Program reimburses companies up to $6,000 for a talented university student to perform a ten-week summer internship at a Virginia company. Students will further the company’s export capacity and make progress on its international business expansion strategies. Eligible companies have at least five employees and operate in Virginia.