SC Demonstration Grant

Square Financial Services, Inc. and Square Banking are investing where traditional banks don’t. The Cornerstone Grant offers more than just money — it provides mentorship, visibility, and resources for small business owners who face barriers to funding. Four winners will receive a $10,000 grant, one year of financial guidance, and features across Square’s platforms.

The HBCU Founders Accelerator is a customized 16-week intensive program, primarily conducted virtually. It commences with goal-setting discussions, the development of a work plan, and the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. Throughout the program, each portfolio company is provided with dedicated executive-level support from paid advisors. With a cohort size of 8-10 startups, our accelerator seeks to create a collaborative environment to foster entrepreneurial success. We make an initial investment of $120,000 in each selected startup to help support their growth.

The Community STAND program is a grant initiative from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority designed to support the small businesses, nonprofits and Business Improvement Districts that help anchor Denver’s neighborhoods. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000. C-STAND supports projects that help community-serving organizations remain anchored in their neighborhoods while strengthening the existing community fabric. Grant funding may be used for a variety of eligible project costs that support stabilization, long-term presence and positive community impact. Supported projects may include physical improvements, equipment purchases, costs associated with securing or owning space and other investments that enhance an organization’s ability to serve its community. DURA is open to creative proposals and encourages applicants to share how their project supports neighborhood stability, preserves community culture and advances the goals of the C-STAND program.

The Rural Jump-Start Program is a collaborative effort by the state, local governments, Institutes of Higher Education (IHE), and economic development organizations (EDO) to incentivize new businesses to start in or move to rural, economically distressed counties in Colorado, which are referred to as Rural Jump-Start zones, and hire new employees. Rural Jump-Start began in 2016 as a tax incentive program for businesses located in a Rural Jump-Start zone, and in 2021 a grant program was created. If you are a business interested in participating in this program, please review all program qualifications, discussed in greater detail under the Business Eligibility section below, before applying.

The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency’s (SEOPW CRA) Small Business Grant Program is a targeted financial assistance initiative designed to support the growth and stability of small businesses operating within the designated redevelopment area. With a focus on economic revitalization, job creation, and neighborhood development, the program offers direct funding to eligible local businesses to help offset operational costs, invest in infrastructure, and foster long-term sustainability. ‍ Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted by email or hand-delivered to the Overtown Business Resource Center located at 1490 NW 3rd Ave, Suite 106, Miami, FL 33136, or the SEOPW CRA Office located at 819 NW 2nd Ave, Third Floor, Miami, FL 33136, Tuesday–Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.