The Confidence Collective

The Rhode Island Growth Catalyst Program is a targeted investment initiative designed to support the expansion of life sciences companies by supporting technology development and accelerating commercialization activities. By providing essential growth capital, this program acknowledges the vital role both innovators and manufacturers play in building a robust life sciences industry. Through strategic funding, the program helps businesses scale operations, drive technological advancements, and strengthen the state’s position as a leader in life sciences innovation and manufacturing.

Skip offers Instant Grants on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. These grant amounts are customized based on the number of Skip services you use. Grants are announced a couple of days in advance and generally occur twice a week, with deadlines on Tuesdays and Fridays. Applicants must participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process.

The Envision Enterprise Grant provides Greater Charlottesville small businesses with $10,000 grants to support growth and expansion. Administered by the United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and the Albemarle County Office of Economic Development, the program is intended for small, financially stable, for-profit businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County. Funds may be used for a range of growth-related expenses, including hiring additional employees, ordering supplies and inventory, and investing in marketing. To be eligible, businesses must be located and licensed in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County, have been in operation for at least two consecutive years, have no more than 25 employees, generate net income of less than $200,000, and serve as the sole source of employment income for an owner who works for the business full-time. Current and former United Way of Greater Charlottesville grant recipients or Prosper program participants that received funding within the past calendar year are not eligible.

The Hey Helen Grant is a privately funded initiative by Visionaries that invests in women entrepreneurs building impact-driven, for-profit businesses in the U.S. Each grant cycle, one founder will receive a $10,000 unrestricted cash award — designed to fuel whatever moves your business forward, whether that’s operations, growth, marketing, hiring, or infrastructure. Grant cycles close at the end of April, August, and December. This grant is open to businesses that are 100% women-owned, generate less than $1M in annual revenue, and are legally registered in the United States. Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the intent of the grant are also welcome to apply. If you’re building something with purpose, grit, and integrity — and just need a little extra backing to take the next leap — you’re in the right place.

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.