Vantage Ventures Accelerator Program

The Pilot Small Business Growth Fund, presented in partnership with Hello Alice and Pilot.com, is here to support small businesses as they grow and scale. Whether you’re investing in operations, expanding your team, or strengthening your financial infrastructure, this fund is designed to help you take the next step forward. Through the Pilot Small Business Growth Fund, eighteen business owners will receive grants to support their growth: -One $50,000 grant -Two $25,000 grants -Fifteen $10,000 grants Additionally, all grant recipients will receive one year of free Pilot bookkeeping services to support their financial management and growth. This program recognizes businesses that are ready to grow and provides the resources to help them thrive.

The Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant provides $2,500 in non-dilutive funding to small businesses for essential expenses like rent, inventory, or marketing. Open to U.S.-based, for-profit companies with at least two years of operation, eligible applicants must generate $50,000+ annually and have no more than two employees, including the owner. Winners will also receive a digital business growth planner and a Prep My Loan Planner to support their development. Grants are awarded quarterly, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Delaware Technical Innovation Program provides transition grants to companies that have progressed through Phase I and applied for Phase II of the federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The maximum grant amount is $50,000 and can be put toward scientific research, market research, product planning and development, and more.

Verizon is awarding $5,000 grants to small businesses based in California, New York, and West Virginia. These grants are issued by Verizon, in partnership with LISC, to help entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses. The grants will be awarded directly to selected business owners and do not need to be repaid. These grants are made in partnership with Verizon's Digital Ready courses. To be eligible for a grant, business owners must complete one Digital Ready course, virtual event (including recorded events), or in-person event. Applications are due March 31, 2026.

The Business Acceleration Grant supports existing businesses and provides funding assistance that allows for the expansion or improved operation of qualified Englewood businesses. The grant offers up to $10,000 for physical/capital investments that support expanding businesses, improve business operations, or foster business retention. Capital improvements are permanent investments in the building or on the property, which are generally associated with a building permit. Businesses open in Englewood for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply. Businesses that apply for funding assistance must either own their building or if the business is a tenant have a minimum of two years remaining on a lease for eligibility. Successful grant applications should demonstrate that funding will yield an increase in the number of employees at the business or an increase in sales revenues.