“I could concentrate on working on the business rather than in the business.”
Nile Livingston Founder, Creative Repute
Read the story →We help employer-based small businesses access capital and build lasting community impact through funding readiness, accelerators, and grants.
member companies served in 10 years
capital deployed
full-time jobs created
in projected wealth creation
Grants and funding resources designed to help founders better understand their options and prepare for growth.
See funding options →We support small businesses that create jobs, build wealth, strengthen communities, and grow with long-term purpose.
See our impact →A network of founders building stronger businesses, sharing lessons, and proving what is possible with the right support.
Meet the network →Two paths to support — accelerator programs and direct grant funding.
A funding-readiness program series designed to help business owners understand what funders look for, strengthen their financial story, and build a clearer path toward growth.
A self-paced funding readiness program with a business assessment, short video lessons, quizzes, action planning, and a completion certificate. The program covers key readiness areas including capital, revenue, financials, and overall funding preparedness.
Learn More →A live, expert-led weekly program built around practical business growth topics like marketing, sales, operations, and finance. Each session helps founders apply what they learn, collaborate with peers, and leave with actionable next steps.
Learn More →A higher-touch funding readiness program that pairs digital education with advisor support, accountability sessions, consulting time, financial tools, and deliverables like a customer acquisition funnel, KPI scorecard, and financial statement analysis.
Learn More →A leadership development program for founders who are ready to step out of day-to-day firefighting and lead with more structure, confidence, and clarity.
The program includes 6 online sessions focused on helping founders think like CEOs, build stronger systems, hire more effectively, and develop high-performing teams. It is built for founders with 2 or more employees and $250K+ in annual revenue.
Learn More →A growth accelerator for business owners who have momentum but need a clearer strategy, stronger systems, and expert guidance to scale.
FastPath is built for growth-driven B2B founders generating $1M+ in revenue who are ready to sharpen their roadmap, work with experienced coaches, and move from scattered growth efforts to a more focused plan.
Learn More →A national grant supporting veteran business owners with a $1,000 micro-grant and free access to Passport Community or Zebra Leadership. The program includes a total fund of $20,000 for 20 veteran entrepreneurs nationwide.
Best for: Veteran business owners with active U.S.-based businesses.
Award: $1,000 + program access
Programs included: Passport Community or Zebra Leadership
Learn More →A national grant supporting mother-owned businesses with a $1,000 micro-grant and free access to Passport Community or Zebra Leadership. The program includes a total fund of $20,000 for 20 mom business owners nationwide.
Best for: Mom business owners with active U.S.-based businesses.
Award: $1,000 + program access
Programs included: Passport Community or Zebra Leadership
Learn More →A national grant supporting LGBTQIA+ business owners with a $1,000 micro-grant and free access to Passport Community or Zebra Leadership. The program includes a total fund of $20,000 for 20 LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs nationwide.
Best for: LGBTQIA+ business owners with active U.S.-based businesses.
Award: $1,000 + program access
Programs included: Passport Community or Zebra Leadership
Learn More →
“I could concentrate on working on the business rather than in the business.”
Nile Livingston Founder, Creative Repute
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“The biggest challenge is always access to capital when starting a business.”
Stephen Phillips Founder, Supply Logistics and Procurement Services
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“Building a network and community is essential.”
Angela Quach Founder, The Destiny Lab
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“If you have an idea, start working on it now because the world needs your ideas.”
Dr. Brandy Archie Founder, AccessAble Living
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“Define what success means for you and your business.”
Edna McKenzie Founder & CEO, Midwest Select Contracting
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“Entrepreneurship is all about execution.”
Ryan Clark CEO, Mr. SharePoint
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“Cash flow is a critical component in a successful business.”
Askia Howell CEO, Alpha Baller Technologies
Read the story →Get early updates on programs, grant opportunities, founder resources, events, and tools built to help your business grow.
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