Center for Economic Inclusion
Vanguard Accelerator

Powered by Founders First CDC

We're Focused on Supporting
Black, Indigenous, and Latina Businesses

In partnership with Founders First CDC and NEOO, the Center for Economic Inclusion Vanguard Accelerator are offering Black, Indigenous, and Latina-owned businesses capital investment and funding to accelerate their growth.  

PRE-REGISTER FOR 2024
View Our 2022 Finalists
Watch Our 2022 Virtual Press Event


Be Considered For One Or More Opportunities

1

$50,000 in Small Business Grants
The fund will make investments of $5,000 each to ten Black, Indigenous, or Latina owned businesses in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Accelerator Program Scholarship
As part of our mission to provide continued education, all grant recipients will receive a scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program.

2

Access to Forgivable Loans
Depending on the need and scope, grant recipients will also receive access to forgivable loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

Forgivable loans are use to support growth, sustainability, and job creation.

3

Explore Options for Site Redevelopment or Acquisition
Predevelopment technical assistance provided in partnership with NEOO Partners including site development and redevelopment to enhance the organization’s brick-and-mortar real estate impact services.

This is a leveraged grant, which means that it requires matching funds. 

How It Works

  • Complete full application which includes information about your business, organization chart, Profit and Loss (P & L) statement and a short pitch video.
  • All completed applications will be reviewed and 10 grant semi-finalists will be selected for our final judging round.
  • All semi-finalists will have the opportunity to complete asynchronous fund ready assessment.
  • All finalists are announced during a live press event after confirming participation in a required accelerator program.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Black, Indigenous, or Latina owned business
  • Minimum of 3 years in business
  • Must be a women-owned business
  • Current business model Business-to-business (B2B) only
  • 3 or more full-time employees
  • Business located in the Minneapolis or St. Paul region
  • Annual business revenue between $75,000 and $3M

Pre-Register For The
2024 Center For Economic Inclusion Vanguard Accelerator

Short Form - Twin Cities - Formstack
Name*
Please use your business email address.

Founders First offers intensive growth accelerators to help founders like you to grow and expand their businesses.

While the time required is significant, 87% saw increased revenue in just 3-6 months following completion. For more details watch this video of a recent pitch competition to see the impact of our accelerators.

Which advisory services are you seeking? (Check all that apply)*
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Supporting Partners

Meet Our 2022 Grant Finalists

Wendy Sullivan

WENRICH PD Construction LLC

D. Tomme Beevas

Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

Edna McKenzie

Midwest Select Contracting

Meet Our 2022 Forgivable Loan Finalists

Georgia Fort

BLCK Press

Junita Flowers

Junita's Jar

Jasmine Russell

Monicat Data, LLC

Meet Our 2022 Site Redevelopment Finalist

D. Tomme Beevas

Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

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