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Founders First
Job Creators Quest Grant
Southern California.

A total of $30,000 will be awarded to 10 small businesses
in Southern California.

Thank you for your interest in the Southern California Job Creators Quest Grant program. Applications are now closed. This is an annual grant and we are happy to notify you when the 2022 application window opens. Founders First CDC also offers other grant programs throughout the year, as well as webinars and accelerator programs you may find helpful as you continue to grow your business. Please look for emails regarding future events, or reach out to us at jobcreators.socal@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions. We look forward to connecting with you soon!


Program Qualifications.

  • Must be located in the Southern California (Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, Riverside County, Inyo County, San Diego County and Imperial County)
  • Must have a current staff of 2-20 employees
  • Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months
  • Must be a service based business, light manufacturing, B2B or have a service component
  • Founder must be Black, Indigenous, Person of Color, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, Woman, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area
  • Have annual revenues between $100K and $3 million

The application deadline is July 9, 2021.  Please email us at info@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.

Please visit the Grant FAQ page for more information.


Registration for the Job Creators Quest Grant - Southern California has ended.

Click here to view the finalists

Please signup to our email list (see below) to be informed when new grants become available!

Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues and creating premium wage jobs. 

A total of $30,000 will be awarded to 10 small businesses: (1) $10,000 grant (1) $4,000 grant; (2) $2,500 grants; (6) $1,000 grants. In addition, each grant recipient will receive a tuition scholarship for one of Founders First CDC’s stellar business accelerator programs.

Grant recipients will be selected based on their demonstrated ability to maintain and grow their workforce despite the pandemic, as well as their ongoing commitment to creating premium wage jobs in their communities. 

Over 400 diverse-led small businesses have gone through Founders First programs to increase  revenue, profitability and team members.

The grant amount shall be disbursed in two installments less payment toward program accelerator tuition costs. Half of the net grant amount will be disbursed up to 30 days after signed terms and conditions, W-9 and set up of payment disbursement system is confirmed. The remaining portion will be disbursed up to 30 days after the completion of the business’ participation in the eligible accelerator program.

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