Grow your company with a grant for diverse-small businesses in Southern California.

A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 25 businesses in Southern California

The Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant is one of many ways small businesses can apply for the capital needed to grow. As part of our mission to provide continued education to founders, all grant recipients also receive a scholarship to one of our acclaimed accelerator programs. Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs. Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help manage growth challenges and scale for the future. 

Pre-Register For Grant

The full application will launch on October 17, 2023.

Please visit the Grant FAQ page or contact us for more information.

What We Are Offering

$100,000 in Small Business Grants
The $100,000 fund will make investments to 25 diverse-led businesses in Southern California.

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. 

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 25 grant finalists are announced during a live press event after confirming participation in a required accelerator program
  • All completed applications will be reviewed and 90 grant semi-finalists will be selected for our final judging round

Eligibility Requirements

  • Founder identify as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area
  • Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million
  • Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months
  • Current staff of 2+ employees
  • Must be located in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego regions
Assistance With The Application
Assistance With The Application

Grant Support Quick Links

Grant Application Resource Guide
Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Register For The
2023 Southern California Job Creators Quest Grant

Short Form - SoCal 2023 - 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.

How much capital have you raised for your company so far?*
What types of capital have you raised?*
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