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 Small Business Grants
 Business Plan Competitions The world’s most complete listing of entrepreneurship contests, elevator pitch events, and business plan competitions. http://www.bizplancompetitions.com/

 C&S Wholesale Grocers Mini Grants
o http://community.cswg.com/grants-sponsorships/mini-grants

 Arch Grants
o http://archgrants.org/
o Business plan competition. Initial application deadline in February

 Amber Grant
o http://www.womensnet.net/AmberGrants.aspx
o Submit brief essay on business, plan for funds, and why you want to be self-employed?
o $500 to $1,000
o Deadline: end of each month

 Eileen Fisher Women’s Business Grant
o www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisherCompany/CompanyGeneralContentPages/SocialConciousness/Women_Owned.jsp
o 5 winners are selected annually for $12,500 each; deadline May

 PeaChic Grant
o www.peachic.com/grant
o Up to $500 distributed quarterly

 Business Owner’s Idea Café Grant ($1000, eligible to apply in August)
o www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/12th-grant-applications.php
o $1,000
o Apply in August

 Rural Business Enterprise Grant
o http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/NHVT_RBEG.html
o Up to $10,000
o Applications invited in October, due April 1

 Small Business Big Wishes
o www.loveourlocalbusiness.com
o Upload a “wish” for your small business, describing current goals and the resources needed to achieve them. The entry will appear on the website with


a photo and link to the user’s business website. Other users will cast votes for favorite ideas.
o Up to $5,000
o Entries accepted Jan-Mar

 William James Foundation Business Plan Competition
o www.williamjamesfoundation.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=1128
o For early stage start-ups; Must enter in the beginning of the year for consideration; Invitations are then sent to finalists, who must provide ongoing details
o Up to $5,000
o Deadline to enter is in the fall

 Ben & Jerry’s Community Action Team Grant
o http://www.benandjerrysfoundation.org/what-we-do.html
o For social services organizations, cultural, recreational, arts programs and community celebrations; Priority for organizations that are primarily volunteer-led, have the demonstrated support of their community, and innovative programs, and groups that might not have access to more mainstream sources of support; Must apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent
o Up to $2000

 MyCorporation Brilliant Business Video Contest
o www.contest.mycorporation.com
o Submit a 2-minute video about my business aspirations, and how running my own business has changed my life, and how I would use the money
o $1,500

 The Company Corporation Business Plan Contest
o www.incorporate.com/business_plan_contest.html
o $1,000 award made quarterly
o 1-page business plan executive summary for entry, criterion of originality, creativity, “wow” factor, and sustainability to address a specific need