National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses

The LGBTQIA+ National Business Grant is administered by Founders First, an organization dedicated to supporting diverse entrepreneurs and small business growth across the United States. This grant initiative is specifically designed to uplift LGBTQIA+ business owners by providing both direct financial support and structured business development programming. Founders First positions this opportunity as a hybrid between a grant and an accelerator, emphasizing not only capital infusion but also capacity building through education and mentorship. The primary purpose of the program is to help LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities. The grant seeks to support founders who demonstrate a commitment to long-term growth and impact. By combining micro-grant funding with access to curated business programs, the initiative addresses both immediate financial needs and longer-term strategic development. This dual approach reflects the funder’s broader mission to close opportunity gaps and ensure equitable access to resources for underrepresented business owners. Funding under this program consists of a one thousand dollar micro-grant awarded to selected finalists. The funding is flexible and may be used for a variety of business purposes, including purchasing equipment, covering operational expenses, hiring staff, or supporting growth initiatives. In addition to the monetary award, recipients gain access to one of two structured business programs at no cost. These programs include the Passport Community, which provides weekly expert-led sessions on key business functions, or the Zebra Leadership program, which focuses on executive leadership development and team building. Eligibility for the grant is limited to individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who hold a leadership role such as CEO, President, or Business Owner in an active U.S.-based business. Applicants must operate a business that has been established for at least one year, employs between two and one hundred employees, and generates annual revenue not exceeding five million dollars. These criteria ensure that the program targets established small businesses with demonstrated operational activity and growth potential. The application process follows a structured timeline beginning with a pre-registration phase, followed by the opening of the full application. Applicants are required to submit their materials within the designated application window. While specific application components are not detailed, the process culminates in the selection of semifinalists and finalists, with announcements made publicly, including a virtual press event for finalists. The program emphasizes a competitive selection process based on eligibility and alignment with the grant’s mission. Key dates for the upcoming cycle include pre-registration opening on January 1, 2027, the full application opening on April 27, 2027, and the application closing on June 1, 2027. Semifinalists are announced shortly after the deadline, followed by finalist selection later in June. The structured timeline indicates a recurring annual cycle, allowing prospective applicants to anticipate future opportunities. Although specific evaluation criteria and contact details are not provided, the program encourages interested applicants to register for notifications to stay informed about future cycles.