Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program
This initiative provides financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Southern California that are historically underserved, helping them access resources and grow their community impact.
The Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program is a philanthropic initiative designed to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs located in low-to-moderate income communities across Southern California. Administered by the Genesis For Good Foundation in partnership with Genesis Bank, the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, and Fiserv, Inc., this program aims to support community-based economic development through both financial and educational support. Genesis Bank is one of a few diverse, multiracial Minority Depository Institutions in the United States, and it plays a central role in advancing this program. Through the Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program, eligible small businesses can receive up to $10,000 in funding, along with access to value-added resources such as the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship's Catalyst 360Β° program. This membership provides grantees with access to business advisory services, mentorship, and a professional entrepreneurial network. Additionally, recipients may access discounted Clover point-of-sale systems through Genesis + Clover Bundle, enhancing business operations and customer service capacity. To be eligible, applicants must operate a small business registered and functioning within Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties in California. The business must have gross revenues of $500,000 or less, employ ten or fewer people including the owner, have been in continuous operation for at least one year, and be located in a low-to-moderate income area as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Businesses must also possess all required licenses and registrations for their city and county. A unique feature of the application is a required video submission of up to three minutes, where the applicant outlines their background, business vision, community impact, and how the grant will support business growth. Excluded from eligibility are businesses owned or invested in by employees or affiliates of Genesis Bank, their immediate families or household members, businesses engaged in political advocacy or campaign activity, and tax-exempt organizations classified under IRC 501(c)(3). Final eligibility determination and grant award decisions are made solely by the Genesis For Good Foundation. The application window opened on April 17, 2024, and remains open on a rolling basis. There is no specific closing date, but applicants are encouraged to apply early while funds remain available. No pre-application steps are required beyond the core eligibility review. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals and potential for business and community impact.
Award Range
Not specified - $10,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Up to $10,000 in funding per recipient. All awardees also receive access to the Catalyst 360Β° program through the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, and may qualify for discounted Clover POS systems from Fiserv.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants include for-profit small businesses registered and operating in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties, California. Businesses must have $500,000 or less in revenue, 10 or fewer employees, and must be located in a low-to-moderate income area. Applicants must also have all required business licenses and include a short video as part of their application. Nonprofits, political advocacy groups, and tax-exempt organizations are not eligible.
Geographic Eligibility
Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County
Focus on your business's community impact and be clear about how the grant will accelerate growth.
Application Opens
April 17, 2024
Application Closes
Not specified
Grantor
Genesis For Good Foundation
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