Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program

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 360° 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.

Focus on your business's community impact and be clear about how the grant will accelerate growth.