Accelerate Fort Worth Small Business Accessibility Grant Program

The Accelerate Small Business Accessibility Grant is administered by the Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering economic growth and business development in the Fort Worth, Texas region. The foundation operates a number of programs, resources, and services aimed at helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate regulatory, operational, and financial challenges in building successful enterprises. Through initiatives such as grantmaking, training, and business center services, Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation plays a key role in community and economic empowerment for emerging businesses. This specific grant program is designed to support small business owners and their employees by offsetting or covering expenses related to business accessibility, connectivity, and mobility. The funding can be used for a wide variety of professional and operational development purposes. These include costs such as chamber of commerce membership fees, certifications for business-related training, continuing education credits, mentoring fees, licensing and permitting fees, and marketing expenses for event materials or social media ads. The ultimate goal of the grant is to enhance the capacity, compliance, visibility, or revenue potential of young, for-profit businesses operating within Tarrant County, Texas. Eligible applicants must be owners of for-profit businesses that are legally registered in Texas and physically located in Tarrant County. Additionally, the business must be less than five years old at the time of application, and its gross revenues for the previous calendar year must be under $250,000. The applicant must also be a business owner, officer, or employee at the time of the funding. Special consideration is given to applicants residing in or operating within designated HUB Zones and Opportunity Zones within the county, and additional preference is extended to certified minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned businesses. Grant awards are offered quarterly, with applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis according to applicant need, eligibility, and available resources. The current Q3 cycle closes on July 31, 2025. Applicants must submit their application via an online form and attend an in-person presentation before the grant review committee to pitch their business and explain their need for funding. Funding decisions are made based on both eligibility and the perceived impact of the proposed use of funds. Approved awards are disbursed via ACH transfer following execution of a Grant Award Agreement. Award amounts are capped at $500 per submission, with a maximum of $1,000 per business per year. Grant recipients may receive no more than two awards within a one-year period and must wait at least one cycle between awards. If the application is for reimbursement, expenses must have occurred within 90 days of the agreement. If funding is requested for future expenses, applicants must provide documentation demonstrating financial need. Recipients are also required to submit a written or video statement within 90 days of funding to describe the impact of the grant. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disqualification from future funding. Interested parties can obtain more information or assistance by contacting the foundation at info@acceleratefortworth.org or by calling 817-201-7019. The office is located at 1150 S. Freeway, Building 600, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Grant applications are reviewed quarterly, with the current cycle open until July 31, 2025.