Cornerstone Grant Program

The Cornerstone Grant is a funding initiative launched by Square Financial Services, Inc. and Square Banking to support small businesses in the United States that have historically faced barriers in accessing traditional financing. Recognizing that structural inequalities continue to affect small business lending, this grant aims to provide not just capital but comprehensive support that empowers entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. The program specifically targets current Square sellers and provides a multifaceted support package to strengthen their business operations, increase visibility, and enhance financial resilience. This grant program offers four selected businesses a $10,000 unrestricted grant that can be used to grow, start a new venture, or improve existing tools and operations. In addition to the financial support, recipients will benefit from a full year of personalized mentorship from two leading professionals: Keila Hill-Trawick, a CPA recognized by Forbes, and Aja Evans, a board-certified therapist and author. The mentorship includes guidance on financial wellness, business planning, and mental well-being — critical areas for sustaining small business success in challenging economic conditions. One of the core elements of the Cornerstone Grant is increased exposure. Selected grantees will be featured in Square’s Financial Wellness Newsletter, which reaches over one million subscribers, as well as on Square’s social media channels and The Bottom Line, a content platform for business advice. This visibility is designed to help grantees build brand awareness and connect with wider audiences. Grant recipients will also be announced publicly in a press release and notified directly by email in November 2025. To be eligible, applicants must be legal U.S. residents who operate a U.S.-based business that is a current Square seller with at least six months of ongoing transactions. The business must employ fewer than 20 people, qualify as a small business under Small Business Administration (SBA) standards, and generate under $2 million in gross annual revenue. Additionally, applicants must not be in active bankruptcy or named as a defendant in any current legal proceedings. The application process is straightforward: interested businesses must submit their applications by September 30, 2025. All applications will be evaluated by a panel, with recipients selected based on criteria that likely include business need, growth potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives. There are no stated restrictions on the use of funds, offering grantees flexibility in applying the support to their most urgent business needs. This program reflects Square’s continued investment in underserved regions and communities. According to internal company data and SBA lending figures from 2024, more than half of Square’s loans are already directed toward sellers in areas with traditionally low loan approval rates. The Cornerstone Grant is a further step toward leveling the playing field for small businesses across the country.

Highlight how the funding will support growth or transformation; ensure your Square transaction history is active; demonstrate alignment with grant goals.