FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program

The FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program is a collaborative initiative presented by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), designed to support small business owners across the United States. This program offers two major opportunities: a structured 12-week digital growth accelerator—known as the Boost Camp—and a potential $10,000 unrestricted grant for selected participants. The program’s dual focus is to enhance business operations through education, mentorship, and peer networking while providing financial support to fuel business development. Hello Alice and GEN, as program sponsors, aim to foster small business resilience and growth by engaging founders in a curriculum that covers essential topics such as business identity, marketing and sales strategies, and financial management. The Boost Camp serves as a comprehensive digital learning experience, valued at approximately $1,500, and culminates in participants being better equipped to manage and grow their businesses. According to the program’s past data, 95% of participants reported improved confidence in facing industry challenges, and 75% noted increased optimism about their future business growth. Eligibility for the program is defined with precision. Applicants must be legal residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska), and serve as the leading executive of a business (e.g., Founder, CEO, CFO). The business must be a for-profit entity with no more than 25 employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue from 2024, and a demonstrated commitment to community. Past participation in Boost Camp within the last 12 months disqualifies applicants. Additionally, applicants must be available to participate in the January 2026 Boost Camp. Applications opened on October 14, 2025, and will close on November 21, 2025, at 6 PM ET. Submissions must be completed through the Hello Alice platform, requiring users to create or log into their accounts and complete the online form. All eligible applications will be reviewed between November 24 and December 9, 2025, with selected recipients being notified by December 15, 2025. Selection criteria include the applicant's leadership experience and commitment (35%), the business’s need for funding and mentorship (35%), and a demonstrated dedication to community and customers (30%). Of the 150 applicants accepted into Boost Camp, 30 will be chosen to receive the $10,000 grant. Awardees will be selected based on their total evaluation scores, and ties will be resolved by reapplying the scoring criteria sequentially. Participation does not guarantee funding, and grants are subject to confirmation and signed documentation. The program does not require any matching funds or cost share from participants. There are no fees associated with applying or receiving the grant. Selected recipients are responsible for any applicable taxes or other legal obligations. The program is recurring on an annual basis and is expected to open again in Fall 2026, with internal checks due by September 1, 2026, to track the next cycle.

Emphasize founder experience, business goals for growth, and community commitment — these are direct scoring criteria