Freed Fellowship Grant

The Freed Fellowship is a private grant program designed to support small business owners across the United States by providing both financial assistance and strategic growth opportunities. Each month, one applicant is selected as a Freed Fellow and receives a $500 grant with no repayment requirements, equity demands, or usage restrictions. The purpose of the fellowship is to provide overlooked and underrepresented entrepreneurs with resources that enable them to strengthen their business models, expand their reach, and accelerate sustainable growth. In addition to direct funding, all applicants benefit from personalized feedback through the program’s evaluation framework, ensuring that every submission yields actionable insights regardless of award outcome. The funder emphasizes the importance of guidance and accountability alongside financial support. All applicants are evaluated against the program’s proprietary 5C Framework, which assesses context, content, community, chemistry, and commerce as the building blocks of strong businesses. Applicants receive a Freed Score and specific recommendations for improvement. This process not only enhances the likelihood of success for those selected but also equips non-recipients with valuable knowledge to advance their businesses. Every applicant is also invited to access two free months of membership in Freed Studio, a virtual support network where entrepreneurs gain tools to build their email lists and turn subscribers into sales. Fellows are awarded more than just funding. Selected recipients receive a 60-minute one-on-one strategy session with the founding team, valued at $1,000, to uncover growth opportunities and refine business approaches. Fellows are also invited to participate in the Freed Stories Podcast, a platform that offers exposure to broader audiences and helps amplify their entrepreneurial journeys. Additional benefits include one year of membership in Freed Studio, offering extended community support and access to sustainable growth systems. All Fellows are automatically entered into consideration for an end-of-year $2,500 grant, which further rewards exceptional businesses within the program. The funding is unrestricted, allowing Fellows to apply it toward any business-related expenses that best serve their goals. The grant is structured as no-strings-attached, ensuring flexibility in its use and encouraging innovation and experimentation without administrative burden. Funds may support operational improvements, product development, marketing initiatives, or other priorities chosen by the business owner. The program does not require reporting, making it distinct from many traditional grantmaking processes, and places emphasis on long-term business development rather than compliance. Eligibility for the Freed Fellowship is limited to micro and small business owners within the United States. The program particularly encourages applications from women, minorities, and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Nonprofit organizations are specifically excluded at this time, as the fellowship is designed to focus exclusively on for-profit enterprises. The funder also requires a $19 application fee to support program sustainability and offset the costs of individualized review. Businesses that cannot afford the fee are encouraged to apply at a later time or watch for potential sponsorship opportunities under development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a firm monthly deadline of midnight Eastern Time on the last day of each month. The program’s recurring structure ensures consistent opportunities for entrepreneurs, and selections are announced by the end of the following month. For example, January submissions are scored in February, and the January Fellow is announced by the end of February. Feedback is distributed to applicants during the month after submission. With its recurring structure, the Freed Fellowship offers a continuous cycle of opportunity, evaluation, and recognition for small business owners nationwide. Through this integrated approach, the Freed Fellowship stands apart from other small business grant programs by combining financial assistance with mentorship, exposure, and community. It is structured to ensure that even non-recipients derive significant value from participation, while recipients gain both immediate resources and long-term strategic support. By offering ongoing opportunities and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial community, the program contributes meaningfully to the growth and resilience of small businesses across the United States.

Emphasize strength in 5C Framework (context, content, community, chemistry, commerce)