Beyond government programs, securing grants from national corporate and private foundations represents a major opportunity for Maine entrepreneurs.
Many of the largest corporations and companies in the U.S. run grant and support initiatives aimed at empowering small business growth, women entrepreneurs, minority founders, and disadvantaged communities. These include companies like FedEx, Visa, PepsiCo, Lowe’s, Microsoft and many more.
Additionally, private foundations like the Kaufman Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Libra Future Fund, and others offer grants to advance economic prosperity and create opportunity – aligning with supporting entrepreneurs.
While specific corporate grant cycles vary year-to-year, we can count on ongoing programs from companies like:
FedEx
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest provides grants up to $50,000 for expenses like equipment, signage, facility renovations, and job training.
Visa
The Visa Foundation Grant Program offers grants supporting women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, including funding up to $10,000.
Hello Alice
Provides grants up to $50,000 to women-owned and minority-owned small business owners and entrepreneurs.
When targeting corporate and foundation grants, key strategies include:
- Connect your business mission, values, and impact to the grant-provider’s focus
- Target locally-based Maine foundations that understand the local context
- Align your company with causes and issues important to the grant-making organization
- Highlight how your business will create a positive community impact