Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant
This grant is provided by LISC LA & BMO
Grant Amount
up to $200M to small businesses overallApplication Deadline
Grant Frequency
Yearly
About This Grant
The Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs (FEE) program is a grant initiative and virtual pitch competition, a collaboration between LISC LA’s economic development leadership and BMO. It aims to support the growth, resilience, and sustainability of small businesses across Los Angeles County.
The program specifically targets entrepreneurs in low-to-moderate income communities and those who have historically faced barriers to accessing capital, with the goal of increasing their ability to grow, compete, and contribute to local economic ecosystems. Access to flexible capital, combined with coaching and connections, can lead to lasting change for entrepreneurs and their communities.
How You Can Use the Funds
- Grant recipients receive "flexible-use funding" to address urgent needs or unlock growth opportunities
Documents Required
- Create a business profile on social networks with video posting capabilities (e.g., Fud, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) for storytelling and engagement
- Apply at https://lisc.tfaforms.net/f/fuelingentreprenuers. This registration must include a working link to the applicant's business profile
- Complete nine challenge assessments that cover various aspects of their business, including brand visibility, data usage, knowledge and training needs, legal foundations, financial health, and technology utilization
- Upload a refined 60-second video pitch to the Fud app, summarizing their business, vision, and growth goals, integrating insights from the assessments
Eligibility Requirements
- Small businesses with annual revenue up to $250,000, including startups and micro-businesses with growth potential
- Entrepreneurs who have historically struggled to access capital
- Business owners committed to strengthening their communities through local hiring, service, or economic activity
- Priority will be given to businesses based in specific "venue cities" within Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Carson, Venice Beach, El Monte, Pomona, and Arcadia