Genesis for Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant
This grant is provided by Genesis for Good Foundation
Grant Amount
Up to $10KOpen date
Grant Frequency
Ongoing Program
About This Grant
The Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant is a competitive small business grant program from Genesis For Good Foundation and Genesis Bank. It’s designed to support very small businesses in low‑to‑moderate income communities in four Southern California counties with capital, mentoring, and tools to strengthen their infrastructure, create jobs, and deepen community impact.
How You Can Use the Funds
- They don’t give a tight allowed‑uses list, but they direct applicants to explain how the funds will:
- help improve their business infrastructure,
- accelerate economic growth,
- enhance their capacity to create jobs, scale, and make a more significant impact on their communities.
Documents Required
- On the application, you must choose the primary purpose of the grant.
- A YouTube link to your brief video (max 3 minutes) covering background, vision/mission, and use of funds.
- The application also says that for those who pass initial review and are being considered for an award, “certain business and financial documents may be required” and asks you to indicate what you can provide, such as: - Articles of Incorporation/Organization - Business licenses and permits - Tax returns - Bank statements - Tax Identification Number (TIN) / Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Operating agreement or bylaws - Other (as applicable)
Eligibility Requirements
- Business annual gross revenues of $500,000 or less (based on most recent filed tax return).
- In continuous operation for 1 year or more.
- 10 employees or less, including owner(s).
- Registered and operating with all required licenses and registrations.
- Business is registered and operating in at least one of these counties: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, or San Bernardino County (California).
- Business operates in a low‑to‑moderate income area as defined by HUD.
- Applicant is the majority owner or one of the primary decision‑makers of the business.
- Application includes a brief video (max 3 minutes) covering: ▫ Owner background ▫ Business vision and mission for community impact ▫ How grant funding will accelerate growth
- Ineligible applicants:
Any business whose owners/investors include: ▫ Employees, officers, directors, shareholders, or agents of Genesis Bank/affiliates, or ▫ Their immediate family members or people in the same household (e.g., spouse, parent, children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, or spouses of those descendants). - Any business that influences legislation or participates in political campaigns on behalf of candidates.
- Any business that is a tax‑exempt organization under IRC 501(c)(3) (nonprofits/charities).