We're riding this month's momentum, and we're pulling twice as hard as before. That means tomorrow is going to be twice as good as today, if not better. Yes, we can! And we're doing it. At Black Girl Ventures, we smile when we hear people say, "You can't do that." It makes us work harder to prove them wrong. If everyone does what's comfortable, nothing great will ever happen. We're changing what's possible for Black and Brown women-identifying founders, thus creating a movement.
"Those who disrupt their industries change consumer behavior, alter economics, and transform lives."—Heather Simmons
WE PARTNER
Along the entrepreneur's journey, we've learned partnerships are everything! This partnership with Nike and the WNBA is everything we have worked hard for.
Of course, our wins are wins for the community. Our wins are for Black and Brown women founders who we strive hard to create more access to financial and community capital.
This auction is raffle style where you buy tickets and give a certain amount of tickets to the shoes you want to win. The more tickets you buy the better your chances.
Better hurry up though. The auction ends on the 22nd at 11:59 pm. Don’t miss these exclusive shoes! Tell your sneakerhead friends.
WE PITCH
Excitement is in the air as we’re excited for Pitch Season to enter Phase II. Conquer the odds and be the one to walk away with some major cash. This is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your company and engage with investors—let’s do this!
Here’s the lineup:
Philly - October 21st
Cincinnati - November 4th
Trinet (National) - November 18th
NYC - December 2nd
Remember, a pitch event isn’t just for founders—it’s for everyone who supports startups!
Join us to see why we’re called the world’s most innovative pitch competition.
Black Girl Ventures Mural
This past summer, with the support of Nike, Black Girl Ventures Foundation installed the first of three planned murals in Washington, D.C.
This project aims to use the arts at a local level to elevate Black and Brown woman-identifying Founders and shine a light on the work of some of the most dynamic change agents in our communities. Celebrate with us.
One city down two more to go!
WE BAG
Another noteworthy COVID-19 relief grant comes from The Barstool Fund (sponsored by Barstool Sports). The fund has an ongoing crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for eligible businesses that apply. There is no set grant amount. They’ve funded 440+ businesses and gave away over $41 million dollars.
Fiserv Back2Business Grant (Location Specific)
Fiserv has partnered with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and Clover to offer grants of $10,000 to eligible Black- and minority-owned small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting recession.
To be eligible, your business must:
Be a minority-owned business
Be owned by an adult (18+)
Have revenue of less than $1M annually
Have fewer than 11 employees
Be formed before January 1, 2020
Be located in an eligible location (currently, Oklahoma, Texas, and Detroit)
Deadline December 31, 2021
New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program
If your business is in New York and you’ve suffered because of the pandemic, you may qualify for this grant program. Grant amounts are based on annual gross receipts from 2019 and start at $5,000 and can be as much as 10% of gross receipts, up to $50,000.
StreetShares Veteran Small Business Award
The StreetShares Veteran Small Business Award is open to veterans, active-duty members, or the spouse of a military veteran or active duty member. Applicants can receive up to $15,000 and will be judged based on their business idea, their expected use of funds, product-market fit, team, and the influence the business will have on the veteran or military community.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grants
Good For: Agriculture & Food Nonprofits
The NIFA is a federal agency within the USDA with a focus on leadership and funding programs. It offers grants throughout the year, which come with support and guidance. Be mindful that many of its grants are offered to nonprofits or larger businesses.
Creative Capital
Creative Capital is a nonprofit organization that has awarded more than $50 million to artists for the creation of groundbreaking new work in the visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, technology, and multidisciplinary practices, including socially engaged work in all forms.
This month’s list includes a $50,000 grant for organizations that use arts and culture-based practices to aid projects that intersect climate and racial justice work, an Alaska residency for women writers, and a $20,000 fellowship for artists to support craft practices.
There are still deadlines for September & October open.
Subscribe to the Digital Orange Juice for juicy ideas and the people who fund them. You can find out about our next pitch competitions here. Also, be sure to join our new community BGV Connect!