The significance of small businesses owned by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. These businesses not only drive economic growth but also serve as a pivotal force for inclusion and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in our society. However, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including financial insecurity and limited resources. Grants can help overcome these obstacles by providing entrepreneurs with essential funding to grow and manage their businesses.
StartOut
StartOut is a membership organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, mentorship, and skills training. As a member, you gain access to an investor portal featuring 500+ investors. StartOut’s Growth Lab provides an incubator program for select businesses, and their annual Equity Summit offers a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch to investors. Applications for the Growth Lab are due by June 30th, 2023.
TRANSFORM Business Grant
The TRANSFORM Business Grant aims to support the growth of LGBTQ+ owned businesses by offering microgrants of $1,000 along with a personalized business strategy for one year. The grant prioritizes financially underprivileged applicants, and the 2023 application period runs from July to August.
Queer to Stay
Queer to Stay is an initiative offering more than 65 grants to small LGBTQ+-owned businesses. The program seeks to uplift and strengthen LGBTQ+ small businesses, emphasizing their critical role in fostering a diverse and inclusive economy. Applications for the 2023 Queer to Stay grants are open until August 31st, 2023.
Astraea Foundation
The Astraea Foundation is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities in a variety of ways, including grants for businesses and entrepreneurs. The foundation focuses on promoting social, racial, and economic justice through their grantmaking programs. Details on available grants can be found on the Astraea Foundation website.
Grants for LGBTQ+ owned businesses contribute to the success and growth of these enterprises, ensuring an inclusive and diverse business landscape. LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for these grants as they serve not only as a source of financial support but also as a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. By seeking out these opportunities, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can work towards overcoming challenges and pave the way for a thriving business future.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
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