Grants for Small Businesses Assist Professional Athletes, Minority Entrepreneurs, and Others
In the vibrant world of business, former athletes are finding new ways to shine. Here's a roundup of recent opportunities that could support the entrepreneurial ventures of ex-athletes in the United States.
The Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority in Michigan is accepting applications for its Start-Up Assistance Grant. Four fortunate entrepreneurs looking to open new businesses in downtown Ishpeming could receive a grant of $2,500 each. Recipients will also receive a year of service with the Greater Ishpeming and Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Superior Community Partnership [1].
For those in the existing business category, the Gwinnett County Small Business Grant Program offers grants ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 for small businesses affected by the pandemic. The application portal will open on September 5 [2].
However, direct small business grants tailored for former athletes are not explicitly listed in the latest sources. Nevertheless, former athletes interested in business support might explore organizations like the RISE Family Office, which helps professional athletes transition into entrepreneurship by providing wealth management, mentorship, and business-building support [3].
Other athletic grants, such as those from the Bunker Club or She Sends, support active or junior athletes but are not small business grants [4][5].
Angel City has expanded its Player 22 Program to support female and non-binary former soccer players in entrepreneurship, offering small business grants. Eligible businesses must be able to prove lost income or increased costs while continuing operations during the pandemic [6].
The Warren County Small Business Grant Contest has opened its application period, offering grants for both existing small businesses and start-ups. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% minority-owned, and the application period closes at noon on August 15 [7].
In a significant move, the Humana Foundation has allocated $1 million for the program, prioritizing psychologists, psychiatrists, youth counselors, and those serving underserved populations. Providers can apply for grants between $50,000 and $100,000 [8].
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Chamber's Minority Business Alliance Partnership, in conjunction with United Way, is providing $5,000 grants to ten minority-owned businesses in the Charlottesville, Virginia area [9].
As the landscape of business support continues to evolve, it's essential for entrepreneurs to stay informed about new opportunities. Keep an eye on official U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, athlete-focused entrepreneurship initiatives, or foundations that combine sports and business funding for future grant opportunities.
[1] Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority, Start-Up Assistance Grant: https://ishpeming.com/downtown-development-authority/start-up-assistance-grant/ [2] Gwinnett County Small Business Grant Program: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/economic-development/Pages/Small-Business-Grant-Program.aspx [3] RISE Family Office: https://www.risefamilyoffice.com/ [4] Missouri State University Competitive Excellence Fund: https://www.missouristate.edu/athletics/giving/competitive-excellence-fund.htm [5] Bunker Club Athlete Endowment Grant: https://www.bunkerclub.org/athlete-grants/ [6] Angel City Player 22 Program: https://angelcityfc.com/player-22/ [7] Warren County Small Business Grant Contest: https://www.warrencountyohio.org/business-development/small-business-grant-contest/ [8] Humana Foundation: https://www.humana.com/foundation [9] Charlottesville-Albemarle Chamber's Minority Business Alliance Partnership: https://www.cvillechamber.org/minority-business-alliance-partnership/
A former athlete looking for financial support for a small business may consider applying for the Angel City Player 22 Program, which offers small business grants specifically to female and non-binary former soccer players. This program takes into account the economic impacts of the pandemic on eligible businesses.
While direct small business grants for former athletes are not widely advertised, organizations like the RISE Family Office can potentially provide wealth management, mentorship, and business-building support to athletes interested in entrepreneurship and personal finance.