The Genesis For Good Foundation, Genesis Bank, and the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship (GBIE), along with Fiserv, Inc., launched the Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program to support small business owners and diverse entrepreneurs located in low-to-moderate income communities. The grant program will award grants of up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs to help improve their business infrastructure, accelerate economic growth, and enhance their capacity to create jobs, scale, and make a more significant impact on their communities.
As a complement to the grant, all recipients will receive access to the following resources in addition to the grant award:
- Membership in the Catalyst 360° powered by the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship (GBIE), Genesis Bank’s business advisory division. This innovative program equips small business owners with access to resources, education, relationships, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community to help grow their business.
- Genesis + Clover Bundle point-of-sale technology, with zero entry costs and significantly discounted subscription fees. The popular Clover point-of-sale and business management system from Fiserv enables small- and mid-sized businesses to accept payments and run their business, while also offering capabilities to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.
Grant Application Details
The Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program began accepting applications from eligible small businesses registered and operating within Orange County, California on April 17, 2024, with plans for future expansion of the grant program to include eligible small businesses in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, California. Phase One is currently open exclusively to businesses in Orange County.
Eligibility Criteria
- Business must have gross revenues of $500,000 or less
- Business must have been in continuous operation for 1 year or more
- Business must have 10 employees or less, including the owner(s)
- Business must operate in a low-to-moderate income area as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Business must have all necessary and required licenses and registrations as required by the city (or cities) and county (or counties) in which it operates
- Grant application submission must include a brief 3-minute maximum video outlining the following:
- Business owner background
- Business vision and mission for community impact
- How grant funding will help accelerate business growth
Note: The video is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your business and may be as simple as you speaking on camera to your phone. We do not expect professional-grade videography, editing, etc.
The following applicants are not eligible for this grant:
- Any business whose owners and/or investors include any of the following (collectively, the “Program Parties”):
- Employees, Executive Officers, Directors, Shareholders, or Agents of Genesis Bank or its affiliates, and
- Immediate family members and/or persons living in the same household of any of the parties listed above
- Any business that participates in influencing legislation or taking part in political campaigns on behalf of candidates
- Any business that is classified as a tax-exempt organization under IRC 501(c)(3)
This grant program is administered by the Genesis For Good Foundation. For more information on eligibility, application requirements, and future phases of the grant program, please visit https://genesisforgood.org/catalystgrant/
Click the Apply Now link below to start the application process for the Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program.
