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    Empowering Entrepreneurship

    $1,000 micro-grants for ideation-stage founders

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    Supporting the Neighborhood

    Our Mission 📜

    Good Neighbor Fund is dedicated to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurship by providing $1,000 micro-grants to under-resourced and underrepresented founders, primarily at the ideation stage. Inspired by Buffalo’s nickname "The City of Good Neighbors," we offer not just financial support, but belief capital and mentorship to empower new and diverse founders.

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    Founded in 2023

    Our Impact So Far

    20
    New Business Ideas Funded
    82%
    Women-Owned Businesses
    65%
    BIPOC-Owned Businesses
    70%
    Low-income Zip Codes

    Belief Capital

    Micro-Grants 💸

    Our micro-grant process is simple and 100% online. Complete a short form and record a 60 second pitch video. Our LP teams will review all applications, and at the close of each quarter will meet to determine the micro-grant award winners.

    This is not venture capital and we expect no return on investment. This is belief capital— an endorsement of your potential.

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    FAQ

    Who should apply?

    - Entrepreneurs of all ages and all walks of life.
    - Founders from under-represented communities.
    - Individuals or small teams that have an idea for a business, looking for validation and capital to kick it off.
    - Business ideas of all types: local, high-growth, SaaS, brick and mortar, etc.

    What we look for in an application

    - Business ideas at the ideation stage.
    - You're still brainstorming and figuring things out.
    - You understand the problem you're looking to solve.
    - You have a clear outline of how you will use the $1,000. We want to see it make the biggest impact in helping you get your dream off the ground.
    - Passion in your pitch video.

    What we avoid when selecting awardees

    - Personal use or self-promotion. Examples: home renovation, utility bills, professional training, etc.
    - Projects that are not sustainable businesses.
    - Established companies. If you're generating significant and consistent revenue or have raised outside funding, we're likely not a fit.
    - Other charitable organizations that support entrepreneurs, we want to directly fund entrepreneurs.
    - Unclear use of funds.
    - No pitch video. We want to see the real you pitching your idea!

    Is there a catch?

    There is no catch. All micro-grants are unconditional awards to empower you to take the first step into starting your business. When you win, the entire community wins.

    Post award support

    We don't stop at micro-grants. We want to ensure our founders are set up for success and ready to start their entrepreneurial journey.Through our LPs and organizational partners, we match founders with the resources they need to succeed: key intros, program and accelerator matching, mentorship, and more.

    In the Press

    Learn what the press is saying about GNF here.

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    "The Good Neighbor Fund grant that I received in April 2023 was far more than a financial contribution to jump starting my business. It provided validation for an idea & passion that I have had for some time and support and encouragement to realize a dream of entrepreneurship after a 22 year teaching career. The grant money, resources and connections have been invaluable to help the seeds of my business grow and I feel blessed to be a part of this community of Good Neighbors. With much appreciation for what you do and the support you provide entrepreneurs."
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    Tracy CsavinaFounder @ Sustainably Rooted LLC

    Our Partners

    Mission-aligned organizations that support entrepreneurship for all.

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