What is The TRANSFORM Business Grant?

The TRANSFORM Business Grant is a wealth redistribution grant that gives $1,000 and a year of customized mentorship and business development coaching to anticapitalist businesses and projects making meaningful social impact. The grant is designed to support individuals in systemically marginalized groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks.

Who can apply?

The TRANSFORM Business Grant is currently only open to applicants in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Individuals and teams/groups are welcome to apply. This grant does not fund political organizations or activities, religious organizations or organizations with religious purposes, or student loans or other debt payments.

TRANSFORM does not have the capacity or expertise to consult or advise in medicinal or clinical practices. Business activities focused in these areas cannot be considered for the grant at this time.

How do I know if I qualify for the grant?

The following are the core non-negotiables that must be met in each application to move forward in the review process. Applications that do not meet all four of these qualifications will not be considered.

• You identify as part of at least one systemically marginalized group.
• Your idea/business is aligned with TRANSFORM’s values, including antiracism and anticapitalism, and these values show up in how you run your business.
• Your idea/business is social impact oriented and challenges systems of oppression/addresses social injustices.
• You are in financial need.

What do you mean by financial need?

Financial need means not being able to get the things you need with the resources you have. We know financial need looks different for everyone. There is space for you to share about what financial need looks like to you on the application.

Can I apply as part of a team?

Yes, individuals and teams/groups are welcome to apply. If you are applying as part of a team, it is important that you share about your team in the application.

I have an idea but my project isn’t registered yet. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply with a project/idea at any stage of development. In your application, make sure you share your vision and plans clearly so we understand what you’re looking to accomplish. We don’t consider formal registration in our application process.

When do you accept applications?

Applications can be submitted during select windows each year and can be submitted through the JotForm application on the grant page. For 2024, applications will be open March 15th-31st for review in April/May and September 15th-30th for review in October/November. Applications cannot be accepted outside of these times.

Where do I find the application?

The application will be linked on our website on our grant page during the timeframes mentioned above. You can find our application tips here.