In partnership with
Grant Competition
Our Grant Competitions are designed for small businesses on a mission to positively impact local communities.
Missed the Fall 2022 Finale Event?
Fall 2022 1st Place & Fan Favorite
Girls Mentorship, LLC
Never underestimate the power of a group of girls! Girls Mentorship, LLC won both the $15,000 Grand Prize Grant and the $5,000 Fan Favorite Grant. Congratulations to CEO and Co-Founder, Mary Frances Foran and Co-Founder and Chief People Officer, Jill Petersen on this amazing achievement.
Fall 2022 Finalists
Check out their brand videos and get to know these inspiring businesses.
We’re on a mission to redefine how you snack with our 100% plant-based and 100% ridiculously addictive cookie-crackers.
Our free grocery and delivery program is eradicating the food justice and public health barriers that plague the Black and marginalized community.
We provide full-circle doula care for Black women, birthing people and their families, empowering them to self-advocate during pregnancy and beyond.
We create global ties through culturally conscious travel with curated tours that highlight the rich and vibrant local culture, history and food.
We empower tween and teen girls to be the best versions of themselves through workshops that teach life and personal development skills.
Our app utilizes personalized recommendations (machine learning) and geo-technology to connect consumers to Black-owned businesses.
Our Beat the Street program creates positive, engaging, content for underprivileged youth through live and virtual entertainment.
Designed to enrich school curriculum, our surf and skate science lessons teach STEAM to youth through Action Sports.
Missed the Fall 2022 Finale Event?
Watch a recording of the 8 Finalists pitching live to a panel of judges.
Hear From Previous Finalists
Sabrina Thompson
Girl In Space
“What a great learning experience. It was my first pitch competition, so I didn’t know what to expect. Having a mentor was very helpful!”
Jason Mercado
Sweet Mission
“Thank you for allowing me to participate as a finalist. It was a complete honor and a great learning experience for me.”
Marianna Sachse
Jackalo
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story! It really helped me refine and strengthen the pitch.”
Thank you to our sponsors
They share our commitment to help small business entrepreneurs grow and thrive.
About our Fall 2022 Grant Competition
Excelerate America was excited to host the Fall 2022 Grant Competition in partnership with ODP Business Solutions that showcased small business entrepreneurs working tirelessly to bring their dreams to life while also positively impacting their local communities. Eight finalists shared their stories and virtually pitched to a panel of judges on Thursday, November 3, 2022.
For this Grant Competition, a business brand video was submitted with every application in order to be considered as one of the 20 Semi-Finalists. Our goal was to make this process as easy as possible through guided brand video workshops and resources throughout the application period. Businesses were also asked to provide a clear and comprehensive description of their businesses in the official application.
The Semi-Finalists selection process consisted of vetting by sponsors and the Excelerate America leadership team. These reviewers narrowed down applicants to the top 20 Semi-Finalists.
The Finalists selection process consisted of an open-to-the-public voting process. The eight businesses with the most votes as of 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, October 16, 2022 went on to compete and pitch at the Grant Competition Finale Event. Our eight Finalists each received a prize package from sponsors valued at $500.
Our Finale Event took place virtually within the Excelerate America Collective Discord Server. It was broadcast and live streamed on YouTube. A panel of judges selected one Grand Prize Winner based upon a specific rubric and criteria. The Finalist with the most online votes was awarded Fan Favorite.
By submitting an application to the Competition, each Entrant acknowledged that Sponsors may collect and use the submitted information for purposes of the Excelerate America purchasing programs.
This Grant Competition was open to all eligible businesses.
For this Grant Competition, a business brand video was submitted with every application in order to be considered as one of the 20 Semi-Finalists. Our goal was to make this process as easy as possible through guided brand video workshops and resources throughout the application period. Businesses were also asked to provide a clear and comprehensive description of their businesses in the official application.
The Semi-Finalists selection process consisted of vetting by sponsors and the Excelerate America leadership team. These reviewers narrowed down applicants to the top 20 Semi-Finalists.
The Finalists selection process consisted of an open-to-the-public voting process. The eight businesses with the most votes as of 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, October 16, 2022 went on to compete and pitch at the Grant Competition Finale Event. Our eight Finalists each received a prize package from sponsors valued at $500.
Our Finale Event took place virtually within the Excelerate America Collective Discord Server. It was broadcast and live streamed on YouTube. A panel of judges selected one Grand Prize Winner based upon a specific rubric and criteria. The Finalist with the most online votes was awarded Fan Favorite.
By submitting an application to the Competition, each Entrant acknowledged that Sponsors may collect and use the submitted information for purposes of the Excelerate America purchasing programs.
This Grant Competition was open to all eligible businesses.