Gatsby Microgrants Program

Gatsby Microgrants Program is sponsored by The Gatsby Showcase Foundation. This program provides targeted, non-dilutive financial support to women-owned and underrepresented small businesses that demonstrate strong potential for growth, job creation, and community impact, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Gatsby Microgrants Program - The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth Through the Gatsby Microgrants Program UN SDG Alignment: SDG 8 • SDG 5 • SDG 10 • SDG 17 The Gatsby Microgrants Program provides targeted, non-dilutive financial support to women-owned and underrepresented small businesses that demonstrate strong potential for growth, job creation, and community impact.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , the program advances inclusive economic growth (SDG 8) by expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs often excluded from traditional funding pathways. By prioritizing women and underserved business owners, the program also directly supports gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) .

Access to early-stage capital remains one of the most significant barriers to entrepreneurship. Without it, promising businesses struggle to invest in essential needs such as equipment, inventory, technology, and workforce growth.

The Gatsby Microgrants Program addresses this gap by pairing strategic funding with accountability, mentorship, and partnerships , ensuring that capital deployment translates into sustainable business outcomes—an approach closely aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) .

What the Microgrants Support Microgrants may be used for eligible business needs, including: Technology and digital infrastructure All grants are non-repayable and equity-free , allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership and control of their businesses.

Women-owned businesses (SDG 5) Minority-owned and underrepresented entrepreneurs (SDG 10) Early-stage and growth-stage small businesses Community-based and impact-driven enterprises Initial implementation focuses on the DMV region , with expansion guided by partnerships and funding availability. The long-term vision is to support businesses across the United States and, eventually, globally.

Applicants are evaluated through a competitive, values-based process that considers: Business readiness and viability Clear and responsible use of funds Potential for economic and community impact Leadership capacity and sustainability This process ensures fairness, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

Selected businesses receive: A one-time microgrant award Clear expectations for the use of funds Access to mentorship and technical guidance through Gatsby’s entrepreneurship network This mentorship-linked model strengthens outcomes and supports long-term success, reinforcing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) . 3.

Post-Award Engagement & Impact Tracking Grant recipients participate in: Optional storytelling and business spotlights This approach reinforces accountability while celebrating entrepreneurial achievement.

Business Spotlights & Impact Stories With consent, select grantees may be featured as Gatsby Business Spotlights , highlighting: Business growth milestones Jobs created or sustained These stories demonstrate the real-world impact of donor support and help attract additional funding and partnerships.

Program success is measured through: Number of businesses funded Business growth and sustainability indicators Jobs created or retained (SDG 8) Participation of women and underserved entrepreneurs (SDG 5, SDG 10) Strength and reach of partner networks (SDG 17) As partnerships and funding expand, the Gatsby Microgrants Program is designed to: Increase the number and size of grants Support sector-specific entrepreneurship (e.g., creative economy, community services) Expand geographically, including international pilots aligned with Gatsby’s Global Impact work Scalability remains grounded in performance, transparency, and community partnership .

Support the Gatsby Microgrants Program Donor and partner support enables entrepreneurs to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen families and communities. Support opportunities include: Funding individual microgrants Supporting mentorship and technical assistance Together, we advance economic empowerment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .

Access to early-stage capital remains one of the most significant barriers to entrepreneurship. Without it, promising businesses struggle to invest in essential needs such as equipment, inventory, technology, and workforce growth.

The Gatsby Microgrants Program addresses this gap by pairing strategic funding with accountability, mentorship, and partnerships , ensuring that capital deployment translates into sustainable business outcomes—an approach closely aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) .

What the Microgrants Support Microgrants may be used for eligible business needs, including: Technology and digital infrastructure All grants are non-repayable and equity-free , allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership and control of their businesses.

Women-owned businesses (SDG 5) Minority-owned and underrepresented entrepreneurs (SDG 10) Early-stage and growth-stage small businesses Community-based and impact-driven enterprises Initial implementation focuses on the DMV region , with expansion guided by partnerships and funding availability. The long-term vision is to support businesses across the United States and, eventually, globally.

Applicants are evaluated through a competitive, values-based process that considers: Business readiness and viability Clear and responsible use of funds Potential for economic and community impact Leadership capacity and sustainability This process ensures fairness, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

Selected businesses receive: A one-time microgrant award Clear expectations for the use of funds Access to mentorship and technical guidance through Gatsby’s entrepreneurship network This mentorship-linked model strengthens outcomes and supports long-term success, reinforcing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) . 3.

Post-Award Engagement & Impact Tracking Grant recipients participate in: Optional storytelling and business spotlights This approach reinforces accountability while celebrating entrepreneurial achievement.

Business Spotlights & Impact Stories With consent, select grantees may be featured as Gatsby Business Spotlights , highlighting: Business growth milestones Jobs created or sustained These stories demonstrate the real-world impact of donor support and help attract additional funding and partnerships.

Program success is measured through: Number of businesses funded Business growth and sustainability indicators Jobs created or retained (SDG 8) Participation of women and underserved entrepreneurs (SDG 5, SDG 10) Strength and reach of partner networks (SDG 17) As partnerships and funding expand, the Gatsby Microgrants Program is designed to: Increase the number and size of grants Support sector-specific entrepreneurship (e.g., creative economy, community services) Expand geographically, including international pilots aligned with Gatsby’s Global Impact work Scalability remains grounded in performance, transparency, and community partnership .

Support the Gatsby Microgrants Program Donor and partner support enables entrepreneurs to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen families and communities. Support opportunities include: Funding individual microgrants Supporting mentorship and technical assistance Together, we advance economic empowerment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .