Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth Through the Gatsby Microgrants Program

Why Microgrants Matter

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:

• Equipment and tools

• Inventory and supplies

• Marketing and branding

• Technology and digital infrastructure

• Operational expansion

• Workforce support

All grants are non-repayable and equity-free, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership and control of their businesses.

Who We Support

Priority is given to:

• 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.

Our Grant Model

1. Application & Review

Transparency and Equity

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.

2. Award & Support

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:

• Progress check-ins

• Impact reporting

• 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:

• Entrepreneurial journeys

• Business growth milestones

• Jobs created or sustained

• Community impact

These stories demonstrate the real-world impact of donor support and help attract additional funding and partnerships.

Measuring Impact

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)

Scaling the Program

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

• Sponsoring grant cohorts

• Supporting mentorship and technical assistance

Together, we advance economic empowerment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.