Get a business grant
for up to $4,000
Our fund is currently awarding grants to small business owners to accomplish projects that would help grow their businesses.
About The Elevate Fund
The fund was launched to support growth-phase minority- and women-owned small businesses. Available to any Go.Be. client, the Elevate Fund grants up to $4,000 toward projects designed to help stabilize and grow small businesses led by women and entrepreneurs of color.
Who Is Eligible
Businesses owned and run by entrepreneurs of color or women that have been operational for two years
Any Go.Be. client who actively meeting with their business coach
Start-ups & non-profit organizations are not eligible
That’s It!
How the Grants Work
We will pay 65% of project costs, up to $4,000. Grantees are obligated to pay the remaining 35% project cost and any amount over $4,000.
Project payments are made to the service provider directly. Example- If a business engages a website designer, accountant, marketing consultant, etc. for their project, Go.Be. will pay that provider directly at the conclusion of the project.
Grants are awarded on a monthly basis. To be eligible for any given month’s grant awards, applications must be submitted by the 15th.
Grants cannot be used for start-up funding
Still have questions? Review the FAQ’s.
How To Apply For A Grant
Ready to start your project? Get a grant.
Let your Go.Be. business coach know you’d like to apply, and you’ll receive the online application. You’ll need to answer a few questions and provide a quote for the project.
The Impact
48
Minority Businesses Supported
139K
Dollars Awarded
6
Different States
I am beyond grateful for the grants given to me from Go.Be. I can honestly say I’m seeing the growth already. I got a lot done so far: updated site, new contracts, ran a billboard ad, [and more]. This program really works, and I’m proud to be a client.
Thank you!!!!!
Adriénne “AC” Caffey
Makeup by AC
The Elevate Fund Grant was awarded at a critical time. It enabled us to hire an agency that assisted in implementing part of our comprehensive marketing plan. Without the grant, we would not have been able to reach new clients.
Thanks, Go.Be.!!!
Gregory Canillas
Soul 2 Soul Global
Meet Our Coaches
Greg Duffer
Director of Small Business Services
(504) 875-4289
greg@gobe.org
Greg Duffer brings nearly 20 years of experience working with small businesses to Go.Be. Greg has experience in small business lending, marketing, and government contracting. He graduated from Marshall University with his MBA. Additionally, he holds a project management certificate from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and a FAC-C federal contracting certificate. Greg is married and enjoys woodworking, photography, and horology.
Tawanna Hardy-Ventress
Small Business Coach
(504) 875-4278
tawanna@gobe.org
Tawanna Hardy has been in the financial industry for over ten years. Her career started as a loan processor in the mortgage industry. She then became a licensed loan originator in the State of Louisiana. After two years of originating loans, Tawanna decided to move into the community relations fields. This field led Tawanna to a career with Liftfund. Liftfund provided loans to small business owners who did not have access to loans from commercial sources. Tawanna’s time with Liftfund helped her build strong relationships that she now brings to Go.Be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects qualify for funding?
Our clients have used the business grant for marketing projects, website development, new equipment purchases, accounting services, professional photography, and more.
Discuss your project with your coach to see if it qualifies for funding.
When will I find out if my project got funded?
Grants will be announced before the end of each month. Grant applications do not roll over from month to month. If your project isn’t funded, you must apply again to be reconsidered.
What if I don’t know of a consultant to help with my project?
We have a network of experts you can be referred to. You are under no obligation to use these providers.
If I have 2 businesses, can I apply for a grant for each business?
Yes, as long as your business coach has worked with you on both businesses.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No. This is not a loan, it is a grant and requires no repayment.
Beyond The Elevate Fund
In addition to the Elevate Fund, as a client, you will have access to all other services, programs, and resources we have available for business owners.
Business Coaching
Through our unique approach, you'll receive a full analysis of your business, one-on-one coaching, and a roadmap to help you execute on your goals
Learn MoreLevel Up
Level Up! is our premier three-month program that prepares high-potential, minority-owned businesses for accelerated growth and expansion.
Learn MoreMastering Money
In this 100% virtual boot camp. you will gain mastery of your business finances. Decipher financial statements and demystify business credit in this 4-part series.
Learn MoreThe Bridge
The Bridge is a private online community for our clients to network, find mentors, respond to RFPs, attend exclusive events, and more.
Learn More