The Visible Voice Fund was established through the generosity of an anonymous donor to support bold, transformative projects led by alumni of JumpStart’s Small Business Impact Program.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the fund has more than $100,000 available to distribute in this cycle.

Funding Overview

Total available this cycle: $100,000+
Request range: $10,000-$50,000*

  • Grants over $10,000 are recoverable, meaning they must be repaid into the Visible Voice Fund if your business reaches a significant revenue milestone in the future.
  • $10,000 grants are non-recoverable and do not need to be repaid.
    • Eligibility for $10,000 grants is limited to businesses with 2024 revenue under $100,000.
    • Only two $10,000 grants will be awarded in this cycle.

Application Notes

The selection process includes two rounds:

  • Round 1: Review of the written application.
  • Round 2: A live pitch presentation on June 10th to the investor for selected finalists.

Applicants are encouraged to submit supplemental information about their business or project by emailing patty.ajdukiewicz@jumpstartinc.org.

Previous recipients of Visible Voice grants are not eligible to reapply.

Ideal Visible Voice Fund Applicants…

  • Present a clear and compelling vision for how the funding will accelerate their business growth.
  • Show a track record of engaging with JumpStart’s resources and support.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social and economic impact in their local community.

Visible Voice Fund Grant Recipients Must…

• Work with an assigned JumpStart advisor after receiving funding.
• Complete a bi-annual survey.

  • The Visible Voice Fund was created as a “Pay it Forward” fund intended to replenish itself when Impact alums achieve significant growth leveraging this funding.

    When awarded, they are treated like grants until the entrepreneurs meet an agreed-upon revenue threshold (usually 3X current revenue) at which point they start to pay it back into the Visible Voice Fund for future graduates to take advantage of. If the revenue goal is not achieved at any point in the future, he funding never has to be paid back.

Visible Voice Fund Application

Questions about this program? Click here to email us.