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

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

Funding Overview

Total available this cycle: $100,000*

Requests for either: $50,000 or $100,000*

  • Grants are recoverable. They will need to be paid forward into the Visible Voice Fund if your business achieves 2x revenue goal in the future.
  • Staffing is not eligible for funding.

Application Notes

Alumni must have $200,000 in annual revenue. The selection process includes two rounds:

  • Round 1: Review of the written application.
  • Round 2: A live pitch presentation on June 9th to the investor for selected finalists.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit supplemental information about their business or project by emailing smallbiz@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 monthly after receiving funding.
  • Complete JumpStart’s 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 (2X 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, the funding never has to be paid back.

Visible Voice Fund Application

Questions about this program? Click here to email us.