Startup Grants

Apply for one (or more) of our awesome start-up grants!

What's a startup grant? Startup grants are sums of money that startups can apply for that help them get their businesses off the ground. Grants don't need to be paid back and they usually have specific criteria attached to them.

You're in luck because we have a number of awesome grants that you can apply for, sponsored by some of the best businesses around! Check them out below and keep checking in, we'll be adding more grants as they come in! The application window will be open soon until September 8, 2024

IMPORTANT RULES TO REVIEW BEFORE APPLYING

Applications will be accepted up to September 8, 2024
Once open, each grant will have an application form you can complete, linked through the "apply here" button
Grants are to be completed by individual kidpreneurs (not as a team), but they will be "won" by the whole team
Each kidpreneur can apply for multiple grants
One winner (business) will be chosen for each grant category.
Grant recipient businesses will be announced during Opening Ceremonies on the day of the fair
Kidpreneurs are required to answer the questions on their own (age and writing ability will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications), parental assistance should be as minimal as possible, considering the age of the kidpreneur.

*Parents of young kidpreneurs will need to help explain some of the questions and define some of the more tricky words to their kidpreneurs and help type out the answers for them, but the ideas and content of the answers must come directly from the kidpreneur themselves. Many of these questions are great points of discussion that can lead to a lot of learning! Any applications that were obviously completed by an adult will not be considered.

GOOD LUCK!!

Dare to be different

Sponsor: Civiconnect

Amount: $2,000 (in kind program to help build your business)

Number of Grants: 1

Category: Marketing branding and Website design

Age Category: 10 to 14 years old

Criteria:

To qualify for the Civiconnect "Dare to be Different" Grant for In-Kind Services, applicants must be between 10 and 14 years old and reside in the Niagara Region. An established business idea is a requirement; however, the business does not need to be fully operational.

The primary evaluation criterion is the uniqueness of your product or service. We assess the originality of the idea, its practical feasibility, and its potential for social, environmental, or economic impact. Alignment with Civiconnect's core values and mission is also considered.

The grant winner will consult with Civiconnect's team from January to March 2024. Our team will provide in-kind services in the form of web development or marketing materials, such as branding or a social media plan. Be prepared to outline how these services will benefit your business and contribute to its growth.

Opportunities don't happen,

you create them!

Sponsor: Business Builders of Niagara

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 1

Category: Business Growth

Business Builders Niagara is a group of businesses who network together weekly to share their business information, work on referrals and spending time with like minded businesses. Networking is the best source of referral and growth of your business. When you get into the habit of networking with people through fairs, and social media, you will see growth in your business.

Criteria:

This grant is open to all Kidpreneurs who want to grow their business after the fair ends and is open to all ages.

Making the Dream Work

Sponsor: The UPS Store, McLeod Rd, Niagara Falls

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 1

Category: Developing the best brand

Helping you achieve your promotional goals and providing you with a client experience beyond compare is our thing. We value relationships and will always take the time to get to know you, learn your business, understand your needs and work tirelessly to exceed your expectations. In addition to being great humans to work with, we’re detail-oriented, proactive and solution-based.

Criteria: One of the most important parts of creating a successful business is having an effective marketing plan. Without marketing, you don't have sales and without sales, you don't have a business! This grant focuses on the importance of marketing and asks Kidpreneurs to think about their marketing strategy.

With my Own Two Hands

Sponsor:

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 1

Category: Custom Built

Criteria: This grant is open to businesses that hand-make all of their products and are committed to using a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach. Grant is open to all young entrepreneurs.

Be the Change

Sponsor: Bocchinfuso Funeral Home Inc

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 2

Category: Social Impact

Bocchinfuso Funeral Homes Inc is family-owned and operated funeral home, where we they proudly serve every family with compassion, dignity and care.

Criteria: Thinking of our community and environmental sustainability. The responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing for today and the future. . This grant is open to all Kidpreneurs.

Fail Upwards

Sponsor: Civiconnect

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 5

Category: Growth Mindset

Civiconnect is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and private sectors to their communities to maximize their social impact through technology, innovation, and strategy

Criteria: Civiconnect aims to equip and inspire students with the mindset, skills, and courage to change the world, all the while realizing that perseverance, character and grit are far more important than raw talent. This grant is focused on young entrepreneurs who have a growth mindset and is open to all ages.

Marketing Madness

Sponsor: Venture Niagara

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 2

Category: Business Growth

Venture Niagara is a community futures development corporation providing financing to SME's and community economic development

Criteria: Planning to start your own business takes dreaming, marketing and financial planning. Working through all the components with running your own business is key to a successful business. Open to all young entrepreneurs.

Kindness Matters

Sponsor: Beyond the Classroom and Karen's Catering

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 2

Category: Being Kind

Criteria: This grant is open to businesses who are empowering others through creativity and making a difference in the world. The Kindness Matters Grant runs on a philosophy of kindness, friendship, inclusion and acceptance. The recipient of this grant will be able to demonstrate what role these themes play in business and in life. Open to all young entrepreneurs

Smile : )

Sponsor: Niagara Board of Trade and Commerce

Amount: $100

Number of Grants: 5

Category: Customer Service

The Niagara Board of Trade and Commerce is dedicated to improving Niagara’s overall economic health. This means we are tireless advocates for all things that will have a positive economic and social impact.

Criteria: Niagara Board of Trade and Commerce is passionate about client experience and believes that customer service is essential to creating a successful business. This grant is focused around the customer experience and asks Kidpreneurs to reflect on what it means to them. This grant is open to all young entrepreneurs.