The Activate Fellowships for Entrepreneurial Scientists and Engineers: Activate is the premier program for scientists on a mission. The two-year fellowship provides early-stage hard-tech science entrepreneurs $100K in research funding, yearly stipends of up to $110K, intensive entrepreneurial training, mentorship, networking, and other benefits. Applications open through October 17. Sign up for updates.
Halcyon is committed to championing businesses and founders whose work drives the world forward. Since 2014 the Halcyon Incubator has helped fellows’ ventures raise over $500 million, create more than 6,000 jobs, and positively impact over 9.2 million lives. Applications are due October 20. More information here.
MassChallenge FinTech has opened applications for its sixth FinTech accelerator program. Since its inception in 2018, MassChallenge FinTech has been a steadfast support system for founders, offering a comprehensive curriculum paired with personalized 1:1 mentorship in essential areas such as fundraising, investor relations, and growth strategies. Application deadline is October 24. More information here.
7th Annual Authors and Innovators Business Ideas Festival, October 23-26: The Authors & Innovators Business Ideas Festival is jam-packed with insights, idea exchange, and thoughtful, intelligent conversation with business book authors, innovators, and top business minds. More information here.
The Catalyst Program provides grants of up to $75,000 to researchers and early-stage companies looking to demonstrate initial prototypes of their clean energy technologies. All awardees gain access to a vast network of partners, expert local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures, while all finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring. Applications are due October 27. More information here.
Hello Alice Growth Grant: In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive, the Small Business Growth Fund provides small business owners the capital they need to make their next move. Recipients will receive $5,000-$25,000 grants to help accelerate their growth and achieve their goals. Application deadline is October 27. More information here.
National Grid Small Business Impact Initiative: The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), Amplify LatinX, the Mass. LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Asian Business Empowerment Council are thrilled to collaborate with National Grid New England to offer a series of $10,000 grants to businesses based in Massachusetts. These grants can be utilized for any project aimed at fostering business growth. Application deadline is October 31. More information here.
Discover advancements in various emerging technology sectors at the 14th annual SXSW Pitch event from March 9-10, 2024 in Austin, TX. Catch a glimpse of the industry’s future as 45 interactive technology companies from 9 different categories pitch to a live audience and panel of expert judges. Applications for SXSW Pitch are now open. Applications are due November 12. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply here.
The Atomic Grant program: This program offers $1,500 microgrants to women business owners. Recipients also receive one-on-one strategy coaching sessions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with grants awarded quarterly. Applications due December 15. More information here.
Export Expo – January 25-26, 2024: Export Expo is the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the local exporting community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. More information here.
Accelerate Your Impact: Massachusetts Small Business Coaching Program: Boston Impact Initiative (BII) and Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) have partnered to offer entrepreneurs and small business owners coaching and resources to build sustainable and socially impactful businesses. More information here.
FinTech Sandbox is a nonprofit which enables financial technology entrepreneurs to build robust products by providing access to critical data, development tools and a curated network of customers, entirely for free. FinTech Sandbox is open to all startups innovating in financial services that can use financial data products we offer for product development and testing. The spirit of the program is to offer data to start-ups that could not otherwise afford it. More information here.
Venture Lane is piloting a new virtual membership called Venture Lane Connect. The membership will enable B2B startup founders based in Boston to tap into Venture Lane’s curated network, weekly programming focused on go-to-market strategy, $400K in perks like AWS and Microsoft Azure and other resources for early-stage growth. Interested B2B startup founders and their teams can sign up for the private beta here.
Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. As one of the largest pre-seed investors in the world, they funded over 3,200 companies that have gone on to have a market cap of $79B+. Each company receives up to $120,000 in funding, and access to the worldwide network of investors, hands-on mentorship, and over $4M of perks. Applications are open year-round and will be considered on a rolling basis. Your application will be valid for 12 months from the date of application. More information here.
Through its 2030 Fund, MassCEC invests at the earliest stages of company development across the climatetech landscape. With a focus on tough tech and underserved sectors, MassCEC investments aim to advance clean technology, fill funding gaps, create green jobs, and leverage private capital throughout the Commonwealth. More information here.
P&G Ventures is an early stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble that partners with entrepreneurs to accelerate billion dollar ideas that improve consumers’ lives. Focus areas include nontoxic home and garden, women’s health, anti-aging, daily wellness, and cleaning/sanitizing. More information here.
IFundWomen Boston is a crowdfunding ecosystem designed to help the women-led startups, small businesses, nonprofits, side hustles, and passion projects of Boston raise funds to launch and grow. Join iFundWomen if you are a Boston-area women-led startup to fundraise for your business and get your ideas launched. More information here.
Whole Foods Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP): Whole Foods Market is committed to supporting local suppliers. In addition to featuring local products in stores, they created the Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP) to provide fixed, low interest loans to farmers, food artisans, and emerging entrepreneurs in local communities. They are proud to support small producers through the LPLP program to help expand their businesses and deepen our commitment to local. More information here.