The Dream Investment Program
aims to support 20-25 Black girls and Black women entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge of the tools and systems necessary for longevity and fostering an ecosystem of support. This program addresses critical areas for business success, including:
Financial investment
Business mentorship
Entrepreneurial training and education
ABOUT Program
Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) are leaders empowering Black girls and women in the South. We are excited to launch our innovative Dream Investment Program, a groundbreaking initiative to support and elevate Black girls and women entrepreneurs. Developed in partnership with Kindred Futures, formerly Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, and supported with a Kellogg Foundation grant, the program will provide 25 current and aspiring business owners with financial investment, business mentorship, and entrepreneurial training and education.
The Dream Investment Program extends Southern Black Girls’ ongoing commitment to fostering economic empowerment and leadership development. This initiative activates the organization’s Innovation Fund grant cycle, demonstrating its dedication to exploring new and innovative ways to support Black girls and women.
The Dream Investment Program is for Young and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses through Training, education, Mentorship, and Financial Investment.
Southern Black Girl and Women’s Consortium will select 15 Young Entrepreneurs and 10 Early-Stage Entrepreneurs to embark on a 16-week education journey with a dynamic ecosystem of Experts to help them take their dreams to the next level.
A graduation ceremony will be for participants who complete the Dream Investment Program during the 2025 Black Girls Dream Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June 2025. Program graduates will be awarded a seed investment towards their business.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
THE DREAM INVESTMENT PROGRAM:
Young Entrepreneurs will receive $1,000
Early Stage Entrepreneurs will receive $5,000
WHO CAN APPLY
For Young Entrepreneur DIP:
- Entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 12 -18 that:
- Reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia; and
- Are a part of historically marginalized and/or economically disadvantaged persons based on race, ethnicity and/or sex and in alignment with SBGWC’s mission.
For Early Stage Business DIP:
- Entrepreneurs/Business owners ages 19 and up who are in the early stages of business (2-5 years) that:
- Reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia; and
- Are a part of historically marginalized and/or economically disadvantaged persons based on race, ethnicity and/or sex and in alignment with SBGWC’s mission.
Business Eligibility
- Must be a for-profit business located in one of the 13 Southeastern United States served by Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium,
- Business activities must be legal and lawful according to applicable laws, statutes, codes, rules and regulations of its industry and within the region of its service area.
- Have a commitment to Black girls and women in the South.
- Have a clear plan for how the funds will help achieve a significant growth milestone in the next year.
registration is closed
NOVEMBER 1, 2024 – NOVEMBER 30, 2024
Demographic
The purpose of the Southern Black Girl and Women Consortium (SBGWC) and the Dream Investment Program is to offer financial investment, business mentorship, and entrepreneurial training and education to Black girls and women who have been traditionally overlooked, underinvested in, and lack opportunities to innovate and explore entrepreneurship.
Residence
Applicant must be a resident of one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, [Texas], Virginia or West Virginia
Service Location
The business must offer goods and/or services in one or more of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
Excluded Industries/Types of Business
Businesses and/or business concepts that are considered illegal or unlawful in their jurisdiction and/or that can be construed as adverse to the health, safety, and/or well-being of Black women and girls are not eligible for inclusion in the Dream Investment Program.
Legal
Business must be lawful and in good standing according to applicable laws, statutes, codes, rules and regulations of its industry and region. Applicant’s business activities shall not infringe on the rights of any other party, including but not limited to the unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property of others or in violation of any imposed restrictions.
The Southern Black Girls Mighty Network
Visit this online community to learn about new opportunities, or to catch up with other SBGWC partners.
