The Emerging Entrepreneur Program (EEP) is a transformative 9-month initiative designed to equip and empower entrepreneurs.
Donor Name: Black United Fund of Oregon
State: Oregon, Washington
County: Clark County (WA)
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 08/13/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
Through this program, participants will develop a robust 5-year business plan, learn to raise capital and create a roadmap for scaling their business and adding jobs to the local economy. The EEP offers personalized attention, specialized expertise, and essential resources to a select cohort of four driven and ambitious entrepreneurs.
The primary goal of the EEP is to accelerate the participants’ knowledge acquisition and practical application while providing essential capital support to propel their businesses to new heights. By focusing on the unique needs of Black and BIPOC business owners, the program aims to create a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. An ‘Emerging Entrepreneur’ is defined as someone who has been in business for no more than 5 years.
Throughout the program, participants will receive a stipend of up to $8,000 and benefit from invaluable business consulting services offered by Morant McLeod and a distinguished Board of Advisors. The program is structured into three key stages:
- Stage One
- During this initial phase, entrepreneurs will begin building their business plans, which includes a competitive analysis, budget development, and the creation of a compelling pitch deck.
- Stage Two
- Entrepreneurs will engage in regular meetings with their assigned advisors, allowing them to refine their budgets and pitch decks further. This personalized guidance and feedback will help fine-tune their business strategies and ensure greater success.
- Stage Three
- The culmination of the program involves participants delivering a comprehensive 5-year budget and a final pitch deck, showcasing their refined business plans and growth trajectories.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- An Entrepreneur whose current business is 1- 5 years old.
- An Entrepreneur whose business is incorporated with an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp status.
- An Entrepreneur who is ready to scale their business.
- An Entrepreneur who is hungry for constructive information and accountability from successful entrepreneurs.
- Resides in the state of Oregon or Clark County Washington.
- Commitment to approximately 9 months of receiving monthly consultation with up to 5 Business Advisors, bi-weekly meetings with the CJE Director, and 6-8 hours of weekly independent learning/business plan work. (Meetings are virtual)
- Entrepreneurs must be willing to participate in a pitch competition on June 4, 2026.
For more information, visit Black United Fund of Oregon.
