Question 1

Who Qualifies for the PBZ grants and or mentoring?

Accepted Answer

PBZ’s target audience is entrepreneurs who have informal businesses. These businesses could be run from your home, considered a side hustle, are done in conjunction with a full-time job etc. Generally, these entrepreneurs have not been involved in a formal training program or received grants or funding in the past. They probably do not have an attorney or CPA. These entrepreneurs need a small ‘break’ to go ‘formal’ or ‘legit’, possibly quitting their full-time job, a deposit on an office space, an attorney to incorporate, a consultant to help with a business plan etc. The businesses are generally not start-ups.

The entrepreneurs are BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) with a focus on women of color.  These entrepreneurs currently reside in underserved areas such as lower wealth urban and rural areas. Their lives could be affected by incarceration, violence, or other types of strife. The final decisions will be at the discretion of PBZ’s board and/or Chair-Founder.

Question 2

When I will be notified if I have been awarded or receive mentoring?

Accepted Answer

We review grants 2-3 times per year. Applicants should receive notification that your grant has been received within 5 days of submission. We make every attempt at this notification to provide details on the timing of the review process. If you have additional questions regarding timing please send an email to info@poweredbyzerret.org

Question 3

How many grants will you award?

Accepted Answer

Our resources are limited, the grants can range in the amount of $500-$5,000. Most will be from $500-$2,000 based on the information received from each potential grantee. We suggest you be as specific as possible about each element of your request. In some quarters we anticipate we will give between 1-10 less grants. In some cycles we may not award grants. The final decisions will be at the discretion of PBZ’s board and/or Chair-Founder.

Question 4

If I am awarded a grant, will I immediately get mentoring?"

Accepted Answer

No. These decisions are separate, and you should apply for each if you desire. In some cases, we might offer mentoring or referrals to applicants who are not awarded a grant. We may also offer mentoring to awardees who have not requested. The final decisions will be at the discretion of PBZ’s board and/or Chair-Founder.

Question 5

If I am declined, can I reapply?"

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 6

Can I reapply if I am awarded a grant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is highly unlikely you will receive another grant as PBZ’s resources are limited and the expectation is the funding and or other support providing will lead you to a ‘formal’ business model. The final decisions will be at the discretion of PBZ’s board and/or Chair-Founder.

Question 7

Does my non-profit qualify?

Accepted Answer

In rare cases we will provide grants to nonprofits with compatible visions, PBZ’s preference is to give directly to entrepreneurs. The final decisions will be at the discretion of PBZ’s board and/or Chair-Founder.

Frequently Asked Questions