The Catalyst Fund
In partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Hello Alice, Mastercard is awarding $5K grants to Black entrepreneurs based in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dayton, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. to help them achieve their next milestone.
Applications Closed
About the Hello Alice Mastercard Strive program
Who
The Mastercard Strive program operated by Hello Alice is designed to provide an online platform for Black-owned small businesses in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dayton, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, St Louis, and Washington, D.C.
What
Strive was created to provide access to financial tools, access to capital, and a community of small Black businesses.
Why
Strive, an initiative of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, supports the company's In Solidarity pledge to commit $500 million over 5 years to help close the Black wealth and opportunity gap.
$5K Grants: The Catalyst Fund
Mastercard will award $175,000 in grants to Black entrepreneurs across the United States. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a for-profit business located in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dayton, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, St. Louis, and/or Washington, D.C.
- Be majority-owned (51+%) by a Black-identifying entrepreneur
- Have between 1 and 10 employees (including yourself)
- Have a clear plan for how the funds would help achieve a business milestone
The deadline for this round is March 31, 2023, at 6 p.m. ET.
For full eligibility requirements, see the Terms and Conditions. Still have questions? Read our FAQs.

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Connect to Mastercard Strive in Your City
Create a free Hello Alice account or log in to join a Mastercard Strive community for small businesses located in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dayton, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Here, small business owners can connect with each other and access a curated list of funding opportunities, tools, and educational resources to help your small business thrive.