Visa Foundation U.S. Small Business Growth and Innovation Program: Applications Open for $100,000–$250,000 Grants to Support Small Businesses

Overview

The Visa Foundation U.S. Small Business Growth and Innovation Program commits $2 million in total grant funding to strengthen nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) across the United States. Administered by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the initiative provides flexible, 12-month funding to help mid-sized organizations expand direct services for operating small and micro businesses.

Successful recipients receive awards between $100,000 and $250,000. Funding can support business training, technical assistance, coaching, digital adoption initiatives, technology upgrades, staffing, and general operational costs to help small businesses improve resilience and sustainable growth.

Eligibility

• Must be a U.S.-based public charity with valid 501(c)(3) status, or apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.
• Must maintain an annual operating budget between $1 million and $10 million.
• Must directly provide business-support services to operating small and micro businesses, generally reaching 200 or more businesses per year.
• Must provide two years of audited financial statements and/or IRS Form 990s, plus a current board-approved operating budget for 2026 and 2027.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the designated SurveyMonkey Apply portal. Emailed submissions are not accepted. Organizations are permitted to submit only one application per EIN. Applicants should prepare all required financial documentation, review the application questions in advance, and complete their submission before the deadline.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time. Late submissions will not be considered.