GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
$50,000 per winner; 3 winners per annual cycle (plus mentorship and networking access)
The 2026 application period closed June 1, 2026. Winners announced July 27, 2026. Check the funder's site for the 2027 cycle.
FUNDING TYPE
Grant, Program
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
Only 3 winners are chosen nationally from all applicants, making this highly competitive.
Applications go through a two-round process: a panel first selects 10 finalists from video pitches, then 3 winners are chosen from those finalists. The program is national and open to all industries.
WHAT IT TAKES
Record and submit a short video pitch application — 1-3 hours
If selected as a finalist, prepare for the second round of judging — Ongoing after finalist announcement
Winners announced July 27, 2026 — N/A
WORTH KNOWING
The funder publishes a 'Judges' Best Practices Guide Video' each cycle — reviewing it is a concrete way to align your pitch with what the panel is looking for. USBC also offers free application-prep resources including business counseling and virtual training.
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