Across the United States, small and micro businesses (SMBs) play a critical role in driving economic opportunity, job creation, and community prosperity. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges accessing the training, resources, and support needed to grow and remain competitive in an evolving economy.
To help address these needs, Visa Foundation is committing $2M to launch an open-call grant program that will support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) that provide direct services to SMBs. Through this program, Visa Foundation aims to strengthen the capacity of high-impact organizations that help small businesses build greater resilience, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to thriving local economies.
The program is being administered by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), which will oversee the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and grantmaking activities.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM PT. Eligibility requirements and applicant FAQs may be found here. If you would like to see a list of the application questions in PDF form, you can find them linked here.
We look forward to learning more about your organization and the important work you do to support small businesses across the country.
U.S. Small Business Growth and Innovation Program
Across the United States, small and micro businesses (SMBs) play a critical role in driving economic opportunity, job creation, and community prosperity. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges accessing the training, resources, and support needed to grow and remain competitive in an evolving economy.
To help address these needs, Visa Foundation is committing $2M to launch an open-call grant program that will support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) that provide direct services to SMBs. Through this program, Visa Foundation aims to strengthen the capacity of high-impact organizations that help small businesses build greater resilience, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to thriving local economies.
The program is being administered by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), which will oversee the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and grantmaking activities.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM PT. Eligibility requirements and applicant FAQs may be found here. If you would like to see a list of the application questions in PDF form, you can find them linked here.
We look forward to learning more about your organization and the important work you do to support small businesses across the country.