Equity Fund

Geographic Scope: Twin Cities/Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area of Minnesota; serves Upper Midwest including Wisconsin

Focus Areas:

• Support for LGBTQ+ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Small business development and growth
• Economic empowerment of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities

Eligibility:

• LGBTQ+ BIPOC owned small businesses
• Entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest region

What They Fund:

• Direct grant awards to businesses
• Participation in Equity Fund Cohort Program
• Business education and networking sessions (monthly)
• Professional development and peer support
• Membership in Quorum (MN LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce)

Program Details:

• FY26 awarded $80,000 total to 16 grantees ($5,000 each)
• 44 total applications submitted for FY26
• 16 selected (6 returning organizations, 10 new recipients)
• Community review panel: 18 volunteers, 100% BIPOC and LGBTQ+
• Program launched during pandemic to support struggling LGBTQ+ small businesses
• Proven track record: participating businesses have added jobs, increased pay, strengthened queer economy

Funding Sources (FY26): Minneapolis Foundation (primary), Steven Walker, Hugh J. Anderson Foundation, Bigelow Foundation

Application Process

1. Submit application during open application period
2. Community review panel evaluates all applications (18 volunteer panelists, 100% BIPOC and LGBTQ+)
3. Selection of grantees based on review panel recommendations
4. Awards announced (FY26 announced December 2025)
5. Cohort participation begins post-award

Program Includes:

• Monthly business education and networking sessions facilitated by PFund
• Membership in Quorum (MN LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce)
• Access to peer support network

Note: Check website for FY27 application period and deadline