GK Fund Grant Support Program

Mission: The GK Fund supports culturally diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting them to opportunities for sustainability, growth, and long-term success.

Focus Areas

• Community-based entrepreneurs and small businesses
• Culturally diverse entrepreneurs (BIPOC, women, veterans, and underrepresented groups)
• Businesses in gateway cities in Massachusetts
• Small business growth and sustainability

Geographic Scope

• Massachusetts, primarily gateway cities
• Partnership with Mass Development's Technical Development Initiative (TDI)

Award Information

• Award Amount: $10,000 per company
• Historical Distribution: 30+ businesses awarded
• Application Volume: 100+ applicants per cycle

Support Services Provided

• Capital: Grant funding
• Mentorship: Ongoing support and guidance
• Pro Bono Legal Counsel: Courtesy of law firm Hinckley Allen
• Access to Funding Opportunities: Connection to resources
• Networking & Resources: Connection to expertise and business environment
• Marketing Support: Available through program

Core Values

• Inclusion and allyship
• Individual agency and respect for grantee decision-making
• Access to opportunities regardless of background
• Ethical standards and fairness
• Collaborative partnerships
• Social investment in community prosperity

Eligibility (Implied)

• Community-based entrepreneurs and small businesses
• Culturally diverse founders (BIPOC, women, veterans preferred)
• Businesses seeking growth and sustainability in Massachusetts
• Alignment with grant criteria (verified in screening process)

Contact Information

Address: 529 Main Street Suite P200, Boston, MA 02129

Leadership

• Founder & Board Co-Chair: Colette Phillips
• Co-Founder: Andre Porter (Former Director, MA Office of Small Business)
• Board Chair: Evelyn Murphy

Application Process

The GK Fund uses a structured investment process with the following stages:

Stage 1: Screening

• Application reviewed for alignment with grant criteria

Stage 2: Evaluation/Due Diligence

• Grant evaluation committee conducts comprehensive review of:
  • Grant application
  • Business growth plan

Stage 3: Investment Meeting

• Grant Evaluation Committee deliberates
• Committee identifies and prepares recommendations to the board for grant disbursement

Stage 4: Capital Deployment

• GK Fund sends grant funding to winning companies
• Public announcements issued

Required Materials

• Grant application (specific format and questions not detailed on website)
• Business growth plan

Application Portal

Website indicates "APPLY NOW" button is available, but specific application URL and detailed requirements not provided in extracted content.