Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

XI Survive & Thrive

Organization: Exponential Impact (XI)

Geographic Scope: Colorado Springs and El Paso County, Colorado

Program Type: Business recovery and growth support program

    Program Origin & Evolution

  • Emerged in March 2020 as rapid response to COVID-19 pandemic
  • Evolved to address ongoing needs of small business community
  • Continues to support businesses struggling with economic challenges

    Program Focus

  • Support for businesses affected by economic hardship
  • Emphasis on underrepresented founders disproportionately affected by pandemic
  • Early responder model for businesses facing immediate needs

    Core Components

  • Community: Connection and networking
  • Capacity Building: Business development and training
  • Access to Capital: Funding and financial support

    Support Services

  • Eight-week programming and curriculum
  • Expert business sessions
  • Mentor workshops
  • Financial foundation development
  • Business planning and strategy
  • Visibility and storytelling support

    Funding History

  • Survive and Thrive: Propel COS (2022): $1.2 million awarded to 53 local businesses
  • - Grants up to $50,000 - Average grant size: $22,650 - Funded through City of Colorado Springs American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation - Received over 250 applications - Recipients located throughout Colorado Springs (19 zip codes) - Industries served: hospitality, retail, personal service, manufacturing
  • Club Q Tragedy Relief Fund (2022): $40,750 fund
  • - Partnership with Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade - For businesses affected by November 19, 2022 Club Q shooting - Grants awarded in $5,000 increments - Independent volunteer business leaders review applications
  • U.S. Economic Development Administration Grant (2023): $400,000 Economic Adjustment Assistance grant
  • - Matched by $74,650 in local investment - Supports program advancement for economic recovery - Previous iterations achieved: $2.3 million in loans resulting in $156 million ROI and 220 jobs supported

Contact & More Information

Website: exponentialimpact.com/SurviveAndThrive

Mission: Support small business recovery and resilience while building equitable outcomes for underrepresented entrepreneurs

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Overview: Multi-phase review process
2. Assistance Available: In-person application assistance sessions offered
3. Submission: Applications submitted through program website
4. Review: Applications reviewed by independent volunteer business leaders
5. Selection Criteria: Demonstrated need, business viability, alignment with program goals

    In-Person Application Support

  • Scheduled application assistance sessions available
  • Guidance on strengthening applications
  • Questions and concerns addressed
  • Located at Exponential Impact HQ or online

Note: Specific required forms, narrative questions, and detailed application materials not provided in source materials

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

small-businessescapacity-building

Categories

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