WHAT IS FRESH FUND?
Courier Fresh Fund is a US $150,000 fund of cash grants for black business owners in the UK and US who have great ideas to start or grow a business. Winners receive a cash grant between US $10,000 and US $20,000 to use towards a key activity in starting or growing their business. In addition to the grant, winners participate in the Fresh Fund program, which includes one-on-one mentorship from a relevant founder and a series of masterclasses.
WHO WE ARE
Courier is the defining media brand for a new generation who want to live and work on their own terms. In 2020, we wrote an open letter declaring our support for Black Lives Matter. We believe that every voice raised against racism can help make a difference, but that words must also be followed by action. The Fresh Fund is just one of the ways we are looking to take responsibility and address the injustices that millions of black business owners face every day.
WHO YOU ARE
- You must be a resident of the US or UK.
- You must self-identify as black.
- You must be aged 35 or under.
- You must complete the application process.
- You must be willing to have your story told in Courier's print, audio and digital outlets.
- If the person submitting an application is the founder of a business, then that business must be based in the US or UK.
Additional requirements apply. Please see the full terms and conditions here.
Get seen by these talented judges and business owners who have experienced it all.
Foday Dumbuya
Patrick Boateng
Sharmadean Reid
Kwame Taylor-Hayford
Pinky Cole
Freddie Harrel
The Courier Fresh Fund launched the summer of 2020 with a total funding pot of US $50,000 (and it was pretty awesome!). Each of the seven winners received a minimum of US $5,000 in cash grants, plus a wealth of support and a new, entrepreneurial community to propel their ventures.
And they’ve been busy since…