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Who: Must be a small business Deadline: Rolling - Monthly The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, they give one $500 grant to a business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required.  Applicants also receive two months of free mentoring in our virtual community, the Freed Studio. The Studio is a safe and supportive space that brings together ambitious business owners to identify and implement the practices, processes, and systems needed for sustainable growth to help them get to their first (or next) $1 million in revenue. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. Evaluation Criteria | Freed Fellowship Small Business Grant They review each grant submission against their 5C Framework which analyzes five key components that successful businesses need to navigate: Context - Why is the market in your favor? Content - What's your compelling core narrative? Community - Have you found or created a community? Chemistry - Have you found your special sauce? Commerce - How do you make money? Each applicant gets feedback in the form of their overall Freed score and recommendations to grow their business based on our review. Grantee Obligations There are no specific requirements on how to allocate the funds. Benefits This grant is for small businesses. The selected recipients will receive $500 no-strings-attached grant, one-on-one strategy session with a team of business experts, invitation to the Freed Stories podcast, one year membership in the Free Studio, and eligibility for a $2,500 year-end grant. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

$$$$ ∙ Japanese, Thai, Vegan + Vegetarian Options ⚲ Mahogany Hill, Western Road, The Island House, Nassau New Providence Island Neighborhood: Paradise Island VISIT WEBSITE > VIEW INSTAGRAM > About Shima Shima Restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas is situated on the top floor of The Island House , offering a breathtaking rooftop retreat. The restaurant showcases the vibrant, fresh flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, drawing inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Guests can enjoy their meal in the main dining room, the intimate 8-seat sushi bar, or on the spacious terrace, where they can soak in panoramic views of Lyford Cay Marina and the shimmering blue waters beyond. Another terrace hosts Bar Shima, a stylish lounge that overlooks the pool and serves creative cocktails alongside a curated selection of world-class wines. Santeka's Taste Test | Did it Pass? Shima Restaurant is an absolute must-visit! The food and service were outstanding. I dined there with a group of friends and we were seated in the main dining room. The atmosphere was incredibly romantic, with soft lighting and cozy seating that created a soothing ambiance. If you're planning to order drinks, appetizers, and a main course, expect to spend around $150 for two people. We stayed until closing and then headed downstairs to Yellowbell for drinks. I highly recommend this restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience, a romantic dinner, or a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday, or farewell dinner. It was, without a doubt, the best restaurant we experienced during our trip. The Vibe: Relaxed Cozy Romantic Upscale Menu Favorites: Crawfish & Crab Roll Speical House Roll Chicken, Corn & Shitake Dumplings Special Fried Rice Twice Cooke Beef Short Rib Bankok Street Noodles Important Tip(s): Make sure to book a reservation in advance. Please note that a 10% VAT tax and gratuity will be automatically included in the bill. Map

$$・French, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Options ⚲ West Bay Street, Nassau New Providence Island Neighborhood: Paradise Island VISIT WEBSITE > VIEW INSTAGRAM > About Nesbitt's Nesbitt’s has been a beloved institution in Nassau, Bahamas for over 40 years, serving up delicious, authentic Bahamian food to both locals and visitors alike. This popular spot is cherished by Bahamians and international guests, making it a great place to gather and enjoy a casual meal in a relaxed setting. Whether you're dining in or grabbing take-out, Nesbitt's offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes, with a special focus on flavorful fish options, boiled fish, and traditional souse. The restaurant features a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere with both air-conditioned indoor dining and a cozy terrace for outdoor seating, allowing you to choose the environment that suits you best. For those looking for some entertainment, the back room offers a game of pool, and music lovers can enjoy a diverse selection of tunes on the jukebox, featuring classic songs from the sixties and beyond. Nesbitt's is located in Delaporte, in the western district of Nassau, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful ocean view. Whether you're visiting for a quick bite or planning to unwind with friends, Nesbitt’s is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Bahamian flavors in a welcoming, community-focused setting. Santeka's Taste Test | Did it Pass? If you're looking for an affordable, no-frills dining experience in Nassau, Bahamas, Nesbitt's is an absolute must-visit. It was by far the most budget-friendly spot we came across during our trip, offering great value without sacrificing taste or quality. The restaurant features an extensive menu with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you're sure to find something to satisfy everyone in your group. Nesbitt's isn’t a fancy, upscale restaurant, but that's part of its charm. It's the kind of place you'd find back home—your favorite diner, a cozy hole-in-the-wall, or a friendly local mom-and-pop eatery. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal. The restaurant is clean and well-kept, and we were pleased with the good customer service and quick food delivery. We visited on a Saturday afternoon when it wasn’t too crowded, so our food came out in no time. While they did run out of a few items during our visit, it wasn’t a big issue, as the menu has so many other delicious options to choose from. If you're looking for a place that offers a hearty meal at an affordable price, Nesbitt’s is the place to go—you’ll definitely get the most bang for your buck here. It’s a true local gem that’s perfect for a relaxed, satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The Vibe: Cozy Relaxed Casual Island vibe No frills Down-home fare Important Tip(s) : Some Google reviews have mentioned that service can be slow. It might be a good idea to call ahead if you're planning to visit for dinner or if you're in a hurry. Map

Who: Must be Black-owned, Must have between 2-15 employees Deadline: October 16, 2024 Black entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers when it comes to accessing funding to grow their businesses. For the third year in a row, Fifteen Percent Pledge is partnering with Shop with Google to provide $250,000 in grant funding to unlock the next horizon of growth for three Black-owned businesses. The winner of the Achievement Award will also receive mentoring and pro-bono consulting services from industry leaders. All awardees will receive complimentary tickets to their 2025 Gala. The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a racial equity and economic justice non-profit organization addressing the inequities that exist throughout the American consumer economy and working towards closing the racial wealth gap. In recognition that Black people in the U.S. compromise nearly 15% of the population, the Fifteen Percent Pledge calls on major retailers and corporations to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to support Black-owned businesses. Evaluation Criteria | FPP Achievement Grant for Black Entrepreneurs All applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community Must be an E-commerce business with a minimum annual revenue of $100K Must be Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity in the company Must have between 2-15 employees, including the founder Must have a presence on Google Shopping Grantee Obligations Please visit the grant website to review the details, rules, and specifications. Benefits Each recipient of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Grant for Black Entrepreneurs will receive: Grants ranging from $15,000 to $2o0,000 Winner will receive $200,000, in addition to mentorship and pro-bono consulting services 1st Runner Up will receive $35,000 2nd Runner Up will receive $15,000 Complimentary tickets to their 2025 Gala Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must be owned and operated by or produce content and products for BIPOC, disability plus-size and LGBTQIA+ communities Deadline: September 25, 2024 For its fourth year, the Pinterest Inclusion Fund is evolving to support more diverse content producers on the platform. After three inspiring years of teaching creators and content producers how to grow, connect and succeed on Pinterest, the program will now support small merchants, creator agencies and independent lifestyle publishers that are either owned and operated or create content or products for historically underrepresented communities. With this expansion, the incubator program will focus on connecting inclusive and inspirational ideas and products from diverse content producers to the people on Pinterest looking to be inspired by them—ultimately bringing more diverse and inclusive content to the platform. Evaluation Criteria | Pinterest Inclusion Fund All applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a small merchant, independent lifestyle publisher, or creator agency Must be owned and operated by or produce content and products for BIPOC, disability plus-size and LGBTQIA+ communities Grantee Obligations If awarded you must agree to the following conditions: You agree to attend educational sessions, apply learnings to current and future Pinterest content through various ingestion tools, and consider Pinterest an integral part of their content strategy.  Participants must also sign a Pinterest agreement You must commit to six virtual sessions and office hours, and create content as part of the program Benefits Participants will receive a cash grant, ad credits, personalized resources for enhancing shoppable and actionable content, and hands-on learning sessions with Pinterest and industry experts. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must identify as an underrepresented woman, must be 51% owned by underrepresented women founder(s) Deadline: October 9, 2024 The Black Girl Ventures NYC Pitch program (funding for entrepreneurs) flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: they coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, and then connect you to community and professionals to support you on your journey. They democratize funding by allowing the audience to vote with their dollars using their Raisify platform for the founders whose pitch they favor. Each founder has 3 minutes to pitch and a 2 minute Q&A from the audience.   The person with the most votes wins (not the most money raised). The live crowdfunding event is high energy, fun, and focused in a supportive environment that includes the community in being part of the entrepreneurial journey. Evaluation Criteria | Black Girl Ventures NYC Pitch Program Funding for Entrepreneurs All applicants must meet the following criteria: You identify as an underrepresented woman Your business is revenue generating Your business is 51% owned by underrepresented women founder(s) Your business must be in good standing Grantee Obligations There are no specific requirements on how to allocate the funds. Benefits Selected recipients will receive: 30K in cash prizes Membership to the BGV Universe through the Alumni program where you will gain access to capital, connections, resources, and exclusive updates and offerings. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must self identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary folks) Deadline: Rolling SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants for Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs . Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams. They know this is a small start, and are hopeful that it will grow. They believe in a brighter future where the next world changing business does not go unrealized because of systemic discrimination. Evaluation Criteria | SoGal Startup Grant for Black women All applicants must meet the following criteria: Self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary folks) Have a legally registered business Plan to seek investor financing in order to scale, now or in the future Have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion dollar business. Benefits SoGal Foundation will award the SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs in the amounts of 10K and $5K cash grants. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must self identify as woman entrepreneur with an established business. Business must be entrepreneurs full-time job. Must be a U.S. Citizen Deadline: April 8, 2024 The Enthuse Foundation is offering a series of $2,500 financial grants to assist women entrepreneurs with critical business needs. 8 Grants Total | $2,500 1919 Investment Counsel Business Tools Grant Alera Group Business Insurance Grant Alliant Retirement Grant B.T.R. Nation Childcare Grant C/OLABWORKS Rainy Day Grant Cross Agency Healthcare Grant Enthuse Marketing Digital Marketing Grant Inspira Tequila Community Building Grant Evaluation Criteria | EF Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs All applicants must meet the following criteria: Identify as a woman entrepreneur with an established business Business must be entrepreneur’s full-time job Prove use of funds Be a U.S. Citizen If selected, submit Required New Vendor Forms Application Requirements A complete application will include the following information: Demonstrate financial need Strength of interview and written answers A clear plan for the use of grant Benefits The Enthuse Foundation's grant program aims to solve challenges women entrepreneurs face directly. Each awardee will receive $2,500 to be used as outlined by their specific grant. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must be minority-owned Deadline: On-going Justworks is committed to confronting and dismantling systemic racism and inequity in opportunity for entrepreneurs. Through the Just Thrive Program, they are offering up to $6,000 in assistance for HR and payroll. This program is for you if your business has at least 50% ownership by someone who is a member of an underrepresented group. The Just Thrive program was started with the mission to create more equitable access to the basic business infrastructure that companies need to get up and running. Racism and bias are still very real obstacles, which is why Justworks is committed to leveling the playing field and supporting others in that effort. Small businesses and nonprofits have an especially important role to play in how we all enact change and create equity. Through the Just Thrive program, Justworks hopes to confront and dismantle obstacles for minority entrepreneurs. Evaluation Criteria | JT Program Funding for Minority-owned Businesses All applicants must meet the following criteria: Must have at least 50% ownership by someone who is a member of an underrepresented group Must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on eradicating racism Grantee Obligations Please visit the grant website to review the details, rules, and specifications. Benefits Each recipient of the Just Thrive Program funding for minority-owned businesses will receive $6,000. Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

Who: Must identify as a woman, must be 18 years of age or older Deadline: September 22, 2024 digitalundivided's BREAKTHROUGH Program, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase's Advancing Black Pathways, provides founders with a deeper understanding of their customers, startup funding, growth marketing strategies, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures. Each company accepted into the program will receive a $5,000 grant*. Evaluation Criteria | BP Startup Funding All applicants must meet the following criteria: Identify as a woman Be 18 years of age or older Have a business registered for at least a year Have a majority ownership of an established business with traction Have a technology component incorporated in business (website or mobile app) Generate a minimum of $50,000 annual business revenue Benefits Select founders will receive: A $5,000 grant* Guidance on scaling and expanding their business in virtual live sessions led by industry leaders Feedback and insights from experienced mentors and advisors A deeper understanding of the tools and resources necessary for establishing banking relationships Access to digitalundivided’s community of diverse entrepreneurs Increased visibility and recognition in the entrepreneurial ecosystem Business Advisory Sessions and post-program support Are you ready to grow your business? Check out The Creator Parlor® for on-demand educational videos, free digital resources, and so much that will help you reach your business goals!

$$・French, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Options ⚲ West Bay Street Sandyport, Nassau New Providence Island Neighborhood: Paradise Island VISIT WEBSITE > VIEW INSTAGRAM > MAKE A RESERVATION > About Blue Sail Blue Sail Restaurant & Beach Bar is nestled on the stunning Sandyport Beach offering breathtaking views of the sparkling ocean. This charming beachfront eatery serves an eclectic mix of mouthwatering dishes, with a special focus on their immensely popular wood-oven pizzas, which are a fan favorite. The menu features a delightful combination of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, each infused with a distinctive French flair that adds a unique twist to the flavors. These exquisite offerings are beautifully complemented by a selection of classic Bahamian dishes, bringing together the best of both worlds. Whether you're craving a fresh seafood dish, a flavorful pizza, or a traditional Bahamian meal, Blue Sail offers a dining experience that perfectly blends international influences with local ingredients, all served with a side of stunning ocean views. Santeka's Taste Test | Did it Pass? The food at Blue Sail in Nassau, Bahamas was absolutely delicious. We decided to sample a variety of items from the menu, and each dish exceeded our expectations. The flavors were fresh, and the preparation was top-notch. While the customer service was a bit slow, the staff was exceptionally kind and made sure we felt taken care of throughout our meal. We arrived for an early dinner, and being just steps away from the beach, we were able to walk right down to the shore after our meal, which added a lovely touch to the evening. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and we opted to sit outside to enjoy the breeze and take in the stunning views of the ocean. The atmosphere was laid-back and peaceful, providing the perfect setting for a relaxed dinner by the water. As for the drinks, they were decent but didn’t quite match the price point. I don’t mind paying a premium for a well-crafted cocktail, but unfortunately, the drinks here didn’t quite hit the mark. I wouldn’t recommend the signature cocktails, as they were overly sugary. I personally ordered the sangria, but it was more like a sweet fruit punch than a classic sangria. I could barely taste the red wine or liquor, and it seemed like the recipe had been altered with ingredients that didn’t resemble traditional sangria at all. Despite the disappointment with the drinks, the food was so enjoyable that we would definitely return to Blue Sail. The combination of great food, beautiful views, and the relaxed beachside vibe makes it a spot worth revisiting, though I’d probably stick to a simpler beverage next time. The Vibe: Casual Laid-back Oasis atmosphere Ocean views Beach access Menu Favorites: Curried Shrimps Crunch Roll Bahamian Hot Pizza Wagyu Beef Burger Important Tip(s): I recommend opting for beer, wine, or simple two-ingredient cocktails, as these tend to be a better choice than the more complex drinks on the menu. Map

$$・Asian ⚲ Mahogany Hill, Western Road, The Island House, Nassau New Providence Island Neighborhood: Paradise Island VISIT WEBSITE > VIEW INSTAGRAM > About Yellowbell Yellowbell is a stylish and vibrant craft cocktail bar located within The Island House in the Bahamas, created in collaboration with the renowned cocktail experts at Bon Vivants . This chic spot combines expertly crafted drinks with a unique and inviting atmosphere, where no detail is overlooked. The bar's decor is a work of art in itself, blending contemporary design with an eye-catching, colorful aesthetic that makes it a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. The space exudes energy while maintaining a relaxed, upscale vibe, making it the perfect setting for both a casual evening out or a special celebration. The drink menu at Yellowbell is thoughtfully organized by drink style—cubed, crushed, sparkling, and up—as well as flavor profile, which includes fruity, spicy, sour, and more. This structure allows guests to easily find the perfect drink based on their mood or taste preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, a smoky concoction, or a fruity delight, there’s something to suit every taste. Each drink is carefully crafted with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that every sip is a true reflection of the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas. In addition to its exceptional cocktails, Yellowbell also offers a selection of breakfast and lunch favorites, providing the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed meal in a stylish setting. The menu features dishes like the indulgent Vanilla Brioche French Toast, perfectly poached Eggs Benedict, and crispy Lobster Tempura, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is prepared with the same attention to detail as the cocktails, ensuring a memorable dining experience from start to finish. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning bite or a mid-day cocktail, Yellowbell promises a delightful and elevated experience for all the senses. Santeka's Taste Test | Did it Pass? If you're in the Nassau, Bahamas, you absolutely can't miss Yellowbell. After enjoying a delicious dinner at Shima , the incredible restaurant located on the top floor of The Island House, we headed over to Yellowbell for a nightcap. We decided to sit on the outside patio, which turned out to be the perfect spot to enjoy drinks under the stars, with a stunning backdrop that made the experience even more memorable. The ambiance was laid-back yet sophisticated, offering a wonderful setting to unwind. The staff at Yellowbell was exceptionally attentive, ensuring we felt well taken care of throughout our visit. The cocktails were fantastic, each one crafted with precision and flair, showcasing a mix of local flavors and fresh ingredients. One of the highlights of the bar was the colorful, artistic interior, which offered a vibrant and welcoming vibe. There was also a great variety of seating options, from intimate spots to more open areas, allowing guests to choose their ideal setting based on their mood. While we were there just for drinks, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would be to come back during the day for breakfast or lunch. The menu looked amazing, and I’m sure the relaxed atmosphere would be perfect for a leisurely meal. I also imagine it would be a great place to work remotely or read a book, with its cozy yet lively environment. I’ll definitely make it a point to visit Yellowbell again on my next trip to The Bahamas. A great bonus is that you don't need to be a guest at The Island House to visit either Yellowbell or Shima, making it accessible to anyone looking for an exceptional experience. If you're in Nassau, don't miss out on this hidden gem! The Vibe: Casual Laid-back Intimate Vibrant Great for remote work Menu Favorites: Cocktails Important Tip(s): A 10% VAT tax and gratuity will be automatically included in the bill. Map