Visa Foundation U.S. Small Business Growth and Innovation Program

Eligibility Criteria

The Visa Foundation U.S. Small Business Growth and Innovation Program will provide flexible 12-month grant funding to U.S.-based ESOs that directly support small and micro businesses (SMBs), helping them become more stable, resilient, competitive, and positioned for sustainable growth.

Organizations must meet the following criteria:

• U.S.-Based 501(c)(3) Organization: Organizations must be a U.S.-based public charity with a valid 501(c)(3) status and be in compliance with applicable 501(c)(3) requirements.

• U.S.-Focused Implementation: Organizations must be located in, and primarily conducting work within, the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories.

• Mid-Sized to Large Budget: Organizations must have an annual operating budget between $1 million and $10 million.

• Direct Service: Organizations must directly provide business support services, such as training, coaching, technical assistance, peer learning, or technology adoption support, that help SMBs operating in the U.S. strengthen their growth and resilience.

• Two Years of Financial Statements: Organizations must have two years of audited financial statements and/or IRS Form 990s to be considered for this program.

In addition, we will consider:

• Fiscally sponsored organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, if the fiscally sponsored organization meets all other eligibility criteria listed above.

• Local chapters of national organizations, if they have standalone 501(c)(3) status and meet all other eligibility criteria listed above.

Visa Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to define, interpret, and verify all eligibility criteria. Visa Foundation may request additional documentation to confirm eligibility at any time during or after the application process.

Geographic eligibility

United States only: 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories

Who can apply

U.S.-based nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) with valid 501(c)(3) public-charity status

Funding

US$100,000–US$250,000 per selected organization

Number of grants

Up to 12 organizations