Rock County Jumpstart Grant Program

Overview:

The Rock County Jumpstart Grant Program aims to provide financial support to Jumpstart members who have completed the Accelerator or Incubator programs. It also includes mini-grants for active members needing emergency financial assistance to maintain and grow their business operations.

1. Completion Grants

Purpose:

To reward and support Jumpstart members who have successfully completed the Accelerator or Incubator program phases.

Grant Awards:

  • Accelerator Completion Grant: up to $5,000
  • Incubator Completion Grant: $750

Eligibility:

  • Must be a Jumpstart member who has completed all required phases of the Accelerator or Incubator program.

Application Process:

  • Submit a completion report detailing progress and outcomes achieved during the program.
  • Provide a budget breakdown on how funds will be used.
  • Participate in a post-program interview or evaluation session.

Selection Criteria:

  • Accelerator grants are distributed after pitch participation and to winners of the pitch event
  • Incubator grants are distributed after members have completed all required phases of the program

Disbursement:

  • Grants are awarded within 90 days of program completion, following the submission and approval of required documents.

2. Emergency Mini-Grants

Purpose:

To provide rapid financial assistance to Jumpstart members facing unexpected expenses that could impact business operations, such as rent, marketing, equipment purchase/repair, and event participation.

Grant Awards:

  • Up to $1500 per mini-grant.
  • Members can apply for multiple mini-grants per year, with a maximum cumulative amount of $3000 per business.

Eligibility:

  • Must be an active member of Rock County Jumpstart, in good standing.
  • Must demonstrate a financial need for emergency assistance directly related to business operations.

Application Process:

  • Submit a brief application outlining the financial need, how the funds will be used, and the expected impact on business continuity.
  • Provide any relevant supporting documents, such as invoices, bills, or quotes for equipment repairs.

Selection Criteria:

  • Urgency and impact of the need on business operations.
  • How the mini-grant will enable the business to overcome immediate challenges.
  • Applicant’s ongoing commitment to the Jumpstart program.

Disbursement:

  • Mini-grants are reviewed on a rolling basis, with disbursements typically made within 30 days of application approval.

3. Program Requirements & Accountability

Eligibility for Both Grants:

  • Must be a member of Rock County Jumpstart for at least three months and actively participating in the program offerings.
  • Members must agree to report back on how the funds were utilized and participate in follow-up assessments.

Reporting and Documentation:

  • Recipients are required to submit a brief report within three months of receiving the grant funds, detailing how the funds were used and the impact on their business.
  • Recipients may be invited to share their progress at Rock County Jumpstart events or through the newsletter to inspire other members and strengthen the community.

This Rock County Jumpstart grant program is designed to support its members by rewarding achievements while providing a safety net for unforeseen expenses. 

If you have questions regarding our grant program, please contact Genia Stevens at 608.473.7877

Contact Us

Our Partners

Wisconsin Department of Administration Blackhawk Technical College Madison College Center for Enrtrepreneurship
Center for Community Stewardship     Alliant Energy     Collaboration for Good

Associated Bank      SBDC University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse


Rock County Jumpstart is a fiscally sponsored project of
Center for Community Stewardship (C4CS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.



Rock County Jumpstart
2080 Sutler Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511
hello@rockcountyjumpstart.org
608.473.7877

Rock County Jumpstart is a business resource for Black business owners in Rock County, WI.