Apply for a Small Business Catalyst Fund Grant

The Small Business Catalyst Fund offers grants to small businesses located throughout Fifth Third’s geographic footprint, with priority given to businesses located within the Neighborhood Program communities. The grant awards of $5,300 can be used for working capital, technical assistance, or other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business. Also, because it’s a grant, it doesn’t need to be repaid!

Applications will be accepted between Oct. 31 - Dec. 13, 2024. Once the application window closes, each submission will be reviewed and applicants that advance to the second round of evaluation will be contacted to provide additional information about their business. Please note, grant demand is anticipated to greatly exceed the available grant funds.

how it works

Complete the initial grant application.

Provide additional information/documentation if your application meets initial review requirements. This information will be reviewed to determine your eligibility.

Receive grant funds if your application is approved and program grant funds remain.

Qualifications

To be eligible for a Small Business Catalyst Fund grant, you must operate a business within one of the program’s focus neighborhoods:

Arlington Wood, Indianapolis, IN
Avondale, Cincinnati, OH
Buckeye, Cleveland, OH
East Tampa, Tampa, FL
Grove Park, Atlanta, GA
Historic West End, Charlotte, NC
Near East Side, Columbus, OH
Russell, Louisville, KY
South Chicago, Chicago, IL

Here’s what you’ll need to be prepared to submit the grant application:

Federal Tax Return (2023) or Personal returns that include a schedule C for the business
Government Issued ID (Colored Copy)
Voided Business Check