Announcing the Seed to Scale Grant presented by Nordstrom!
Announcing the Seed to Scale Grant presented by Nordstrom, a new initiative designed to uplift early-stage BIPOC- and women-owned businesses across the country. This grant program offers funding, storytelling support, and recognition to help founders scale their businesses on their own terms.
Selected recipients will receive:
- $10,000 in flexible grant funding to invest in areas of highest need
- Brand spotlight opportunities across 15PP’s digital channels
Despite making up a significant portion of the entrepreneurial landscape, BIPOC and women-owned businesses remain critically underfunded. With this micro grant program, Nordstrom is directly investing in the future of retail equity.
Each month from September 2025 to March 2026, one recipient will be selected and featured across Fifteen Percent Pledge’s community-facing platforms.
We’re looking for emerging founders who are:
- Leading product focused and U.S.-based businesses making less than $500K in annual revenue
- Prioritizing community impact in their business model
- Ready to grow and eager to connect with new audiences
- Part of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community
- Based in the United States
Your business deserves funding. Your story deserves to be shared.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community (BEC)
- Must be at least 51% BIPOC- or women-owned
- Must be based in the U.S.
- Must have annual revenue under $500,000
- Must demonstrate how community impact is central to their business model
- Must sell a product or good
- Must have been in business for at least one year
Selection Criteria
- Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Founder’s passion, purpose, and story
- Demonstrated business need and clarity around how funds will support growth
- Potential for broader community engagement and brand amplification
- Alignment with the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s mission and values
Process and Timeline
Applications will be reviewed by a joint committee composed of members from the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Nordstrom. Finalists will be selected based on eligibility, alignment, and overall impact potential.
July 1
Applications Open
Applications Open
August 1
Applications Close
Applications Close
September 2025 to March 2026
Recipient Announcements: One grantee will be selected and announced monthly
Recipient Announcements: One grantee will be selected and announced monthly
See FAQs for more information. Got additional questions? Email brands@15pp.org.
About the Fifteen Percent Pledge
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. In 2022, the Pledge was the recipient of Fast Company's Most Innovative Company of the Year Award.
For more than four years, Fifteen Percent Pledge has been working alongside major corporations to re-evaluate their organizational structures, funding streams, and supply chains, in order to create new economic opportunities and greater equity for Black businesses.
To date, more than 30 corporate partners have helped us create the potential to shift $14B to Black businesses. Despite this progress, there is still so much work to do to ensure an inclusive economy and an equitable future for Black entrepreneurs.
Donations
Are you are a founder, venture capitalist, corporate employee, or other leader who wants to invest or contribute to funding a grant for a Black business owner?
Individuals can also donate here to support the Pledge's general operations and long-term organizational growth.