OpenPrivate programOpen to for-profit businesses

Santander Cultivate Small Business

Santander USNo deadline listed$2,500 – $20,000

Summary

U.S. food businesses open at least a year, with 1-10 employees and $25K-$1M in revenue, can join Santander's free 12-week virtual business course. Every graduate gets a $2,500 grant and top graduates can win up to $20,000. Spring 2027 applications open soon.

About this grant

Cultivate Small Business is a free 12-week, MBA-style program for early-stage food businesses, fully funded by Santander and run with Babson College and ICIC through live virtual classes. Every participant who completes the program receives a $2,500 grant, and exemplary graduates can win awards of up to $20,000. Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort (April to June) will open soon; the program now accepts businesses anywhere in the United States.

Who can apply

  • Small businesses
  • For-profit companies

Leads an early-stage food-industry business (retail, processing, technology, manufacturing or food services)

In operation for at least one year (as of July 1, 2026 for the most recent cohort)

1-10 full-time-equivalent employees, including the entrepreneur

Revenue between $25,000 and $1,000,000 in the last calendar year

Located in the United States

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Economic development
  • In kind

Money can be used for

  • Training
  • Technical assistance
  • Working capital

Set-asides

  • Low income

Program contact

CultivateSmallBusiness@santander.us

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