Investment programs

Business Assistance Fund

Purpose
The Business Assistance Grant Fund is designed to help black and minority-owned businesses prosper and grow, so that they can continue to provide jobs in Palm Beach County.  The grants will provide qualifying businesses with funding up to $2,500 to help cover costs associated with improving their business operations. This grant can only be awarded once to any business, its affiliates or owners.  Examples of projects that can be paid for with the grants are: creating new jobs, business consulting services, marketing plans, working capital to bridge a financial crisis or contract and business systems upgrades.   

Grant Investment Criteria
While the merits of each grant award will vary,  projects will be evaluated based on the information provided in the application and the statement by the applicant demonstrating how funding this project will provide gain employment to individuals in Palm Beach County, stimulate economic growth, expand local business opportunities or aid in urban redevelopment.

Additional eligibility criteria will include the following:
Type and Location of Business 
Economic Impact of Project
Management Experience 
Owner Investment in Project 
Use of funds 

Submission Process
Applicants interested in consideration for an investment through the Business Assistance Grant Fund must submit the Paragon Foundation Grant Fund Application. Applicants are also required to comply with additional conditions outlined in the guideline for funding which include an executive summary with financial projections, business tax returns (3 previous years) and a current personal financial statement. All applications for grant investments will be reviewed and considered by the selection committee of the Paragon Foundation.

Click here for a downloadable Business Assistance Fund PDF
Click here for the downloadable Business Assistance Fund Application