PFund awards $398,000 in small business grants to queer entrepreneurs from across the Upper Midwest

October 15, 2024 Aaron Zimmerman

Minneapolis—PFund has awarded $398,000 in Equity Fund small business grants to queer entrepreneurs from across the Upper Midwest. A total of 30 businesses were selected to be members of the 2024-25 Equity Fund cohort. Grant recipients receive flexible cash funding in support of their business, as well as virtual and in-person networking and training sessions. All Equity Fund grantees identify as LGBTQ+. 63% of this year’s grantee cohort identify as people of color, 57% identify as transgender or gender-expansive, 20% of grantees are from Greater Minnesota, and 27% of grantees are from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin.

Thanks to funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, the Minneapolis Foundation, the CLA Foundation and individual supporters; the Equity Fund can distribute cash grants and offer business capacity building in partnership with Twin Cities Quorum, Minnestoa’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to the Wisconsin LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for their promotional support.