PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
B. U. I. L. T. is established as a need-based small business development grant program created to assist and support economically resilient Black businesses. The program provides both one-time funding and ongoing professional education resources to support the goals of small businesses within the Nation of Yahweh and ultimately throughout Black communities. The Program is operated and managed by the Economic Development Grants Committee of Builders of The Highway Foundation, under which the terms of service and program policies are established and implemented.
B.U.I.L.T. operates remotely throughout the calendar year with specified access means for patrons, participants, volunteers, and the management team. Information regarding the grant program process and scheduling is available at http://thenationofyhwh.com/BUILT/.
Important Dates
Application launch is on Friday, April 1, 2022. The deadline for submission of completed applications is 12:00 a.m. CST, Thursday, June 30, 2022 without exceptions. It is strongly advised that those intending to submit by the deadline reserve 3-4 weeks minimum to complete all components. Grant awardees will be announced and notified on Monday, August 1, 2022, and scheduling for program participant activities will commence from this date. Awardees will be celebrated at a special event during Feast of Tabernacles in October of 2022. Program operations and support services will continue through the remainder of the calendar year.
GRANT AWARD
There will be a total of five (5) grants awarded, each in the amount of $5,000 for applicants selected from 3 small business categories: (1) Foundation, those businesses created by persons new to business ownership with up to two years of operations history; (2) Intermediate, legally established small businesses with 2 to 5 years of operations history; and (3) Seasoned, small businesses with 5 to 10 years of operations history. There will be two awards for the Foundation and Intermediate categories and one for the Seasoned category.
In addition to grant funds, recipients will have access to business development resources from the Yahweh Nation Building Institute, including workshops, professional enhancement opportunities, and technical assistance. Professional development will be awarded as a business course package. For the 2022-23 Grant Cycle, course sessions will be delivered in a virtual learning format, using Microsoft Teams and/ or Zoom as the primary software applications. Specialized courses with industry-specific content will be offered on a referral basis.
The following key business development modules will be offered as part of the grant awards:
♦ Ethical Business Standards
♦ Small Business Resources
♦ Communications/Operational Information Management
♦ Accounting and Bookkeeping
♦ Basics of Strategic Planning
RULES FOR PARTICIPATION
It is the expectation of Builders of The Highway Foundation that each applicant exercise integrity and high moral standards throughout the application process in accordance with Nation Of יהוה (Yahweh) ethics, values, and practices. Applicants are allowed one grant application submission per year. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Grant awardees are not qualified to apply for future funding within this program.
Qualifications
The following is a description of the criteria that will be used in the selection process.
| Foundation | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| 0 to 2 years of business operations | 2 to 5 years of business operations | 5 to 10 years of business operations |
| Must have completed test market research and short-term business planning* | Legally established and licensed with state and national municipalities | Legally established and licensed with state and national municipalities |
| Must have an exit strategy for employment resignation, when applicable | Must have a plan/ vision for what the business needs to advance, scale, or transition for continuous growth* | Must have a plan/ vision for what the business needs to advance, scale, or transition for continuous growth* |
| Must have a sales/service model that contributes to the Nation of Yahweh’s economic advancement plans | Must have a sales/service model that contributes to the Nation of Yahweh’s economic advancement plans | Must have a sales/service model that contributes to the Nation of Yahweh’s economic advancement plans |
| Demonstrates a financial need to start or continue business operations | Demonstrates a financial need to continue or rebuild business operations | Demonstrates a financial need to continue or rebuild business operations |
* Technical assistance will be made available for applicants in need of templates and limited administrative support for these application requirements.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The following tables contain information on documents required for application processing. Application submissions with missing documents will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Exceptions will not be made.
| Classification | Description | Proof Requested | Accepted Alternatives |
| Background Info | Business history, industry, and location details | State Incorporation CertificateOperating Agreement | State business registry profile. Detailed Articles of Incorporation |
| Business Credentials | Trade licenses, certifications, and military designations | Current commercial license(s) applicable to the business (Contractors, TWIC, Lineman, etc.) (For businesses with direct military service affiliation) Owner’s current DD-214 Proof of Small Business Certifications, if applicable (DBE, ACE, DOTD) Proof of business insurance, if applicable | No alternatives accepted |
| Financial Records | Tax documents and financial statements | 2019 and 2020 federal business tax returns 2021 federal business tax returns, if filed 2020 & 2021 End of Year Balance Sheet2020 & 2021 End of Year Profit & Loss Statement | New businesses not yet generating revenue in 2019, 2020 and/or 2021 must submit their 1st Quarter 2022 Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement |
| Narrative | Writing requirement for all applicants | Submit a written statement describing your reasons for applying for the grant and how funds would be used, if awarded. Include responses to these prompts in your statement: How do you see your business meeting the needs of a nation?Do you provide opportunities for youth?Are community projects included in your business structure? | No alternatives accepted |
| Business/Market Plans | Written business plan OR market trends report – can be formal, informal, or abbreviated | Pre-existing business plans completed in 2018 or after are acceptableMarket trends report must be dated from 2020 to presentOnly one of these is needed for this submission, not both | Templates for abbreviated business plans are available HERE. |
SUBMMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Digital Applications
The preferred method for application submission is online via the web links provided. The application and forms are available at http://thenationofyhwh.com/BUILT/ for qualifying businesses. Applicants will be classified by qualifying category based on the number of years in business operation. Links will be provided for document uploads. Business owners in need of technical assistance may also initiate support requests on the site page.
Hard-copy Applications
Those experiencing difficulties with completing the process online may alternatively submit their applications via fax. Please email grants@bothfoundation.org to make your request. Paper forms are available for applicants without access to compatible software and/ or the website. In these cases only, please make your request for personal pickup or mailed copies by calling B.O.T.H. at (504) 291-8506.
Document Upload Instructions
Once you complete the online application you will be direct to upload required documents in the classification categories for the documents provided. Please rename documents to include first initial, last name and document classification (example: jblack_businesscredentials.doc for multiple files jblack_businesscredentials1.doc). Classifications Categories are: Background Info, Business Credentials, Financial Records, Narrative, & Business-Market Plans.
Contact Support
Applicants needing technical assistance for submitting documents may make their request by sending an email to grants@bothfoundation.org with the phrase “TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST” in the subject line, and an explanation of the help you’re seeking.
Those experiencing difficulties with completing the process online may alternatively submit their applications via fax. Please email grants@bothfoundation.org to make your request. Paper forms are available for applicants without access to compatible software and/ or the website. In these cases only, please make your request for personal pickup or mailed copies by calling B.O.T.H. at (504) 291-8506.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does the application become available? Online applications are available starting Friday, April 1. 2022. Business owners in need of paper applications may either download and print applications or make arrangements to have one mailed to them or picked up from a designated location.
How much is the grant award? For those businesses being awarded, the cash amount is $5,000.00.
When is the application due? Completed applications are due at or before 12:00 a.m. CST (Central time) on Saturday, May 14, 2022. There will be no exceptions made. Here are the U.S. time zone variations:
- Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00 p.m. PST(Pacific)
- Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11:00 p.m. MST (Mountain)
- Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 1:00 a.m. EST (Eastern)
I have a business idea but haven’t started yet. Can I apply? Not at this time. For the 2022-23 grant cycle, small businesses that have already begun business operations in or before 2022 have a chance to qualify.
If I don’t have a business address, can I use my home address? Yes. We must have a physical address on record to be able to contact you.
When does the application become available? Online applications are available starting Friday, April 1. 2022. Business owners in need of paper applications may either download and print applications or make arrangements to have one mailed to them or picked up from a designated location.
How much is the grant award? For those businesses being awarded, the cash amount is $5,000.00.
When is the application due? Completed applications are due at or before 12:00 a.m. CST (Central time) on Saturday, May 14, 2022. There will be no exceptions made. Here are the U.S. time zone variations:
- Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00 p.m. PST(Pacific)
- Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11:00 p.m. MST (Mountain)
- Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 1:00 a.m. EST (Eastern)
I have a business idea but haven’t started yet. Can I apply? Not at this time. For the 2022-23 grant cycle, small businesses that have already begun business operations in or before 2022 have a chance to qualify.
If I don’t have a business address, can I use my home address? Yes. We must have a physical address on record to be able to contact you.
What if I’ve been in business for more than 10 years? Business that have operated for more than 10 years are not qualified for this grant program.
How will I know if I’ve been awarded? Small business owners that have been selected for the 2022 grant award will be notified via email and/or phone on July 1, 2022 by a member of the Economic Development Grants Committee of B.O.T.H. Foundation. Awardees will also receive an official letter by postage mail.
What if I don’t get the grant? Applicants not selected for grant awards during the 2022-23 grant cycle will have an opportunity to qualify the following year, if your business has not exceeded the 10-year operations limit.
How and when are the grant funds released? Grant awardees will be contacted individually to arrange for receipt of their grant funds. Awardees will have the option of direct deposit payment, wire transfer, or electronic payment through an approved, secure source.
For applicants with additional inquiries, please email us at grants@bothfoundation.org.