Famous Amos Ingredients for Success: $50,000 Grants for Black-Owned Startups/Businesses

Grant Overview

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs with Capital, Mentorship, and Resources for Sustainable Growth

Donor: Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. (Famous Amos) in partnership with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)

About: The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative represents a transformative opportunity for early-stage Black-owned businesses seeking capital investment and professional guidance. Launched in 2020 to honor the legacy of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos, this national award program has already distributed $600,000 to 12 winners across previous program cycles, impacting nearly 13,000 entrepreneurs with its mission to empower startup Black businesses.

For 2025, the program continues its tradition of excellence by offering three $50,000 business awards accompanied by comprehensive mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities. This year’s program is particularly significant as it coincides with Famous Amos’ 50th anniversary celebration, embracing the “Famously You” campaign that celebrates authenticity and individuality – values that Wally Amos himself embodied throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

The application process is straightforward yet competitive. Applicants must submit a 90-120 second elevator pitch video along with basic business information. The judging panel, which includes Shawn Amos (entrepreneur, author, and son of founder Wally Amos), evaluates submissions based on creativity, persuasiveness, and the strategic business rationale for how the funds will be utilized. From thousands of applicants, ten finalists are selected to advance to the second round, where they must submit a 500-word essay detailing their business’s greatest need and how the award will address it.

What truly sets the Famous Amos IFS program apart is its holistic approach to business development. Beyond the substantial financial awards, the ten finalists receive access to proprietary USBC programming and events, plus minimum two mentorship sessions with the distinguished panel of judges. Winners may also be featured in paid media opportunities including digital advertising, social media, radio, television, and podcast interviews – providing invaluable exposure for growing businesses.

The impact potential of this grant extends far beyond the immediate financial injection. Previous winners have used these funds to develop tools that spark Black girls‘ interest in STEM, create stylish eyewear brands, and innovate pediatric learning tools. With the right application strategy and business vision, your company could join these success stories and accelerate your growth trajectory.

At Grantaura, we understand the complexities of crafting a winning grant application. Our team of experienced grant professionals can help you develop a compelling pitch video, prepare strategic documentation, and navigate the entire application process. With over 300 successful grant projects completed and a 4.9/5 rating from 180+ reviews, our expertise can significantly enhance your chances of securing this transformative funding opportunity. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your vision for business growth and impact.

Focus: Black entrepreneurship, Early-stage business funding, Business development, Capital investment, Mentorship, Educational resources, Economic empowerment

Region: United States (excluding Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other territories)

Eligibility:
-Business must be minimum 90% Black-owned
-In operation for five years or less as of April 23, 2025
-Headquartered within the fifty United States (excluding territories and possessions)
-Business owners must be at least 21 years of age at submission time
-Not eligible: franchisees as defined under state/federal franchise disclosure laws
-Not eligible: 501(c)3 non-profit organizations
-Not eligible: businesses where applicant or immediate family is an employee, agent, director, or officer of Ferrero U.S.A, Inc. or its affiliated companies
-Not eligible: licensed alcohol beverage manufacturers, retailers or distributors
-Not eligible: past panelists, speakers, or judges of the program
-Applicants may not submit more than one application

Benefits:
-Three grand prize winners receive $50,000 business awards each
-Access to mentorship from U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.’s (USBC) database of resource providers and entrepreneurs
-Potential highlight in paid media opportunities (digital advertising, social media, radio, TV, podcast interviews)
-Ten finalists receive access to monthly mentorship program through March 31, 2025
-Access to quarterly networking events
-Educational resources and business development support

Deadline: April 24, 2025

Terms:
-Entrepreneurs Initiative: A structured program designed to provide capital funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage business owners.
-Elevator Pitch: A brief, persuasive speech (90-120 seconds for this program) that sparks interest in your business, products, or services.
-U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC): A national nonprofit organization providing resources and advocacy for Black-owned businesses.
-Famously You: Famous Amos’ 50th anniversary campaign celebrating authenticity and individuality, inspired by Wally Amos’ legacy.
-Collectors Edition: Limited-edition Famous Amos packaging featuring elements from the brand’s original 1975 graphics and an image of founder Wally Amos.