Just a quick reminder, we’re going LIVE today, Monday, April 27 at 5:00 PM EST, and I don’t want you to miss it!

Here’s what we’re covering:

• The 5 key roles every business needs to scale

• How to identify what’s missing in your current structure

• Real, practical steps you can use right away

We also have a special guest, Clayton King, founder of K&C Financial Group, bringing nearly 17 years of real estate investing experience and serious business-building knowledge to the table.

This is an Elite Subscriber exclusive, so make sure your subscription is active before joining.

Zoom Link below:

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We’re getting close to our live session, and I wanted to make sure you have everything you need ahead of time.

The session is happening on Monday, April 27 at 5:00 PM EST, and the Zoom link is officially ready.

Quick heads up — this is an Elite Subscriber exclusive, so access to the link is limited to those with an active Elite subscription. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, this would be a good time to do it so you don’t miss out.

This session is all about helping you build the right foundation to actually grow your business — not just stay busy. We’re diving into the 5 key roles (or “architects”) every business needs to scale, and how to identify what might be missing in your current structure.

We also have a special guest, Clayton King, founder of K&C Financial Group. He brings real, hands-on experience from building and scaling multiple businesses, along with nearly 17 years in real estate investing. What makes his approach different is how he breaks things down into clear, practical steps you can actually use.

By the end of this session, you should walk away with more clarity on how your business is currently set up, what needs to be strengthened, and what your next steps should look like if you’re serious about scaling.

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Grants for Small Business Owners — Live Session

Monday, April 27 · 5:00 PM EST

5 Architects Needed to Scale Your Business

Build the right structure, strengthen your foundation, and scale with confidence.

Featured Guest: Clayton King

You’ll walk away with:

1. Clarity on the 5 key roles — the “architects” — every business needs to grow

2. A practical framework to assess and strengthen your current business structure

3. Actionable next steps to start scaling with intention — not just inspiration

More details coming soon. Stay tuned!

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$25,000 Is Waiting for Someone Who’s Ready to Pitch.

Five businesses win money. Not one. Five.

The 2026 Greater Baltimore Urban League Business Summit Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, is open and accepting applications now. This is part of GBUL’s 100-year anniversary celebration — a milestone event with real money on the table for real busines…

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Everybody’s thinking about what they owe in April. We’re focused on what’s owed to you.

A gentle but important note: when a grant says “Black-owned” or “women-led,” it’s not talking about a specific industry, it’s talking about you. The consultant, the candle maker, the nonprofit director, the one detailing cars and building an empire one vehicle at a time. Eligibility is the door. Your business is the key.

We did the research. All that’s left is your name on the application.

1. IBBGives Grant

I Be Black Girl Gives is a giving circle in Nebraska built specifically for Black women, femmes, and girls and their 2026 grant applications are open now. You don't need a 501(c)(3) to apply, and the circle prioritizes grassroots efforts, basic needs, health and wellness, and educational equity.

Amount: $1,000

Eligible locations: Omaha

Deadline: April 19 at 11:59 PM CST

Apply Now

2. Get Nearshored Grant

Nearshored is awarding three $5,000 grants to small businesses that manufacture physical products and are ready to move production closer to home — think inventory, materials, packaging, or tooling costs. You can apply with either a written application or a 60-second video pitch. Built for product-based businesses under $5M in annual revenue.

Amount: $5,000

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline: May 15, 2026

Apply Now

3. L'Oréal Inclusive Beauty Fund

L'Oréal USA is awarding 12 grants of $25,000 each to beauty entrepreneurs across the country, salon owners, barbers, braiders, estheticians, extension artists, stylists, and more. The Hispanic Federation Applications go through either the NAACP or Hispanic Federation portals, and winners also receive mentorship from top executives across L'Oréal's brands.

Amount: $25,000

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline: April 23, 2026

Apply Now

4. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

This one is less grant, more game-changer. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a free education program that connects business owners with world-class training, capital access, and a network of 17,000+ graduates across all 50 states. They also partner with CDFIs to offer loans to small businesses that lack access to traditional capital. If you're ready to scale, this is the room to be in.

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline: May 22, 2026

Apply Now

Not ready to apply? Start with our Digital Grant Guide to get your business prepared for grant opportunities. [Grant Guide here]

There are 27 more grants totaling more than $862,000.00 waiting, exclusively for Elite subscribers. Claim your access now.

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Hi Business bestie,

I had such a great time connecting in person with fellow business owners from the Grants for Small Business Owners community in Washington, DC.

We spent time talking through grants for small business owners, business growth, access to capital, and everything in between. What I loved most was the energy in the room, real conversations, honest questions, shared resources, and the kind of support that reminds you entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

With 9,000+ business owners in this community, every in-person meetup becomes more than just an event. It becomes a space for ideas, strategy, encouragement, and real connections that can open doors.

This meetup was open to all subscribers, and after seeing how impactful it was, I’m already thinking about the next in-person session soon.

Because the truth is: the magic happens when we can gather, ask questions in real time, learn from one another, and leave with actionable next steps.

Our next grant list drops April 15th, for those of you who want to go even deeper, upgrading to paid gives you:

• exclusive grant alerts

• a longer list of grants

• live monthly sessions + recordings

• bonus funding insights

• deeper strategy breakdowns

• first access to premium resources

If you missed DC, don’t worry—this definitely won’t be the last one.

I’m planning another in-person session soon, and I’d love to know: Where should I pull up next? Drop your city in the comments.

Also, if you’re ready for deeper grant support and premium resources, this is the perfect time to upgrade to paid.

Subscribe now

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10 Philadelphia businesses will be selected to pitch live on May 19, 2026 at La Salle University's Founders Hall. Here's …

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Hi everyone,

If funding your business is one of your goals this season, I created something specifically to help you move from confused to prepared.

I’m excited to share that my Grant Guide is now available for just $9.99.

This guide was designed for entrepreneurs who are tired of wondering:

• Where do I find legitimate grants?

• How do I know which ones fit my business?

• What should I have ready before applying?

• Why do so many people miss out on funding?

Instead of spending hours searching, second-guessing, and missing deadlines, this guide gives you a clear roadmap to help you approach grants with confidence.

Inside the guide, you’ll learn:

• Where to find real grant opportunities

• What documents you need before applying

• How to choose grants that align with your business

• Mistakes that can get your application overlooked

• How to create a simple system to stay organized

• Tips to strengthen your funding readiness

The truth is, many small business owners don’t miss out because they aren’t qualified, they miss out because they aren’t prepared.

This guide helps change that.

For less than the cost of lunch, you can access strategies that may help position your business for inventory, marketing, equipment, expansion, staffing, and more.

A single grant opportunity could create a return far beyond your $9.99 investment.

👉Click here to purchase your Grant Guide now for $9.99 and start preparing for your next funding opportunity.

Don’t wait until the “perfect” grant appears. The best time to get ready is before the opportunity shows up.

Your next level of funding starts with preparation.

To your success,

Patrina

P.S. If you’ve been saying you need funding, this is your sign to get organized and start applying smarter. One grant can change the trajectory of your business.

Subscribe now

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I’m excited to share that I’ll be hosting an exclusive live session in Washington, DC just for our community of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

If you’ve been looking for clarity on how to find grants, position your business, and increase your chances of funding, this session is for you.

We’ll cover:

• Where the grant opportunities are right now

• What funders are really looking for

• Common mistakes that get applications overlooked

• How to make your business “grant-ready”

• Q&A so you can get your specific questions answered

This is designed to be an interactive, high-value room for serious business owners who want to access capital and grow strategically.

Reserve your spot here: Registration Link

To keep this event intentional and safe, the exact location will only be shared with registered attendees.

Seats will be limited, so make sure to register as soon as possible.

I’m excited to connect with you in person and help you position your business for greater funding opportunities.

Your business bestie,

Patrina

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⬇️⬇️

https://www.experian.com/blogs/news/creditchatlive-podcast/patrina-dixon-episode-25/

Many of you have been asking me about grant opportunities for businesses that are already doing well and ready to take the next step. Not startup funding. Not “get on your feet” money. Real growth capital for businesses that are building something and need the resources to match.

This one is exactly that.

The Pilot Small Business Growt…

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Okay so I have to be honest with you… I made an error in my last post and I just caught it.

The casual grants session in D.C. is on April 10th, NOT April 11th. I don’t know how that slipped through but here we are lol.

But honestly? Can we just take a second because I am SO excited about this.

Like I genuinely got giddy putting this together. The idea of actually being in the same room as some of you, putting a real face behind the emails, all of it… it just hits different.

You’ve been reading these posts, opening these emails, and I’ve been on the other side just hoping it’s actually helping. So the thought of sitting down, having a real conversation, maybe helping someone figure out their next move in real time? That’s everything to me.

If you’re in D.C. or close enough to make it work on April 10th, around noon. Come through, I’d love to meet you.

I’m dropping the poll here again to see who’s available, and sorry for the mix up!

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Sending grant opportunities every month is great, but I know some of y’all probably have a ton of questions that are just hard to type out in an email. Like sometimes you need to talk it through, you know?

Soooo... I figured why not just make it happen.

I’m going to be in Washington D.C. on April 11th and I want to get together for a casual grants session around noon. Nothing fancy, just a laid back conversation where you can ask whatever’s been on your mind, we can talk through what’s out there, and figure out together what makes sense for you.

No slides. No formal agenda. Just good conversation with people who are trying to figure out the same things you are.

If you’ve ever read one of my grant emails and thought “okay but I have follow up questions”, this is literally for you. 😄

I’m dropping a poll here to see who’s available, if you’re going to be in D.C. or close enough to make the trip, go ahead and vote!

Would love to see some familiar faces. 🙌

Subscribe now

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March Madness isn’t just about brackets, it’s also about bagging funding. We’re talking $1,908,500.00 in grants, pitch competitions, and real money for Black-owned businesses, women founders, and nonprofits ready to make moves.

Quick reminder: if a grant says “Black-owned business” or “women-led,” that’s you, whether you’re in consulting, retail, nonprofit work, or running a mobile detail business. Don’t bench yourself because they didn’t name your exact industry. If the eligibility fits, you’re in the game.

We scouted the opportunities. Now it’s your turn to shoot your shot.

1. Breva Thrive Grant

Breva AI awards grants every quarter to small businesses making a positive impact in underrepresented communities. If you've been in business for at least one year, you're encouraged to apply (though newer businesses can too). This grant supports Black-owned, women-led, and mission-driven entrepreneurs across all industries who need a little extra capital to scale operations, buy equipment, hire staff, or boost marketing. Your business must be legally registered in the U.S. and operate here. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with the next deadline October 31, 2025. The best part? No industry restrictions. Whether you're in consulting, retail, or healthcare, if you're building something that strengthens your community, apply.

Amount: $5,000

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline:

• Q2 2026: April 1 - April 30, 2026 ← Next available window

• Q3 2026: July 1 - July 31, 2026

• Q4 2026: October 1 - October 31, 2026

Apply Now

2. NBA Foundation Grants

The NBA Foundation awards grants to nonprofits dedicated to serving under-resourced youth (ages 13-24) in NBA team markets across the U.S. and Canada. Focus areas include workforce development, career readiness, job placement, and economic empowerment through programs in arts, criminal justice, healthcare, music, STEM, and sports. Spring 2026 applications are open through March 31. Apply through their FLUXX portal. Must provide Form 990, organizational budget, project budget, and board list.

Eligible locations: United States & Canada

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Apply Now

3. Karma for Cara Microgrant

Karma for Cara offers microgrants to youth-led community service projects across the U.S. for students ages 18 and under. Applications reviewed quarterly with deadlines January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Projects must involve students actively transforming materials or organizing efforts (not just purchasing and donating items). Examples: turning vacant lots into gardens, rebuilding playgrounds, helping seniors winterize homes. Student groups can designate up to three student leaders. Notifications sent within two weeks after each deadline.

Amount: $250 - $1,000

Eligible locations: United States

Deadline: Upcoming Quarter Deadline (April 1)

Apply Now

Not ready to apply? Start with our Digital Grant Guide to get your business prepared for grant opportunities. [Grant Guide here]

There are 27 more grants totaling more than $1,882,500.00 waiting, exclusively for Elite subscribers. Claim your access now.

Read more

SCCLF's Local Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (LEAP) is open for applications.

LEAP is a FREE 10-week virtual program designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, refine their strategies, and connect with experts and peers across the state. Sessions are held every Tuesday, and the program culminates in Pitch Night, where one business walks away with a $20,000 award.

If your business has been operating for at least one year, you are eligible to apply — statewide.

📅 Deadline to apply: TODAY - March 13.

If you apply and get in, please let us know.

Your business bestie,

Patrina

Apply here

If you missed Monday’s live session with Angel Grissom, don’t worry, we recorded the whole thing.

And honestly? You need to watch this.

Because while you’ve been copying and pasting like it’s 2016, juggling 47 browser tabs, and manually following up with clients...

...other businesses are moving faster. Not because they’re working harder. Because they’re working smarter.

Here’s what we covered:

• What to automate first (and what to leave alone)

• Where you’re losing hours every week without realizing it

• How to make AI actually make you money — not just “save time”

• A 30-day game plan you can start executing today

This wasn’t one of those “AI is so cool” surface-level conversations.

This was tactical. Practical. Implementable.

The kind of session where you walk away with a checklist, not just inspiration.

👉 Watch the full replay below

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If you’ve been enjoying the monthly grant emails and accelerator and pitch opportunities, I want to make sure you never miss an update.

The best way to stay connected is by downloading the Substack app.

Why?

✔️ You’ll get notified the moment I post

✔️ You won’t have to search your email or spam folder

✔️ You can engage in comments and discussions in real time

✔️ You’ll have everything in one place

Sometimes I share:

• Business tips

• Event announcements

• Financial strategies you can implement immediately

• Quick updates between major email drops

If you’re serious about growing financially, building wealth, and staying informed, this makes it easier.

👉🏾 Download the Substack app.

👉🏾 Turn on notifications.

👉🏾 Stay plugged in.

We’re building businesses and wealth on purpose and I don’t want you left out.

Get more from Patrina Dixon in the Substack app

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Only 2% of people actually take 20 minutes to learn the AI tricks that save them hours every week.

Tonight at 6PM EST, we’re going LIVE with Angel Grissom to show you exactly how to:

• Automate tasks eating up your day

• Write proposals, follow-ups, and content faster than ever

• Make AI work for your business — without stress or burnout

• Build a simple 30-day plan you can actually implement

If you’re not in that 2%, you’re stuck doing everything manually… while your competition moves ahead.

Zoom link below:

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Why are you still doing things the long way? 🤨

You said you wanted:
More time.
More money.
Less chaos.

And yet… 47 tabs open. Manual follow-ups. Copying and pasting like it’s 2016.

Feb 24, 6pm EST., we’re going LIVE with Angel Grissom and we’re fixing that.

This isn’t an “AI is cute” convo.

This is:

• What to automate first

• Where you’re losing hours every week

• How to make AI actually make you money

• A 30-day game plan you can execute

The businesses that move fast this year?
They’re not working harder. They’re working smarter.

Zoom link below:

Read more

You’ve been hearing about AI for years now. You’ve probably even dabbled, asked ChatGPT a question or two, felt cute, then went right back to your 47 open tabs and overflowing to-do list.

Meanwhile, your competition? They’re using AI to do in 20 minutes what’s taking you all day.

They’re automating client follow-ups. Writing proposals while they sleep. Cranking out content that actually converts. And they’re doing it without the burnout you’ve been wearing like a badge of honor.

The gap is real. And it’s getting wider every single day you wait.

So we’re doing something about it.

Tuesday, February 24th at 6:00 PM EST, I’m going live with Angel Grissom, a global technologist and executive AI coach who’s going to break down exactly how you can use AI to save time, make money, and scale without losing your mind.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Where time and money are silently disappearing when you keep doing things manually

• Which daily tasks to automate first for immediate ROI

• How AI boosts your team’s productivity without replacing anyone

• A simple 30-day roadmap you can actually implement

This session is for Elite (paid) subscribers only.

If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this is your moment. The value in this one session alone will pay for your membership. And honestly? The cost of staying stuck is way higher.

🔒 Already a paid member? Check your email for the access link and come ready with your questions.

⬆️ Not upgraded yet? Don’t let “I’ll do it later” cost you another month of working twice as hard for half the results. Join us now.

AI isn’t the future anymore, bestie. It’s right now. And you deserve to be in the room where it’s all making sense.

See you live.

Subscribe now

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