We’re live today. 🎉

Power Lunch Hour: The Grant-Ready Checklist
with Patrina Dixon & Candace Okin

⏰ Today, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
💻 Join on Zoom: [insert Zoom link]

If you’re in the process of applying for a grant, do not miss this one. You’ll get real-time answers from our in-house grant writer in a very interactive session built around your questions.

Come ready to:

• Ask your grant questions live

• Learn what makes an applicant grant-ready

• Leave with a clear checklist of next steps

Zoom link is just below.

Read more

We’re going live tomorrow, and we’d love for you to be there for our Power Lunch Hour.

The Grant-Ready Checklist
with Patrina Dixon & Candace Okin

📅 Tuesday, October 20
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
💻 Zoom

Why you should join

If you’re in the middle of a grant application right now, this session is a must. Candace, our in-house grant writer, will walk you through what it really takes to be grant-ready, so you can catch gaps before a funder does.

This is not a lecture. It’s a very interactive working session, and you’ll have direct access to an expert. Bring your questions, your draft, and your “am I doing this right?” moments.

One hour. Bring your lunch and your questions.

Zoom link is just below.

Read more

FROM PATRINA’S DESK

New Month. New Grants. New Opportunities!

Hello, Business besties!

October is here, and we’re back with another collection of funding opportunities to help you move your business forward!

If you’ve been following The Grant Insider, you already know our mission: to help you spend less time searching for grants and more time pursuing opportunities that could help fund your business goals.

Whether you’re launching a new business, looking to expand, or searching for funding to support your next big move, finding the right opportunities matters.

But here’s something I always want you to remember:

Finding a grant is just the beginning. Being prepared to apply is where the real work starts.

That’s why we’re doing something special this month!

In addition to our October grant collection, we’re hosting an exclusive LIVE Q&A with our grant writer for Elite subscribers!

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and better understand the grant application process.

And if you’re not an Elite subscriber yet, don’t worry. We’ve still got you covered!

As always, we’re sharing three curated grant opportunities, complete with direct application links, absolutely FREE.

Want access to the complete collection and our exclusive Grant Writer Q&A? That’s where Elite comes in!

Let’s get into these opportunities!

Remember: You can’t receive funding you never apply for!

Here’s to finding opportunities and taking action!

Patrina Dixon
Founder, Grants for Small Business Owners

OCTOBER FUNDING SNAPSHOT

Here’s What’s Inside This Month’s Edition

What’s the difference between Free and Elite?

FREE INSIDERS receive three handpicked grant opportunities each month, including eligibility information, deadlines, and direct application links.

ELITE INSIDERS receive the complete monthly collection of curated grants, plus exclusive subscriber benefits, including our upcoming LIVE Grant Writer Q&A.

Elite Membership: $9.99/month or $99/year.

THE FREE FUNDING DROP

3 - Opportunities for free subscribers

We’ve done the searching so you can focus on finding opportunities that align with your business goals.

Here are three grants you can explore right now!

1. American Bar Endowment (ABE) Opportunity Grants

Award amount: $25,000

Application deadline: October 31, 2026

Who qualifies: U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities classified under Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) that are developing innovative projects benefiting the public and legal profession, including access to justice, improvements to the justice system, and public legal education.

Apply here

2. Amber Grant for Women (WomensNet)

Award Amount: $15,000 monthly grant; monthly winners may also qualify for a $75,000 year-end grant

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

Who Qualifies: Women aged 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada. Startups and idea-stage businesses may qualify. Nonprofits may also be eligible, subject to the program rules.

Apply Here

3. Kenneth B. and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

Award amount: $1,000 micro-grant, plus free access to one eligible business development program

Application deadline: October 15, 2026

Who qualifies: U.S. military veterans or military spouses who own or lead an active U.S.-based business that has operated for at least one year, employs 2–100 people, and generates no more than $5 million in annual revenue.

Apply here

Special Opportunity

4. The Oprah Podcast – Women Business Leaders

Funding Available: No monetary award specified; opportunity to be featured on The Oprah Podcast

Who Can Apply: Women who own their own businesses or serve as female leaders at their companies and live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts. Applicants should be willing to share their experiences, challenges, and successes as women in business.

Application Deadline: Not specified in the post

VIEW OPPORTUNITY & APPLY

How to Apply: Email emailus@harpo.com with a recent photo and the best phone number to reach you.

THE INSIDER RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Finding Grants Is One Thing. Being Ready to Apply Is Another.

You’ve found a funding opportunity that interests you.

Now what?

Before you start filling out applications, make sure you’re approaching the process with a plan.

Our Grant Writing Services is here to provide one-on-one with our grant writing expert to develop compelling grant content, strengthen your narrative and navigate the application process.

Because sometimes you know exactly why your work matters you just need help putting that impact into words a funder can understand.

You focus on the work you’re called to do. Let us help you tell the story behind it.

LEARN MORE & INQUIRE ABOUT GRANT WRITING SERVICES.⬇️⬇️

Whether you’re applying for your first grant or looking to improve your approach, can help you take your next step.

Ready to take action?

GRANT WRITING SERVICE

THE ELITE ADVANTAGE

Don’t Stop at Three. There’s More Funding to Explore!

You’ve just explored three grant opportunities, complete with funding details, eligibility information, and direct application links.

But that’s only the beginning!

Our October collection includes additional funding opportunities exclusively available to Elite subscribers.

HERE’S WHAT YOU UNLOCK WITH ELITE

MORE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Access the complete October collection of curated grants, including funding amounts, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and direct application links.

LESS TIME SEARCHING

We research and organize opportunities so you can spend more time evaluating grants and preparing applications.

EXCLUSIVE LIVE GRANT WRITER Q&A

This October, we’re bringing our grant writer LIVE to answer your questions!

Whether you’re preparing your first application or trying to strengthen your approach, this is an opportunity to learn from an experienced grant writer.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS

Enjoy the complete monthly Grant Insider collection and subscriber-only experiences.

Subscribe now

Read more

Hi Business bestie,

You were going to eat lunch at your desk anyway. Might as well spend that hour learning something that helps your business.

Today at 12:00 PM, Antonio Franklin and I are live for Power Lunch Hour. We’re covering:

• How POS systems work

• Business loans and how to go about getting one efficiently

• Business write-offs, if time allows

Zoom link is just below.

Read more

Hi Business bestie,

One day to go! Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13, at 12:00 PM, Antonio Franklin and I are going live for Power Lunch Hour.

We’ll talk about how POS systems work, how to go about getting a business loan, and, if time allows, how to use business write-offs.

Zoom link is just below.

Read more

There’s something special about bringing people together who may have initially connected through words on a screen but now have the opportunity to sit across from one another, share stories, exchange ideas, and build genuine relationships. And that’s exactly what yesterday was about Connection. Community. Conversation.

Sometimes You Just Have to Create the Space.

As an entrepreneur, author, financial educator, and content creator, I understand the importance of building relationships. But I also know that meaningful connections don’t always happen automatically, you have to be intentional.

I wanted to create an opportunity for people to step away from their screens, meet others in the community, and have conversations that go beyond likes, comments, and subscriber counts.

Because behind every newsletter is a person with a story, a purpose, and something valuable to share.

The Conversations Were the Real Highlight

One of my favorite parts of the meetup was simply having the opportunity to connect.

We shared experiences, on many topics, exchanged ideas, learned about one another, and enjoyed being in a space where conversations could happen naturally.

There was no pressure to

✅ Have everything figured out. No need to have the largest audience.

✅ No requirement to be the most experienced writer or creator.

Just people coming together, showing up, and being themselves. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

As creators and entrepreneurs, we spend so much time thinking about what we’re producing, posting, publishing, or building that we can forget how important it is to simply connect with others along the journey. The meet up was a reminder that community matters just as much as content.

The Picture Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story. Of course, we had to capture a moment from the meetup! But here’s a little behind-the-scenes note: Not everyone wanted to be in the picture, and that’s perfectly okay!

So while you may see a few smiling faces in the photo, know that there were additional people who joined us and contributed to the experience.

And that’s something worth mentioning because a picture doesn’t always tell the full story.

Some of the most meaningful moments aren’t captured on camera. As we discussed things more than just grants. They’re found in the conversations, the laughter, the introductions, and the connections and the coffee that happen when people come together. Those are the moments I hope everyone carries with them.

Relationships Are a Form of Wealth

If you’ve followed my work through It’$ My Money, you know I’m passionate about helping people understand, build, and grow their wealth. And while financial education is at the heart of what I do, I’ve always believed that wealth extends beyond money.

Relationships are a form of wealth, too.

Think about it.

A conversation can lead to a collaboration.

An introduction can lead to an opportunity.

A shared experience can lead to a lasting friendship.

And being part of a supportive community can provide encouragement when you need it most.

That’s why I value opportunities like the in-person meetup.

We may have gathered because of Grants for Small Business Owners, but the connections we make can extend far beyond the platform.

Your network isn’t just about who you know. It’s about the relationships you nurture and the value you bring to one another.

A Thank You to Everyone Who Showed Up

THANK YOU!

Thank you for taking time out of your day. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. And thank you for helping create a welcoming environment where genuine connections could happen.

Hosting an event is one thing, but it’s the people who attend and participate who make it meaningful. I’m grateful for each of you.

Let’s celebrate wins, share resources, and encourage one another along the way.

And who knows? Maybe another Charlotte Grant Meetup is in our future! I’d certainly love to see these connections continue to grow.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to bring people together to create something meaningful. And today reminded me why it’s worth making that effort.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

If you are a subscriber in the Charlotte area who couldn’t make it, introduce yourself!

I’d love to know:

✅ What kind of business or non profit do you have?

✅ Would you attend another Charlotte Substack Meetup?

Let’s continue building a community where we don’t just subscribe.

Until next time, keep building wealth in every area of your life!

Patrina

Your business bestie,
Financial Educator | Author | Entrepreneur | Content Creator

Helping you unlock your financial potential.

Hi Business bestie,

Picture this.

It’s a busy Friday. Your customer is at the counter, card in hand, and your payment system freezes. Or the monthly statement lands in your inbox, you glance at the fees, and think, “I’ll figure that out later.”

Later never comes. And that’s exactly where a lot of business owners lose money.

So we’re back with another Power Lunch Hour, and this one is for anyone who takes payments, wants funding, or has ever said “I’ll deal with that later.”

📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM
💻 Live on Zoom

I’m sitting down with Antonio Franklin, founder and CEO of Pantheon Inc. He works with businesses every day on merchant processing, virtual payment systems and business loans.

In one lunch hour, we’re breaking down:

• How POS systems actually work, so you know what you’re signing up for

• Business loans and how to go about getting one efficiently

• Business write-offs, if time allows

One hour. Bring your lunch and your questions.

Here’s how to get in: The Zoom link goes to Elite subscribers only, and Elite members get first access. Watch your inbox on Monday. Not Elite yet? Upgrade now so you’re on the list.

Upgrade to Elite

Block off the 13th now. You’ll be glad you did.

Your business bestie,

Patrina
Financial Educator | Author | Speaker | Entrepreneur

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Hi Business besties,

I’m sharing this one with you first because the deadline is close. Applications for The Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program from Mpowered by Marshalls close October 13 at 11:59 PM ET.

What it is

A virtual, 12-month program for 40 participants, developed with Luminary. It’s built to help you turn personal and professional goals int…

Read more

I’m excited to have Grant Meetup while I am in Charlotte designed to bring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, community builders, and aspiring grant seekers together for conversation, connection, and practical information.

Grants Aren’t Just About Finding an Opportunity

One of the biggest misconceptions about grants is that the hardest part is finding one.

Finding the opportunity is only the beginning.

You also need to understand:

• What funders are actually looking for

• Whether you’re truly eligible

• How to communicate the impact of your work

• What information and documents you should have ready

• How to build a funding strategy instead of chasing every grant you see

That’s why opportunities to get in the room, ask questions, learn, and connect with others are so important.

Charlotte — Let’s Meet Up!

📍 Charlotte, North Carolina
📅 Thursday, October 8 at 3pm

This meetup is an opportunity to learn, network, exchange ideas, and have real conversations about grants and funding.

Whether you’re growing a business, leading a nonprofit, launching a community initiative, or simply trying to understand how grants work, come ready to learn and connect. And bring your questions!

Before You Walk Into the Room…

Think about these three things:

1. What are you trying to fund?
Be able to clearly explain the project, program, business need, or initiative.

2. How much funding do you actually need?
“Whatever I can get” isn’t a funding strategy. Start putting real numbers around your goals.

3. What impact will the money help you create?
Funders want to understand what happens because they invested in your work.

The clearer you are about those answers, the better prepared you’ll be when the right opportunity comes along.

I’ll See You in Charlotte!

I’m looking forward to meeting some of you in person, hearing about what you’re building, and talking about how we can become more intentional about accessing funding opportunities.

If you know an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or community organization in the Charlotte area that needs to be in the room, share this post with them.

Let’s talk grants. Let’s talk strategy. And most importantly, let’s talk about putting ourselves in a better position to secure the resources needed to move our visions forward.

See you Thursday, Charlotte!

Your business bestie,

Patrina
Financial Educator | Author | Speaker | Entrepreneur

I’m heading to Charlotte, NC and while I’m in town, I want to do something I always enjoy, connect with our grant community in person!

If you schedule permits, join me for an In-Person Grant Meetup on Thursday, October 8th, from 3:00–5:00 PM.

One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes the best conversations happen when we get out from behind the screens and get in the same room. This meetup is an opportunity to connect, have real conversations, ask questions, share resources, and talk about grants and funding opportunities.

Whether you’re building a business, leading a nonprofit, working on a community initiative, or simply interested in learning more about grants, I would love for you to pull up and connect.

Here’s What You Need to Know

📅 Thursday, October 8th
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Charlotte, NC
🤝 In Person

The exact location will be shared with those who express interest.

If you are in Charlotte or the surrounding area and would like to join us, use the link below to let me know you’re interested. Once you submit your information, you’ll receive the meetup location and additional details.

👉 I’m interested

This isn’t just about grants. It’s about community, connection, and getting in the room with other people who are working toward something.

I’m looking forward to meeting some of you face-to-face, hearing about what you’re working on, and spending a couple of hours learning and connecting together.

Charlotte — I’m coming your way. Pull up!

Your Business Bestie,

Patrina

This past week, I walked back into JAX Bridges as a member of Cohort 25. But this isn’t my first time. I’m already a JAX Bridges graduate.

So, why would I go through a business program I’ve already completed?

Because I’m not the same entrepreneur I was the first time and business isn’t the same either. I am in a new city and state and I this time have a clearer understanding of how to navigate here

Going Back Was Intentional

I completed JAX Bridges before the program introduced its enhanced AI component. Since then, technology has changed how we communicate, market, create, analyze information, serve customers, and operate our businesses. At the same time, my financial education company, It’$ My Money, has continued to grow and evolve.

I’m entering this cohort with more experience in Florida, a clearer understanding of the business I’m building here and a stronger vision for where I want it to go. That made returning to JAX Bridges an intentional decision.

As a business owner and leader, I believe there’s a difference between having experience and becoming comfortable. Experience should give you a stronger foundation to ask better questions, make better decisions, and recognize opportunities you may not have been prepared for earlier in your journey. And right now, I have some new questions.

AI Is Part of the Reason I Came Back

I’m especially interested in the enhanced AI component of Cohort 25. I already use AI, so my goal isn’t simply to learn what AI is or experiment with the latest tools. I want to learn more.

✅ How can AI help It’$ My Money operate more efficiently?

✅ Where can it help us expand our reach and impact?

✅ What can my team automate or improve so that more of our time and energy can be focused on the work that requires a human touch?

And perhaps most importantly: How do we embrace new technology without losing the human connection that is so important to financial education?

I’m not interested in using AI just because everyone is talking about it. I want to understand how to use it strategically, responsibly, and in ways that support the mission and future of the business.

Don’t Just Look for Grants, Look for Opportunities to Grow

There’s another lesson here that I want to share, particularly with the small business owners who read the grant list we send on the 15th of every month. When you’re scanning that list for your next funding opportunity, don’t skip over the accelerators and pitch competitions.

I know it is tempting to go straight to anything with the word “grant” attached to it. Funding matters. But I am hear to tell you, sometimes the opportunity that opens the biggest door isn’t a grant.

Accelerators, business development programs, and pitch competitions can give you access to training, mentorship, new relationships, greater visibility, potential funding, and rooms you may not otherwise have access to. They also force you to refine important skills.

✅ Can you clearly explain what your business does?

✅ Can you articulate the problem you solve and the value you provide?

✅ Do you understand your numbers?

✅ Can you communicate your vision confidently to a room of decision-makers?

✅ Can you make someone understand why your business matters in just a few minutes?

Those are skills that extend far beyond a pitch competition. And that’s another thing I appreciate about JAX Bridges.

At the end of the program, participants have an opportunity to pitch their businesses to representatives from several major companies.

Think about the value of that experience beyond whether an immediate opportunity comes from the pitch. You’ve practiced telling your story. You’ve refined your value proposition. You’ve received feedback. You’ve strengthened your presentation skills. And you’ve put your business in front of people and organizations that may not have known about you otherwise.

That’s how doors begin to open.

Sometimes the value of an opportunity isn’t only the check you could receive. It’s the access, exposure, relationships, and skills you take with you afterward.

So when that next grant list hits your inbox on the 15th, look at the grants and look beyond the grants, as well. That accelerator or pitch competition you almost scrolled past might be exactly the room your business needs next.

I Also Came Back for the Room

That brings me to another reason I wanted to participate again: community. As entrepreneurs, Founders, CEOs, it’s easy to become consumed with our own businesses. Keep our heads down. I know, been there done that. There’s always another project, another problem to solve, another goal to reach. But growth also happens when we get outside of our own four walls. One of my goals for Cohort 25 is to continue expanding my network of Jacksonville small business owners and leaders. And when I say “network,” I don’t mean collecting business cards or adding more connections on LinkedIn. I mean relationships.

I want to learn what other entrepreneurs are building. I want to hear about the challenges they’re solving. I want to exchange ideas and resources, identify opportunities for collaboration, and be exposed to perspectives outside of my own industry. And I want to contribute as well

I’m coming into the room with my own experiences, lessons, successes, mistakes, and resources that may be valuable to someone else. The best rooms aren’t just about what you can get from them. They’re also about what you can bring to them.

What I Hope to Walk Away With

By the end of Cohort 25, I hope I walk away with new knowledge, meaningful relationships, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies that I can put to work in It’$ My Money. But I also hope I leave asking even better questions about what’s possible for the business. Going through the same program at a different stage of your entrepreneurial journey gives you a different lens.

Things you may not have been ready to implement the first time suddenly make sense.

Questions you didn’t know to ask before become important.

And conversations hit differently because you now have real-world experiences to connect them to.

That’s why I went back. Not because I’m starting over. I’m preparing for what’s next. And if there’s one thing I hope other entrepreneurs take from my decision to return, it’s this:

Don’t only chase funding. Chase the opportunities that make you a stronger business owner, put you in better rooms, and prepare you for bigger opportunities when they arrive.

Here’s to Cohort 25 and to seeing which doors open next.

Your business bestie,

Patrina

Hi Business bestie,

This is it — registration for Thursday’s free virtual business session closes today!

If you’ve been on the fence, here’s your sign. This is a real opportunity to connect with a local Comcast business professional, learn about resources you may not even know exist, and walk away with a contact you can reach out to anytime your business needs support.

📍 Florida Business Owners Only
💻 LIVE Virtual Session
📅 Thursday, September 24th
⏰ 12:00pm EST
🔗 REGISTRATION LINK

Once today’s over, that’s it — so grab your spot before it’s gone.

If you already registered, your Zoom link should be in your inbox — if not, keep an eye out, it’s on its way! And if you’re registering today, your link will be sent directly to you shortly after.

See you Thursday!

Your business bestie,
Patrina

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Hi Business bestie,

Just a quick nudge because I don’t want you to miss this one!

I’m hosting a free LIVE Virtual Business Session this Thursday, September 24th at 12pm EST, featuring a business professional from Comcast who works directly with businesses right here in Florida.

If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader, this is a chance to get real answers, real resources, and a real local connection you can go back to whenever you need support.

📍 Florida Business Owners Only
💻 LIVE Virtual Session
📅 Thursday, September 24th
⏰ 12:00pm EST
🔗 REGISTRATION LINK

Heads up — registration closes this Wednesday, so if you’ve been meaning to sign up, now’s the time.

Once you register, keep an eye on your inbox, the Zoom link will be sent directly to you.

Your business bestie,
Patrina

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One of the questions I hear often is:

“Where can I find grants for my business or nonprofit?”

But finding a grant is only part of the process.

You also need to know where to look, which opportunities are legitimate, what funders are looking for, and how to prepare before you ever submit an application.

That’s exactly what we’ll be talking about during the Grants Workshop for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations.

📅 Join Us Tomorrow

Thursday, September 17 At 2:00 PM
📍 JSEB Entrepreneurship & Workforce Development Center
865 Golfair Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32209

And yes—it’s FREE!

👉 [REGISTER]

What We’ll Talk About

During our time together, I’ll share practical information to help you:

• Understand how grants can support your small business or nonprofit

• Identify legitimate grant opportunities

• Better prepare your organization before applying

• Strengthen your approach to grant applications

• Avoid wasting time chasing opportunities that may not be the right fit

Dana Warsop, Nonprofit Program Coordinator, will also share information about becoming JSEB certified.

Receiving grant funding takes preparation.

Before you start applying for every grant you see online, you need to understand whether the opportunity fits your organization, whether you meet the requirements, and whether you’re prepared to submit a competitive application.

That preparation can make a big difference.

So if “find funding for my business/nonprofit” has been sitting on your to-do list, come spend an hour with us.

✅ Bring your questions.
✅ Bring something to take notes with.
✅ And bring another Jacksonville entrepreneur or nonprofit leader with you!

🎟️ Reserve Your Seat

Space is limited, and the workshop is happening TOMORROW at 2 PM.

👉 [YES, I WANT TO ATTEND — REGISTER FREE]

I look forward to seeing you there!

Patrina
Your business bestie

Welcome to your September Grant Drop!

This month, we found opportunities for small businesses, nonprofits, women entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, creatives, agriculture, technology, community organizations and more—with opportunities across the United States and beyond.

Some deadlines are coming up FAST, so don’t save this email for “later.”

Remember:

You don’t need to qualify for every grant. You just need to find the right one for YOU.

Grab your calendar, open a few tabs and let’s find some funding!

1. Giving Joy Microgrant

Award amount: $250–$500

Application deadline: September 30, 2026

Who qualifies: Women 18+, any country, any legal business/trade — doesn't need to be an existing business yet

Apply here

2. NBA Foundation Grant

Award Amount: Not publicly listed (grant size varies by project/org)

Application Deadline: Fall cycle runs October 1–31, 2026 (info webinar Sept 28)

Who Qualifies: Who qualifies: 501(c)3 nonprofits serving under-resourced youth ages 14–24 in workforce/career readiness, located in one of 28 NBA team markets

Apply Here

3. Shophand Small Business Boost Grant

Award amount: $5,000 ($2,500 cash + $2,500 in tech/services)

Application deadline: Rolling — Round 2 window is June 1–Nov 30, 2026 (winner announced Dec 15)

Who qualifies: U.S.-based for-profit, under 50 employees, under $5M revenue, actively operating

Apply here (login required)

4. BCALA (Black Caucus of the American Library Association)

Award Amount: Varies — this isn't a single grant, it's an org with multiple small awards (e.g. "Reading is Grand!" grant)

Application Deadline: Not listed on the homepage

Who Qualifies: Primarily librarians/library organizations serving Black communities — this doesn't appear to fit any business on your list

Apply Here

What if the grant meant for you isn’t one of the four above?

One of the hardest parts about finding grant funding isn’t writing the application.

It’s never knowing whether you missed the opportunity in the first place.

Maybe there’s a funder looking for the exact type of business you’re building or an organization ready to invest in the community you serve.

Maybe there’s money available for the program, research, equipment or idea you’ve been funding out of your own pocket.

But here’s the thing:

The grant you qualify for can’t help you if you never know it exists.

That’s why the Grant Insider doesn’t stop here for Elite subscribers.

On the other side of this paywall are MORE September funding opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, researchers, educators, agriculture, health, technology, humanities and more.

Some are U.S.-based. Some are international.

Some are thousands of dollars. Others can provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding.

Don’t just read about somebody else getting funded. Give yourself the opportunity to be the next success story.

Read more

But there’s a little more to this story. I am already a JAX Bridges graduate. Check me out here with my Jax Bridges coin which is a prize keepsake from the program. It indicates you met the requirements for graduation. You are given it during the graduation.

I completed the program before the enhanced AI component was added. When I learned that the program had evolved and now included a greater focus on AI, I saw an opportunity to go back not to repeat what I had already learned, but to continue building on it.

Because entrepreneurship doesn’t stand still and neither can we.

Going Back With a Different Perspective

When I participated in JAX Bridges the first time, I was at a different place in my entrepreneurial journey in Jacksonville.

Since then, I’ve continued building It’$ My Money, expanding our financial education work and learning firsthand what it takes to grow a business in Jax while staying focused on its mission.

Now I’m returning with more experience on how to navigate her and more questions, and a clearer vision for where I want the business to go.

One of those questions is:

How can I use AI strategically not just because it is the latest technology, but because it can help me build a better business?

AI is changing how small businesses approach marketing, content creation, productivity, customer engagement, research, and operations. I’m already using AI in different ways, but I want to continue learning how to use it more intentionally.

For me, technology should support the mission not become the mission.

This is a snippet of the email informing me I was selected

The Other Reason I’m Going Back which I am equally excited about:

The people.

Entrepreneurship can sometimes put you in your own little world. You are focused on your customers, your goals, your next project, and the never-ending list of things that need to get done.

Being part of Cohort 25 gives me another opportunity to step outside of that world and connect with other Jacksonville small business owners.

🌻I want to hear what they’re building.

🌻 I want to learn from entrepreneurs in industries completely different from mine.

🌻 I want to exchange ideas, resources, lessons learned, and maybe even create opportunities for collaboration.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing you gain from a program isn’t found in the curriculum.

It’s the relationships you build while you’re there.

One of the things I believe about entrepreneurship is that you should never stop being a student.

Yes, I’ve built a businesses.

Yes, I’ve gained experience.

Yes, I’ve been through JAX Bridges before.

And I still have more to learn.

That’s why I’m excited to return.

I’m walking into Cohort 25 differently than I walked into my first JAX Bridges experience. I know more about my business. I know more about how to navigate in Jacksonville.

But I’m also walking in curious. Ready to listen. Ready to connect. Ready to challenge some of the ways my team and I have been doing things.

Sometimes growth isn’t about finding a completely new room. Sometimes it’s about returning to a familiar room as a different entrepreneur.

So here’s to JAX Bridges Cohort 25.

I’m ready to learn, connect, apply, and grow.

And if you’re part of Cohort 25 with me, come say hello. I’d love to know what you’re building.

P.s. this was a program I shared with each of you during the monthly emails on the 15th.

As a business owner, having the right resources, connections, and technology in place can make a BIG difference in how efficiently you operate and grow.

I’m hosting an exclusive LIVE Virtual Business Session for Florida business owners and non profit organizations featuring a business professional from Comcast who works directly with businesses right here in the sunshine state.

This is your opportunity to:

✅ Learn about resources and solutions available to small businesses

✅ Discover ways technology can help your business stay connected and operate more efficiently

✅ Meet and connect directly with a local Comcast business professional

✅ Ask questions and get information specific to YOUR business needs

✅ Explore options you may not even know are available to you

And most importantly you’ll have a real person and local connection you can reach out to when your business has questions or needs support.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, nonprofit leader, or building a growing company, come get informed and make a valuable connection.

📍 Florida Business Owners Only

💻 LIVE Virtual Session

📅 Thursday, September 24th

⏰ 12:00pm EST

🔗 REGISTRATION LINK

Your network contributes to your net worth. It’s not just about what you know, it is also about knowing the right people and resources to help your business grow.

Your business bestie,

Patrina

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Running a business requires more than a great idea it requires the right systems and tools to help you stay organized, save time, serve your clients, and keep things moving.

Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of platforms, but there are a handful that have become part of how I actually run my business.

So instead of giving you another long list of “100 tools every entrepreneur needs,” I created something much simpler:

10 Business Tools I Actually Use + 1 Bonus

Inside the guide, I share tools I use for:

• Creating branded content

• Managing my finances

• Working with clients

• Organizing projects and my team

• Email marketing

• Virtual meetings and scheduling

• Accepting payments

• Using AI to work more efficiently

• And even documenting SOPs for my business

You’ll probably recognize some of them:Canva, QuickBooks, HoneyBook, Asana, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Zoom, Calendly, Stripe, and ChatGPT.

And I included Penzu as a bonus because of the way I use it to document SOPs and give my team a place to review and add to our processes.

Why am I sharing this?

Because small business owners don’t necessarily need more tools. We need the right tools.

If something can help you save time, create a better client experience, stay organized, or take one more repetitive task off your plate, it’s worth knowing about.

I’ve put everything into a simple resource you can save and refer back to as your business grows.

👉🏽 Document attached: 10 Business Tools I Actually Use + 1 Bonus

Its My Money Business Tools Working Clickable

1.96MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

I hope you find at least one tool that makes running your business a little easier.

Work smarter. Grow stronger. Keep building your legacy!

— Patrina

Disclosure: Some of the links included in this resource are affiliate or referral links. If you choose to sign up or make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a commission or benefit at no additional cost to you. I only included tools I actually use and recommend.

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Get more from Patrina Dixon in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

We had a great session last week and if you missed it, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

Barbara Turner-Chappell joined us for Power Lunch Hour, and honestly, it was the kind of conversation that makes you want to rethink how you’re running things. Barbara’s spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits build systems that don’t just work today, but actually hold up long-term.

We talked about why so many of us end up being the bottleneck in our own business and what to do about it.

A Few Things That Stuck With Us

1. You’re probably the bottleneck, and that’s okay — it’s fixable. Most business owners don’t even realize how much runs through them by default. Once you see it, you can start building around it.

2. Onboarding doesn’t have to be chaos. A clear, repeatable process means less back-and-forth and a better first impression for your clients.

3. Write it down once, stop repeating yourself forever. SOPs mean you’re not reteaching the same thing every single time — to clients, to your team, to future you.

🎥 Catch the Full Recording

The full session is now up for our Elite (paid) subscribers.

Elite subscribers get:
✅ The complete recording
✅ Barbara’s frameworks for onboarding, SOPs, and getting your finances/marketing/sales in order
✅ The ability to go back and rewatch anytime

Haven’t upgraded yet?

This is exactly the kind of session that’s worth it. Upgrading gets you this recording plus everything else that comes with being an Elite subscriber:

📌 Monthly live sessions with guest experts
📌 Access to every past recording
📌 Resources to help you build a business that doesn’t need you in every corner of it
📌 Practical tools you can actually use, not just theory

Running a smooth business isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it once, the right way.

Upgrade Your Subscription

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