Turn Your Dream Into a Business. Build Your Business Into Something Bigger. The Dream Investment Program is designed to support emerging and early-stage entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow their businesses. This program addresses critical areas for business success, including:
Financial investment
Business mentorship
Entrepreneurial training and education
* Application opens Tuesday, October 13th at 6pm ET
Deadline: October 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
or when 150 applications are received (whichever comes first).
20 Entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the program.
ABOUT Program
Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) are leaders empowering Black girls and women in the South. We are excited to launch Cohort 2 of our innovative Dream Investment Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support emerging and early-stage entrepreneurs through business development, mentorship, resources, and opportunities that help participants strengthen and grow their businesses. The program will provide 20 current and aspiring business owners with financial investment, business mentorship, and entrepreneurial training and education.
The Dream Investment Program extends Southern Black Girls’ ongoing commitment to fostering economic empowerment and leadership development. This initiative activates the organization’s Innovation Fund.
The Dream Investment Program is for Youth and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses through Training, education, Mentorship, and Financial Investment.
Southern Black Girl and Women’s Consortium will select 10 Youth Entrepreneurs and 10 Early-Stage Entrepreneurs to embark on a 16-week education journey with a dynamic ecosystem of Experts to help them take their dreams to the next level.
A graduation ceremony will be for participants who complete the Dream Investment Program will be held during the 2027 Black Girls Dream Conference in Dallas, Texas, June 11-12, 2027. Program graduates will be awarded a seed investment towards their business.
Questions? Email us at dreaminvestment@southernblackgirls.org
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
THE DREAM INVESTMENT PROGRAM:
Youth Entrepreneurs will receive $2,500
Early Stage Entrepreneurs will receive $5,000
WHO CAN APPLY
The program centers Black girls, women, and femme-identifying entrepreneurs and welcomes applicants from historically underserved and under-resourced communities.
For Youth Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs that:
- Are between the ages of 13-17
- Reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia
- Are a part of historically marginalized and/or economically disadvantaged persons based on race, ethnicity and/or sex and in alignment with Southern Black Girls’ mission
- Are committed to participating fully in the program
For Early Stage Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs/Business owners that:
- Are 13 years of age or older
- Are in early stages of their business, 2-5 years
- Reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia
- Are a part of historically marginalized and/or economically disadvantaged persons based on race, ethnicity and/or sex and in alignment with Southern Black Girls’ mission
- Are committed to participating fully in the program
Business Eligibility
- Must be a for-profit business located in one of the 13 Southeastern United States served by Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium
- Business activities must be legal and lawful according to applicable laws, statutes, codes, rules and regulations of its industry and within the region of its service area
- Have a commitment to Black girls and women in the South.
- Have a clear plan for how the funds will help achieve a significant growth milestone in the next year
Apply Early
Only the first 150 applications will be accepted. Application closes on the deadline date or when 150 applications have been received (whichever comes first). 20 Entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the program (10 Youth Entrepreneurs and 10 Early-Stage Entrepreneurs).
Program Schedule & Participation Commitment
The Dream Investment Program will kick off on November 14, 2026, with the final session scheduled for April 17, 2027.
Sessions will not be held during designated program holidays. A detailed program calendar, including session dates and holiday breaks, will be provided to selected participants.
Participants are expected to complete at least 85% of the program, allowing up to three (3) missed sessions. Attendance at all designated mandatory sessions is required, and these sessions are not included in the allowable absences.
Participants are required to complete a Pre-Assessment and Post-Assessment.
Application opens
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 6pm ET
Application Closes
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Only 150 applications will be accepted. Application closes on deadline date OR when 150 applications have been received (whichever comes first).
Demographic
The purpose of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium Dream Investment Program is to offer financial investment, business mentorship, and entrepreneurial training and education to Black girls and women who have been traditionally overlooked, underinvested in, and lack opportunities to innovate and explore entrepreneurship.
Residence
Applicant must be a resident of one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia
Service Location
The business must offer goods and/or services in one or more of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
Excluded Industries/Types of Business
Businesses and/or business concepts that are considered illegal or unlawful in their jurisdiction and/or that can be construed as adverse to the health, safety, and/or well-being of Black women and girls are not eligible for inclusion in the Dream Investment Program.
Legal
Business must be lawful and in good standing according to applicable laws, statutes, codes, rules and regulations of its industry and region. Applicant’s business activities shall not infringe on the rights of any other party, including but not limited to the unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property of others or in violation of any imposed restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the investment award?
Youth Entrepreneurs receive $2,500 and Early Stage Entrepreneurs receive $5,000. Awards are given after successful completion of the 16-week program.
How many people will be selected?
Twenty (20) entrepreneurs will be selected: 10 Youth Entrepreneurs and 10 Early Stage Entrepreneurs.
When can I apply?
Applications open Tuesday, October 13th at 6pm ET and close Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:59pm ET. Only the first 150 applications will be accepted, so the application may close early. Apply as soon as you can.
When will I hear back?
Applicants will be notified by Monday, November 2, 2026.
When does the program run?
The program runs from November 2026 through April 2027.
Is the program virtual or in person?
The program is virtual. Graduation is in person during the 2027 Black Girls Dream Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Where and when is graduation?
Graduation takes place June 11-12, 2027, in Dallas, Texas, during the Black Girls Dream Conference. Southern Black Girls covers up to two nights of hotel stay for each participant.
Do youth applicants need parent or guardian consent?
Yes. Applicants ages 13–17 must have consent from a parent or guardian.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email dreaminvestment@southernblackgirls.org.
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