Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative
Ferrero North America (Famous Amos) with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
$50,000 per winner (3 winners)
Three $50,000 awards ($150,000 in total) each year for Black-owned businesses under five years old. The 2026 application period has ended; the 2027 round is not announced.
The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative gives three Black business owners each year a $50,000 capital award, $150,000 in total. Businesses must be at least 90% Black-owned, in business for five years or less, and headquartered in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands); owners must be 21 or older. The program has run annually since 2020, launching in spring (March 12, 2025 and March 31, 2026). The 2026 application period has ended. Selection is by judges with a video pitch component, and the 2027 dates are not yet announced.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $50,000
- Realistic amount
- $50,000 to each of three winners, $150,000 in total.
- Deadline
- 2026 application period ended; 2027 not announced (expect a spring launch)
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Nationwide
Who qualifies
- At minimum 90% Black-owned
- In business for five years or less
- Headquartered in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and similar)
- Owners 21 or older
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Business capital (use restrictions not published)
Ineligible expenses
- See official program guidance
How to apply
-
1
Watch for the 2027 launch
Spring launches in 2025 and 2026.
~0.2 hrs
-
2
Submit the application
Includes a video pitch component; contents closed.
~5 hrs
Prepare a short video pitch before the spring launch; the program has opened in March in the last two years.
Deadline & timing
"The IFS application period for 2026 has ended. Check out our 2026 winners below!" The 2026 cycle was the sixth year and launched March 31, 2026 per USBC/press; the 2025 cycle launched March 12, 2025. The eligibility wording is from the 2024 FAQ and the rules page is the 2024 version, so recheck at the next launch.
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Required documents
- Application with video pitch (contents closed)
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