LISC LA, alongside its partner BMO, introduced the Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs (FEE) grant initiative to uplift small business owners across Los Angeles County who are driving innovation, equity, and economic growth. The program provides $5,000 grants to selected finalists, celebrating entrepreneurial creativity, perseverance, and positive community impact.

The Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs program spotlights local founders whose ventures are grounded in creative thinking and pathways to economic opportunity throughout Los Angeles County.

The 2025 FEE finale was held on October 10, 2025, at Hotel Indigo in Los Angeles. The gathering convened investors, business professionals, student founders, and community stakeholders to honor grant recipients, feature fast-paced pitch presentations, and foster meaningful connections that support the future of entrepreneurship in the region.

The 2025 recipients and pitch finalists awarded $5,000 grants included:

The event was hosted by Monique Idlett, Co-Founder and General Partner at Reign Ventures. The keynote address was delivered by Chris Yeh, Founding Partner at Blitzscaling Ventures and co-author of Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies. Additional remarks and presentations were provided by Anita DardenGardyne, CEO of RPG Associates, a Silicon Valley innovator, award-winning business leader, and pitch coach.

Event highlights included:

“At LISC LA, we are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs by expanding access to capital and business development tools,” said Jabbar Wesley, Senior Program Officer and Head of Economic Development at LISC LA. “The Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs program is an important vehicle for supporting small businesses and strengthening the economic fabric of Los Angeles.”

KeyBank Foundation has announced the recipients of its $5.4 million special grant initiative, aimed at enhancing the work of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This funding effort marks a major milestone in celebration of KeyBank’s (NYSE: KEY) 200th anniversary. The national grant program spans KeyBank’s 27 markets, prioritizing investments in affordable housing and small business development.

In regions where no qualifying CDFI proposals were submitted, KeyBank is establishing $200,000 donor-advised funds to ensure all its communities are recognized in this historic milestone.

The selected CDFIs are leading innovative, community-based projects in areas such as housing affordability, inclusive economic growth, workforce empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization. These organizations are helping redefine what's possible for the people and communities they serve.

“We are excited to recognize the recipients of KeyBank’s CDFI grant initiative,” said Chris Gorman, Chairman and CEO of KeyCorp. “These organizations embody what it means to truly invest in community success. Their impact goes beyond dollars—it’s about partnership and shared vision as we commemorate this significant moment in our history.”

With over $5 million committed to this cause, KeyBank reaffirms its mission to support the growth and resilience of the clients and communities it serves.

“Community means more than just a location—it’s about connection and mutual progress,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of KeyBank and CEO of the KeyBank Foundation. “These CDFIs are on the frontlines, advancing access and equity. We’re honored to partner with them as we celebrate this meaningful chapter in our company’s journey.”

As part of the bicentennial celebration, CEO Chris Gorman and KeyBank leaders will visit grant recipients across the country, joining with clients, staff, and community partners to highlight the impact of their work and deepen local connections.

Grant Recipients Include:

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation marked its fifth year of collaboration with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the U.S. through GroMoreGood Garden Grants and gardening resources. NHSA works with local grant recipients to create opportunities that promote healthier lifestyles and empowerment for children and families through comprehensive support initiatives.

As part of this ongoing partnership, participating Head Start and Early Head Start programs gain access to educational gardening materials, including seasonal garden storytime webinars. Additionally, the Foundation provides GroMoreGood Garden Grants to enhance existing gardens, establish new ones, or develop outdoor green spaces for these programs nationwide. These grants promote hands-on learning, spark curiosity, and offer children and their families the advantages of green spaces and nutritious food access.

Key accomplishments over the past five years include:

Click here to know more about ScottsMiracleGro's commitment to corporate responsibility.

T-Mobile is expanding its presence in rural America and reducing the digital divide through initiatives like the Hometown Grants program. On July 3, 2023, T-Mobile announced 25 additional recipients of the program, bringing the total number of supported towns to 200 since the beginning of 2021. This program is part of T-Mobile's broader commitment to connecting rural areas and empowering communities.
 
The significance of T-Mobile's Hometown Grants initiative lies in its substantial investment of $25 million over a 5-year period, driving positive change in communities nationwide. By funding various projects, T-Mobile demonstrates its dedication to small towns and their development.
 
Jon Freier, President of the Consumer Group at T-Mobile, expressed their commitment to supporting small towns across America, which are home to nearly 50 million people. In the past two years, T-Mobile has expanded its 5G network by nearly 400 thousand square miles, reaching more rural communities. Additionally, they have provided affordable Internet access to over two million households through T-Mobile 5G Internet. The Hometown Grants program has also played a crucial role in revitalizing main streets across the country.
 
The Hometown Grants program is open to anyone with innovative ideas to strengthen their communities. T-Mobile's recent announcement brings the total number of supported towns to a milestone of 200. The 25 new recipients will focus on projects such as revitalizing outdoor spaces, constructing event venues, and providing Wi-Fi connectivity. The overwhelming response of over 600 applications reflects the profound impact T-Mobile is having on small towns nationwide.
 
Enhancing Connectivity in Rural America
 
T-Mobile's commitment to supporting small towns extends beyond the Hometown Grants initiative. The company is actively bridging the digital gap in rural communities through several initiatives:
 
Increasing Broadband Options: T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet, available for over two years, now reaches more than 50 million households, with a significant portion located in previously underserved rural areas. This expansion provides greater choice and access to broadband options in these communities.
 
Expanding Award-Winning Network: T-Mobile's extensive 5G network covers 326 million people across two million square miles, surpassing the combined coverage of AT&T and Verizon. With the deployment of Ultra Capacity 5G, 275 million people already enjoy super-fast connectivity. T-Mobile aims to reach 300 million people, nearly the entire nation, with Ultra Capacity 5G this year.
 
Job Creation: T-Mobile's efforts to connect communities include the opening of 600 stores between 2020 and 2024. This expansion not only provides employment opportunities for thousands of individuals but also ensures a more personalized experience for customers in various locations.
 
Empowering Students with Connectivity: T-Mobile has made a significant impact on education by connecting more than 5.3 million students throughout the United States. Initiatives like Project 10Million aim to address the digital divide by providing students with the necessary connectivity for remote learning. T-Mobile continues to expand these efforts, contributing to the ongoing closure of the digital divide.
 
Through these multifaceted endeavors, T-Mobile is actively working to enhance connectivity and empower communities, particularly in rural America.
 
Winners of the Hometown Grants
 
The following are the 25 newly announced winners and their respective projects:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
T-Mobile collaborates with Main Street America and Smart Growth America, esteemed organizations renowned for their expertise in cultivating thriving small towns and rural communities, to identify deserving recipients. The evaluation process for Hometown Grant applications meticulously assesses factors such as the level of detail, potential community impact, project feasibility, and other relevant aspects. T-Mobile grants up to 25 Hometown Grants per quarter to communities with a population of 50,000 or fewer, fostering local development and empowerment.
 
If you would like to submit a Hometown Grants proposal, click here,