The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative is a grant programme that awards $50,000 each to three Black-owned startup businesses in the United States. Named in honour of Wally Amos — the visionary entrepreneur who founded Famous Amos Cookies — the programme reflects the brand's commitment to entrepreneurship and opportunity in the Black community.
Grant Amount and Structure
Three selected businesses each receive a $50,000 grant — no equity, no repayment required. Winners are also offered mentorship, brand visibility through the Famous Amos platform, and connections to the broader Ferrero corporate ecosystem. This is a competitive grant, not a loan, and the funds are intended to support business growth, operational expansion, or product development.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, your business must be majority Black-owned (51% or more), a startup or early-stage company, legally registered in the United States, and in an industry that the programme supports — which broadly includes food and beverage, retail, consumer goods, and service businesses with a product or impact-oriented mission. Check the programme's official website for the complete eligibility criteria before applying.
Application Deadline
Applications close on June 1, 2026. This is a firm deadline — do not wait. The programme receives high volumes of applications and reviewers cannot accept late submissions. Given the competitive nature of a $50,000 award, submit your application as early as possible and use every day remaining to strengthen your business narrative.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the programme's official application portal. You will need to describe your business concept, explain how the grant will be used, share your vision for growth, and demonstrate your business's early traction or market validation. A compelling, specific, and honest application outperforms generic pitches every time.
Why This Grant Matters
Access to capital remains one of the most persistent barriers for Black entrepreneurs in the United States. Grants like the Famous Amos Entrepreneurs Initiative provide non-dilutive funding that lets founders grow on their own terms, without giving up equity or taking on debt at a fragile early stage. If you are building a Black-owned startup, this is an opportunity worth your best effort.