Program Update
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business (CSB) is a 12-week dynamic education and training program that helps BIPOC-, woman-, and immigrant-owned early-stage food entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods build and sustain their businesses. Through live virtual classes, CSB provides participants with connections to industry experts, a network of fellow food entrepreneurs, and the opportunity to receive capital grants ranging from $2,500 to $13,000. Fully funded by Santander, the program annually supports 180 entrepreneurs across two cohorts spanning six major markets: Dallas, Massachusetts, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island.
Cultivate Small Business’s Why
Since 2017, Santander US’s Cultivate Small Business program has helped early-stage, underserved food-based entrepreneurs and business owners. The program offers industry-specific education taught by MBA professors through our university partners, as well as resources, networking, and mentorship from industry experts. Additionally, graduates receive untethered capital grants to help their businesses grow.
Impact Snapshot: Cultivate Small Business
Summary of 2024 Participants
186
Number of participants
72%
Woman-owned/led businesses
56%
BIPOC-owned/led businesses
5.4 yrs
Average business age
3.6
Average number of full-time employees
$199K
Average 2023 revenue
Alumni Spotlight
“Santander’s Cultivate Small Business is the perfect program for anyone doing business related to food. It’s like a small MBA, where everyone is dealing with the same issues, everyone is working 24/7 and working when others are enjoying life, which is not something you find in programs that include businesses from other industries.”
Haydee Gomez, CEO
Bosco Frozen Desserts
Sunrise, Florida
Cultivate Small Business (2022)