Program Updates
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business
An Innovative Program for Food Entrepreneurs
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business (CSB) program is a no-cost, 12-week MBA-style course designed for early-stage food entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Delivered live online by Babson College faculty, the program provides practical coursework, one-on-one guidance, and a supportive peer network. Participants develop a growth plan, create a polished business plan, and prepare an investor-ready pitch.
Graduates receive a $2,500 completion grant, and top performers may qualify for additional capital of up to $20,000. In 2025, Santander introduced Next Course, an alumni pitch competition awarding up to $50,000 to celebrate continued innovation and growth among program graduates.
Cultivate Small Business equips food business owners with the tools, knowledge, and resources to scale their impact and strengthen the communities they serve.
IMPACT SNAPSHOT: Cultivate Small Business
Program Achievements Since 2017
Key Outcomes
900+
Entrepreneurs equipped to build and sustain businesses in the food industry
$3M+
Capital grants distributed to graduates
Alumni Spotlight
Innovation means building with intention. Cultivate Small Business helped me move from a one-person online business to a brick-and-mortar store, refine my revenue mix, and plan for long-term profitability. I took what I learned directly to the bank and secured funding to grow.”
KIMI CERIDON, Founder
Wakefield, Massachusetts
First runner up, 2025 Next Course Pitch Competition
Innovation is turning constraints into repeatable systems. Through Cultivate Small Business, I strengthened our financial planning, operations, and customer experience; helping us scale a community-based hospitality model inside HOAs, create jobs, and deliver consistent quality while growing revenue and resident engagement.
JORGE SANCHEZ, Co-Founder & CEO
Miami, Florida
Second runner up, 2025 Next Course Pitch Competition
