The Santander Cultivate Small Business Program Cohort 11 is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at supporting early-stage food-related businesses in the United States. The program focuses on providing minority entrepreneurs—particularly women, people of color, and immigrants—with the education, mentorship, and financial resources necessary to grow their businesses. It is tailored for entrepreneurs in food and food production, agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishing sectors.

Participants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Businesses should be located in or serve low-to-moderate income areas, as determined by the program team. Applicants must demonstrate annual gross or net revenues between $25,000 and $1,000,000, have been operational for at least one year, and employ between 1 and 10 full-time equivalent staff, including the owner. The program is open to businesses in food-related industries such as food processing, technology, manufacturing, and services.

The program is entirely free and delivered online, providing entrepreneurs with access to industry-specific training, a network of mentors and peers, and opportunities for collaboration and business development. Participants who complete the program successfully will be eligible for capital grants of up to $13,000, designed to help scale and strengthen their operations.

Enrollment is open from January 10, 2025, to January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM (GMT-05:00). Applications will be evaluated from January 19 to April 1, with the final selection taking place on April 1. This timeline ensures thorough vetting and selection of participants who can benefit most from the program's offerings.

For additional details or to apply, interested entrepreneurs can contact the program managers at cultivatesmallbusiness@santander.us. The Santander Cultivate Small Business Program represents a valuable opportunity for food entrepreneurs seeking to overcome challenges, expand their capabilities, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.