The GK Fund
"Since receiving the grant...our marketing efforts led us to be recognized by Google. This recognition resulted in an invitation to the White House advocating for Massachusettes businesses.
"Secured a groundbreaking partnership with philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey and named one of her favorites on 'Oprah's Holiday List'"
"We have hired 2 employees since receiving the grant. The grant has allowed us to hire without the risk of a slow ROI after the hiring process. It has allowed me to grow my team and focus more on growth instead of just survival."
At the GK Fund, we support community-based entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting them to opportunities for sustainability, growth and long-term success.
Inclusion, allyship, and belonging are at the core of everything we do—values deeply embedded in the DNA of our organization and reflected in the broader ecosystem built by our President, Colette Phillips, including the groundbreaking platform Get Konnected!
VISION & MISSION
The GK Fund is committed to nurturing community-based enterprises. Through our partnership with Mass Development’s Technical Development Initiative (TDI) the GK Fund seeks to empower these community-based enterprises with Gateway cities by providing them with resources, mentorship, pro-bono legal counsel (courtesy of the law firm Hinckley Allen) and access to funding opportunities. The goal is to help small businesses thrive in gateway cities, ensuring they can continue to serve as vital pillars of their communities. By focusing on these often-overlooked businesses, the GKFund aims to foster sustainable economic development that benefits everyone in the community, from business owners to consumers.
VALUES
At GK Fund We Value
01
The Power of Konnections
Konnecting culturally diverse entrepreneur and small business grantees to resources and expertise, helping them through their success journey.
02
Inclusion and Allyship
Ensuring grantees have access to opportunities, supporting them by opening doors to networking and relationships.
03
Individual Agency
Honoring grantee agency and ability to make their own choices
04
Access
Ensuring culturally diverse entrepreneurs and small
businesses have access to the larger business environment
05
Ethical Standards
Making decisions based on fairness, honesty, integrity and respect
06
Social Investments
The important role culturally diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses have in building prosperous and healthy communities
07
Collaborative Partnerships
Fostering partnerships with key stakeholders including businesses, government, and organizations to leverage strength and maximize impact
08
Pro Bono Legal Services
We offer Pro Bono Legal Services designed specifically for small businesses that need guidance and support. Every entrepreneur deserves access to quality legal advice, regardless of their budget.
WHY INVEST IN SMALL BUSINESSES?
The economic impact of small businesses in Massachusetts cannot be overstated. By employing 45%, nearly half of the state’s workforce, they serve as a critical engine for job creation. When small businesses flourish, they stimulate economic growth by circulating money within the community, creating additional jobs, and fostering innovation. These businesses often adapt quickly to market demands, providing unique products and services that reflect the needs and preferences of local residents. In doing so, they not only contribute to the economy but also enhance the overall quality of life in their communities.
KEY NUMBERS
$10,000
Awarded per company
30+
Business awarded
23
partnering organizations
more than 100
of applicants per cycle
$10,000
Awarded per company
30+
Businesses Awarded
23