The Formidable Fellowship is now Forge Fellowship. Apply for a $1000 grant.

Inspiration capital for young entrepreneurs

The Forge Fellowship™ gives $1,000 grants to amazing middle and high school entrepreneurs in the USA.

Apply for a Grant Today

We're a group of successful entrepreneurs and investors who want to spark the next wave of young US entrepreneurs. 

The world needs more young entrepreneurs like you - people who spot problems and build solutions.

We hope a Forge Fellowship grant will help you:

• Dream bigger
• Go further
• Inspire others

We know being a young entrepreneur can feel lonely sometimes.

People around you might think your business is a distraction or they simply might not get it.

What they don’t know is that building something, selling it to customers, and making those customers happy teaches you more than any class or test you’ll ever take.

What you're doing deserves celebration, and we want you (and everyone else) to know that.

You can apply if you:
• Are a middle or high school student in the USA
• Have started and are running a real business

Companies run by 1 person or multiple founders are welcome to apply. Please note: there is only 1 grant available per company irrespective of team size.

We do not fund business plans, pitches, non-profits or pre-revenue ideas.

No. This is a no-strings-attached grant.

That means:
• No equity
• No debt
• No royalties
• No obligations

We welcome all types of businesses started by young entrepreneurs (individuals or teams). Here are some examples, but don't worry if yours is different -- you should still apply.

• Online Businesses: Dropshipping, e-commerce (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, etc), affiliate marketing, apps, YouTube channels, and more.

• Software: Game development, SaaS, apps, etc

• Service Businesses: Tutoring, lawn care, errands, dog walking, event planning, etc.

• Retail businesses: Selling food, clothes, or any physical products (online or in-person).

• Creative businesses: Graphic design, website building, photography, handmade crafts, video editing, and other artistic ventures.

Yes! We're a non-profit organization (501c3). If you want to support young entrepreneurs, you can make your tax-deductible donation here.

It’s easy. Just two steps:
Fill out the short form below with some basic details.
Upload a video of yourself telling us about your business, your goals, and how this grant will help you achieve them.
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You can discuss topics like:
• What is the product or service you are selling?
• How do you create the product?
• How did you come up with this idea?
• Who are your customers? How do customers find you?
• How do you market to them?
• What problem(s) are you solving for them?
• How do you make money?
• Does anybody else work with you on this business? (partners, employees, etc?)
• What’s your favorite part of running your business?
• Where can you use help?

Our next application deadline is November 1st, 2025.

Grant recipients are selected on a rolling basis so earlier applications do have a better chance at getting grants.

Absolutely. We'd love to have you as a Champion of youth entrepreneurship.

The Forge Fellowship is a 501c3 charity, and you can donate here. Every $ you give is tax deductible.

When donating, donate via bank and 100% of your gift will reach the fund for Forge Fellowship (no credit card fees).

If you prefer, you can also support Forge Fellowship via check. Make the check out to Forge Fellowship and send to:

Forge Fellowship
269 S Beverly Drive, Ste 338
Beverly Hills, CA 90212


If you'd like to donate via a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can do that here.

For any donation questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to info@forgeprep.org.

Grant Winners

Be a Champion

Want to support youth entrepreneurs? Want to support youth entrepreneurs? Forge Fellowship™ is a 501c3 which means your donation is tax deductible. If you're a Champion of youth entrepreneurship, you can donate here. Your funding directly increase the number of grants we give to great young entrepreneurs.

Support Young Entrepreneurs
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