Introduction to the Free Money Marketplace

The “Free Money Marketplace” refers to funding that doesn’t require repayment and doesn’t cost you ownership.

Grants are at the center of this space. They are issued by federal agencies, local governments, private foundations, corporate giving programs, and philanthropic trusts. Each grant is tied to a purpose, whether that’s launching a business, creating jobs, conducting research, or serving a community need. What makes grants distinct is that once awarded, the money is yours to use within the boundaries of the program guidelines. There is no payback and no dilution of ownership.

Fellowships and scholarships offer funding for individuals, usually tied to a program, research focus, or creative body of work. These are less about business growth and more about supporting the founder or practitioner behind the work. They often include mentorship, professional development, or cohort-based experiences in addition to funding.

Awards and prizes provide lump-sum cash in recognition of achievement, innovation, or impact. These are usually one-time disbursements. Some come with ongoing programming or visibility, while others function simply as capital infusions for work already in progress.

This marketplace is large, diverse, and underutilized, especially by early-stage founders who assume they have to raise equity or take on debt to grow

Why Grants Matter

Grants are still a form of investment, however, which funds capacity, not just outcomes. And for founders who’ve been excluded from institutional capital, grants are often the most reliable way to secure meaningful support.

A grant allows you to build without draining your personal savings, pitching to investors, or navigating credit systems that weren’t designed for you. It gives you time to focus on your offer, your audience, and your systems. If used well, a grant can change the trajectory of your business.

Grants also come with what funders call signal value. Winning one signals that your work has been vetted and validated. This can position you for follow-on funding, strategic partnerships, or customer growth. Grant funding also introduces accountability practices that can help you strengthen your reporting, refine your storytelling, and clarify your business goals.

Most importantly, grants shift power.

They redistribute resources to founders who are solving problems and creating value. When you access grant funding, you gain capital, but you also expand the reach and resilience of your business.

Beyond Grants: Other Types of Non-Dilutive Capital

While grants are the most prominent tool in the Free Money Marketplace, they are not the only one. Several other non-dilutive pathways exist to help you raise capital on your terms.

Pitch competitions offer funding through live or recorded presentations to panels of judges. Winners receive cash awards, and some competitions also provide additional benefits like mentorship, press, or technical support. Pitch competitions are especially valuable when paired with storytelling, traction data, or a strong community narrative.

Tax credits are available to eligible businesses through federal, state, or municipal programs. These often reward specific hiring practices (such as employing veterans or formerly incarcerated individuals), location-based economic development, or investments in innovation. They require intentional recordkeeping and may be best activated with the support of a financial advisor or tax professional.

Recoverable grants and forgivable loans are hybrid structures. Recoverable grants are expected to be repaid only if the business meets certain success thresholds. Forgivable loans function like traditional loans but may be waived if the recipient meets milestones or retains specific staffing levels.

Procurement contracts also fall into this space. While technically not grants, these contracts involve government or institutional entities hiring your business to deliver a service or product, often with upfront or milestone-based payment.

Each of these options exists to make capital more accessible without compromising control. The right one for you depends on your revenue model, legal structure, timeline, and risk tolerance.

Why This Matters for You

If you’ve had to self-fund your business, you already know the cost. You’ve likely dipped into savings, deferred your own paycheck, or carried the weight of trying to scale without outside help. Non-dilutive funding changes the equation.

For founders, who are often underestimated or ignored by traditional investors and lenders, this funding offers a path that centers agency. It helps you stay in full control of your company’s direction. It helps you operate with stability, not scarcity. And it helps you grow in alignment with your values and not someone else’s expectations.

Many of these programs were created to support your leadership and to address historic gaps in access.

Conclusion

In subsequent lessons, we will delve into identifying suitable grants, understanding the application process, and effectively using non-dilutive capital to advance your venture. We will also explore why these funding sources are particularly important for Black women and non-binary founders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• The Free Money Marketplace includes a range of non-dilutive funding sources, including grants, fellowships, awards, pitch competitions, and tax credits.
  
  

• Grants allow you to build your business without repayment or ownership loss.
  
  

• Non-dilutive funding helps you grow on your terms, without relying on venture capital or traditional credit systems.
  
  

• These resources are often specifically created to support marginalized founders.
  
  

• When used strategically, this funding can shift your business from survival mode into long-term sustainability.