He’s helping entrepreneurs who need it the most!
Building a business from the ground up is no small feat. It takes vision, grit, and often, money that many don’t have. That’s why comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart, alongside his Gran Coramino Tequila co-founder Juan Domingo Beckmann, teamed up with LISC to create The Coramino Fund—a nationwide small business grant program designed to uplift entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities.
Fueled by the belief that talent is everywhere, even if access isn’t, the Coramino Fund is not just about cutting checks—it’s about changing lives. Since its launch, the initiative has provided $10,000 grants to more than 100 small businesses that have historically been locked out of traditional capital opportunities. Whether it’s a beauty bar in Baltimore, a food truck in Fresno, or a tech startup in Atlanta, these grants have helped small business owners keep the lights on and their dreams alive.
Now, in its third round, the Coramino Fund is doing even more. This time, 50 more businesses will be selected to receive funding—but that’s just the beginning. Thanks to a new partnership with 1st Street Partnerships, grantees will also receive AI training to help streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and compete in an increasingly digital economy. For many of these businesses, it’s the first time they’ve had access to cutting-edge tools that large corporations take for granted.
“We know that the hustle doesn’t always come with a cushion,” Hart has said in past interviews. “This fund is about making sure the people putting in the work have the resources to go further.”
From hiring new staff and launching promotional campaigns to purchasing critical equipment and upgrading customer-facing spaces, the Coramino Fund gives business owners the flexibility to invest where they need it most. And for those worried about eligibility, the fund is open to registered U.S. businesses that are five years or younger, have 30 or fewer employees, and have no more than three locations.
It’s a bold move by a celebrity who understands the power of using his platform—and his resources—to pour back into the community. And it’s a reminder that when Black entrepreneurs are given a fair shot, they not only survive, but thrive.
The deadline to apply to The Coramino Fund is April 23, 2025. Click HERE to apply.
Cover photo: Kevin Hart’s ‘Gran Coramino Tequila’ Announces $10K Grant Program to Support Underserved Entrepreneurs/Photo credit: Route Magazine