THE MATTHEW E. COLWELL LEGACY
2026-2027 STUDENT MICROGRANT APPLICATION
Program Description
The Matthew E. Colwell Legacy Microgrant Program provides early-stage funding to Rhode Island high school students who are starting or planning to start a local small business.
Selected recipients will receive a microgrant beginning at $500. Microgrant funds are awarded as a grant and are not intended to be repaid.
The number of recipients and individual award amounts will depend on the applications received, available funding, business plan evaluations, and the final consensus of the judging panel.
Before you Begin
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
Eligibly Information
Personal and school information
Parent or guardian information if the applicant is under 18
A completed business plan in PDF format
*Do NOT start application if your business plan is not completed. You will not be able to save your form and finish it later, it must be completed in one session.
Important Dates
Applications open: Monday, September 14, 2026
Application deadline: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Finalists notified by: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Presentation scheduling deadline: Saturday, December 5, 2026
In-person presentations: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Final award amounts announced by: Monday, December 14, 2026
Target fund distribution date: Friday, December 18, 2026
Download the Student Business Plan Project Brief
Before starting your application, download and review the Student Business Plan Project Brief. It explains what your plan should include, how your work will be evaluated, and what to expect if selected as a finalist. Use it alongside the grading rubric (which can be found on the last page) as a step-by-step guide while researching, writing, and reviewing your final business plan.
Application Form
Do NOT start application if your business plan is not completed. You will not be able to save your form and finish it later, it must be completed in one session.