Welcome, fellow entrepreneurs!

 

We're glad you're here.  

 

We’ve been in your shoes. Everyone at Threadneedle Alley Foundation has built at least one business from the ground up. We are Certified Financial Planners and PR pros. Brand builders and content creators. Attorneys and activists. We are all over 40. We are more than 20 strong.  And we are here for you.

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Why entrepreneurs in midlife?

 

Entrepreneurship is our passion. We want to help entrepreneurs of all ages, but for now, Threadneedle Alley Foundation focuses on visionaries ages 40 and up.

 

Why? Because we feel that this cohort has a unique set of challenges and superpowers that we are uniquely poised to help and harness. YOU are our people.

 

Here’s why we think you’re special:

 

• You are in a period of transition. Perhaps you've aged out of your job or are facing age discrimination while seeking employment. If you have kids, perhaps they have reached an age where they no longer need you every minute and you are ready for your second act.

• You are feeling a pull to do something different. Midlife is an island between young adulthood and old age. 

• You have skills.  You are in the “sandwich generation,” where you are responsible, emotionally and often financially, for kids AND your elders. You have decades of experience in the workplace or running a household.

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Threadneedle Alley’s commitment to YOU

 

We award at least three $5,000 grants every year. Winners are hand-selected from the pool of entries in February.

 

In addition to the monetary grant, each winner will be assigned a lead mentor, who is also an entrepreneur.  Mentor and mentee will meet virtually on a regular basis to discuss progress and address challenges.

 

The winners will also have access to our bench of entrepreneur mentors, who have a broad range of expertise, including brand building, marketing, design, legal matters, and finance. Our mentors are passionate about helping their fellow visionaries.

 

Your commitment to Threadneedle Alley

 

Grant winners will be asked to meet with their mentors regularly and provide updates. Grant winners are also asked to provide a testimonial of their experience.

 

Who qualifies for a Threadneedle Alley Foundation grant

 

Applicants must fit the following criteria:

• You are 40 years or older, and you and your business are US-based.

• You are from an underserved community or facing financial challenges that are hampering the growth of your business.  

• You already have a business registered in your state, and a website or at least one active social media account. 

 

If this sounds like you, we invite you to enter!  

 

Grant winners will then be chosen based on additional criteria, including the potential of their business, the founder’s story, and presentation.

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How to apply​

 

This year's grant applications are closed, and our 3 grant winners were announced on February 15, 2026.

Please sign up for updates below.

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​​​To learn more about the Threadneedle Alley Foundation story, click here.