#USA #Boston #Simply Business #Sky's the Limit #Big Dreams

2026 Big Dreams Grant Winners Announced

Simply Business, a premier digital marketplace for small business insurance, in collaboration with Sky's the Limit, an innovative digital accelerator, has announced the five winners of the 2026 Big Dreams Grant. The grant program aims to support small businesses by enhancing their operational capabilities and growth prospects. This year, they received over 6,500 applications reflecting the dedication and ambition of entrepreneurs nationwide.

The Winners

Among the diverse pool of applicants, five businesses were recognized for their unique contributions, community engagement, and potential for future growth:

1. BirdieBlue (Vermont) - A sustainable outdoor adventure brand that upcycles hard-to-recycle gear into premium bags.
2. KneadED NEO LLC (Ohio) - A worker-owned bakery empowering local food entrepreneurs through a shared commercial kitchen initiative.
3. Rise Ritual (Pennsylvania) - A tea house and apothecary that emphasizes plant medicine and preventive care.
4. Select Auto Parts Sales (Wisconsin) - An indoor salvage facility that also provides workforce training for the community.
5. Stereotype Co (New York) - A lifestyle brand that empowers public school students by connecting them with entrepreneurial opportunities.

Now, each business will receive $5,000 in funding along with mentorship and tools from Sky's the Limit, setting them on a path to further their missions.

A Boost for Entrepreneurs

Dave Nudelman, the founder of Stereotype Co, expressed his excitement about the grant, stating, "The first thing I'm going to do with this grant is to hire someone who can do outreach." This sentiment reflects a common struggle among small business owners, as they often juggle multiple roles, diverting their attention from growth opportunities.

A recent survey conducted by Simply Business revealed that 80% of small business owners dedicate excessive hours on administrative tasks instead of focusing on expanding their businesses. The collaboration between Simply Business and Sky's the Limit aims to alleviate these issues by providing entrepreneurs with essential resources.

Bo Ghirardelli, CEO of Sky's the Limit, stated, "A strong support system is critical for small business survival." He emphasized that the community aspect of entrepreneurship is vital, encouraging winners and finalists to engage with one another and share experiences. Natasha Broxton, the owner of Select Auto Parts, added, "Don't do this alone. Share your journey; you never know who might offer a helpful resource."

About the Grant Program

The Big Dreams Grant encompasses several key elements designed to empower small business owners:

• - Direct Funding: Each winner receives a $5,000 grant to aid their growth trajectories.
• - Mentorship and Training: Participants in the program receive expert guidance from experienced business mentors.
• - Tools and Systems: Access to the Launchpad platform equips winners with vital tools to streamline operations and optimize workflows.

The initiative is an integral part of Simply Business's broader goal to assist 10,000 small businesses by 2030, reflecting their commitment to fostering small business growth and sustainability. For more information about the Big Dreams Grant and its winners, visit Simply Business.

Simply Business is dedicated to simplifying small business insurance, providing a transparent platform for entrepreneurs. Founded in the UK and established in the U.S. in 2017, the company focuses on offering value and choice to small business owners.

Sky's the Limit is a nonprofit focused on helping underestimated entrepreneurs build scalable businesses. By providing essential resources such as mentorship and startup grants, Sky's the Limit is committed to elevating the entrepreneurial landscape. Visit Sky's the Limit for further details on their impact.