As one of the investors on Shark Tank, Daymond John knows all about helping small businesses raise capital.
But that's not John's only means of supporting promising startups. This year, as part of his fifth annual Black Entrepreneurs Day -- which John first spearheaded in the wake of George Floyd's murder -- he's helping make $100,000 in grants available to Black entrepreneurs.
The funding is no-strings-attached and doesn't involve giving up equity. Applications are open through Nov. 1. The ideal applicant, John says, is somebody who has both a clear vision and a compelling pitch for why they're the person best suited to execute it.
"If you can articulate that vision," he tells Inc., and explain "who you're solving a problem for, why you're the one to solve the problem and why you, if you get these funds, they will be put to good use and help you, I think that's all you really need."