What is UPRISERS Family Market powered by Panda Express?
The UPRISERS Family Market debuted in 2021 at ComplexCon and we’re showing up again, bigger and better. Powered by Panda Express, this year’s Family Market is a nostalgia-meets-modern interactive experience to celebrate our cultural roots alongside the most beloved up-and-coming Asian founded brands.
I own a franchise, can I apply?
No, we are not accepting applications from franchises.
What is the last day to apply?
The application closes at 11:59PM on September 30, 2022.
What are important deadlines?
Applications Open: September 15, 2022 Applications Close: September 30, 2022 Winners Announced: November 8, 2022
Who is eligible?
The eligibility criteria are:
- The business must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (AAPI) majority-owned (51% or more AAPI-owned).
- The business must be based and operating in the United States.
- The business must currently be in operation.
- Your business is legal and for-profit
- Small business is majority (51%+) owned and operated by an underrepresented-Identifying entrepreneur(s). (person of color, women, lgbtqia+, indigenous, veteran, disabilities)
- Small business is community focused and able to share and explain their mission in the application process
What are you offering?
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Technical assistance and business development support to support success at UPRISERS Family Market
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The opportunity to share their products to the 50,000 attendees of ComplexCon
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Partake in a 2 page spread in the UPRISERS Family Market Zine
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The chance to pitch products to Panda Restaurant Group
How can a business apply?
Applications will open on September 15, 2022 via Google Form. A gmail account is NOT required to apply.
Are non-profit orgs eligible?
Only for-profit businesses are eligible to apply to this program.
What is the selection process?
After applications are screened for completeness and eligibility, they will be reviewed by a panel of judges active in the small business community as fellow entrepreneurs and advisors.
Will you provide feedback?
Due to the high volume of grant proposals we receive, we may not be able to respond to individual requests for updates. We will contact all applicants, selected or not, with future opportunities for showcase and grant opportunities.
What are my obligations?
If you are chosen as a grant recipient, please be prepared to share your testimony on how the experience helped your business, provide product (suggested amount 500 pcs) to distribute and showcase at UPRISERS Family Market, and promote on social media.
How many winners are there?
There are 8 winners total.
When will I be notified?
We will notify all applicants about the status of their submission in late September via the email provided in your application. Be sure to check your email regularly, including your junk folders. If someone assisted you in the physical completion of the application form, please be sure to include their email address. This will ensure they are able to receive a copy of the status email as well. Grant recipients may receive next steps from team@hellospecialguest.com. Failure to reply promptly to next steps may result in disqualification from the grant program.
What is specialguest?
Located in the Arts District, Los Angeles, specialguest bridges underrepresented small businesses with legacy businesses. We help corporations deploy grants, resources, events, and source goods from underrepresented small businesses. We welcome our community into our 2000 square foot space equipped with an event and dining area, retail space, full kitchen and bath, office and conference room, and e-commerce station.
Questions?
You can contact us via email at team@hellospecialguest.com