Start Small, Dream BIG Scholarship

Funded by

Bonjour Marketing LLC

Eligibility Requirements

Background:

Planning to launch or currently launching a business or idea

Background:

Planning to launch or currently launching a business or idea

There are many talented, entrepreneurial-minded people who have bright ideas that could change the world.

However, many great ideas never materialize into real businesses or products due to financial limitations. For a founder who may be in between jobs and attempting to chase their dream with limited resources, financial assistance can bridge the gap and make it possible to launch or otherwise advance an idea.

This scholarship seeks to support aspiring or current entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of launching their business or idea.

Anyone in the U.S., including students and non-students, may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they’re planning to launch or are currently launching a business or idea, in any field or industry.

To apply, tell us about yourself, your business idea, how this scholarship would help you, and how “Start Small, Dream Big” resonates with your journey. Additionally, include links and/or file uploads that show off your project or business. Include a link to your business website if you have one.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

Scholarships for Minorities Scholarships for College Sophomores Scholarships for International Students Merit-Based Scholarships

Scholarships for College Students

Need-Based Scholarships Essay Scholarships Entrepreneur Scholarships National Scholarships Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students American Scholarships

Published October 2, 2025

Essay Topic

In two paragraphs or less, tell us about yourself and your project or business idea. How would you use this scholarship to help move your idea forward, and how does the theme “Start Small, Dream Big” resonate with your journey?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

March 2026

Winners

Taylor Amery

CT State Community College

Finalists

Bullock Creek High School

Carnegie Mellon University

Katy, TX

Bennett Reda

Chaminade High School

Manhasset, NY

Chloe Bell

University of Arizona Online

Peoria, IL

Thomas Bastorous

Pepperdine University

Eastvale, CA

Winning Application

Taylor Amery

CT State Community CollegeWinsted, CT

I am a 21-year-old entrepreneur from a small town in Connecticut, and my long-term goal has always been to build something of my own. Entrepreneurship has been a natural strength of mine from an early age, and over time I have worked intentionally to develop that trait into a practical skill. I am particularly drawn to the coffee industry because of the way a well-run coffeehouse can anchor a community. It becomes a place where people gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. Through hands-on experience, research, and planning, I am now working toward opening my first coffeehouse and cocktail bar, an all-day concept designed to serve as both a daytime café and an evening social space for my town. My business idea is rooted in creating a welcoming, high-quality establishment that balances warmth and professionalism while remaining financially sustainable. The coffeehouse and cocktail bar will offer thoughtfully sourced coffee and espresso drinks, simple food options, and a curated cocktail program in the evening. By operating across multiple dayparts, the business is designed to increase revenue stability while meeting different needs within the community. Rather than attempting to scale quickly, my focus is on opening one well-executed location with controlled overhead, consistent hours, and a strong emphasis on customer experience. This project represents years of preparation and a deliberate step into entrepreneurship rather than a spontaneous venture. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me move this idea forward by supporting essential startup and early operating expenses. Funds would be used toward equipment purchases, initial inventory, licensing and permitting costs, and a modest working capital reserve during the opening phase. Having access to this support would allow me to launch the business responsibly, avoid unnecessary debt, and focus on building a strong operational foundation from the start. It would also provide the flexibility needed during the early months as the business establishes its customer base and consistent cash flow. The theme “Start Small, Dream Big” deeply resonates with my journey because it reflects how I approach entrepreneurship. I am starting with one location, one community, and a carefully planned model that prioritizes sustainability over rapid expansion. At the same time, I hold a long-term vision of growing this business into something that can create lasting economic and social impact. By starting small and executing thoughtfully, I am giving myself the best chance to build a business that endures, grows, and continues to serve the community that inspired it in the first place.