A premium tequila brand created by actor-comedian Kevin Hart and Juan Domingo Beckmann, the founder of Jersey City-based liquor company Proximo Spirits, will award $500,000 in grants to help small business owners in under-resourced areas.

Gran Coramino developed the program in partnership with national nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC). The initiative aims to address wealth and opportunity gaps that have long affected diverse entrepreneurs across the U.S. and Mexico.

Now in its third year, The Coramino Fund expects to provide 50 small business owners with $10,000 grants. Applications can be submitted through April 23 by clicking here.

Additionally, one of Gran Coramino’s newest partners, Essex County-headquartered 1st Street Partnerships, will offer grantees business advice – including training on how to responsibly and effectively incorporate AI into operations.

Monk Inyang, co-founder and CEO of 1st Street Partnerships, commented, “As artificial intelligence is shaping the future of business, entrepreneurs must have the proper access and training to remain competitive and thrive.”

“We commend Gran Coramino and LISC for recognizing this as mission-critical, and we’re honored to partner with them to provide grant recipients with specialized AI programs and strategic mentorship through the lens of cultural intelligence,” he said.

Local recipients

Since its launch in 2023, the program has awarded funding to more than 100 entrepreneurs across 10 industries. Local recipients include:

• NYCSE LLC in Englewood
• Valdez Institute of Self Defense in Union City
• ATM Beauty in Neptune
• Lili Cleaning Services in Newark

With this new round of funding, The Coramino Fund will have awarded over $1.5 million in grants to more than 150 small business owners across the U.S. that operate in or serve low- and moderate-income communities.

LISC President and CEO Michael Pugh said, “Entrepreneurs drive community prosperity. Yet many often encounter barriers in accessing crucial funding and support. This initiative helps more small business owners succeed and expand.”