Impact to announce $50,000 scholarship winner Nov. 14 in San Diego

San Diego nonprofit Impact will reveal the recipient of its $50,000 Rising Leaders Scholarship at a Nov. 14 gala at Pendry San Diego. The award aims to help an emerging entrepreneur start or grow a business without giving up equity or taking on traditional debt.

Why it matters: - Impact’s Rising Leaders Scholarship offers $50,000 in startup support without requiring equity, repayment or revenue sharing. - The award is designed to cover eligible business startup and legal expenses, which can be a major barrier for new entrepreneurs. - The scholarship also includes mentorship, business tools and access to a community of entrepreneurs.

What happened: - Impact will announce the scholarship recipient on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at the organization’s inaugural Impact Launch Gala in San Diego. - The winner will be revealed at Pendry San Diego’s Grand Ballroom at 550 J Street. - The gala runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific and includes dinner, entertainment and a silent auction. - Finalists presented their business ideas on Oct. 17 during a pitch competition in San Diego.

The details: - Impact is a San Diego nonprofit founded by entrepreneur and business strategist Tia Lambert. - The organization uses a membership model to support scholarships, business education and entrepreneurial development. - Members are connected with practical guidance, mentorship, relationships and opportunities to support other entrepreneurs. - Impact’s broader programs focus on helping entrepreneurs refine business ideas, prepare for launch, build sustainable operations and pursue responsible growth. - The organization also emphasizes community service and businesses contributing to the neighborhoods around them. - Event information and tickets are available here. - Impact’s website is here. - The organization’s Instagram page is here.

Between the lines: - The scholarship reflects a funding model that tries to avoid the tradeoffs that often come with loans or investor capital. - The membership approach suggests Impact is trying to build a recurring support base around entrepreneurship, not just hand out one-time grants. - The gala doubles as both a fundraising event and a public launch for the organization’s broader mission.

What’s next: - Impact will name the scholarship recipient at the Nov. 14 gala. - The selected entrepreneur is expected to use the award to move forward with launch costs and early business development. - Media interviews are being offered around the scholarship, Impact’s funding model and the gala.