Black small business owners are invited to apply by submitting a short video pitch. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs, and 10 finalists are selected to compete in the next round. Ultimately, three winners will each be awarded $50,000 and access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities.
The IFS application period for 2026 has ended. Check back for winner announcements and updates on the next year’s IFS program.
Due to a record number of applications received, we need a little extra time to complete our review process. We will now announce the 2026 Ingredients for Success winners on July 29. Thank you for your patience—we look forward to sharing the exciting news soon.
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Black small business owners are invited to apply by submitting a short video pitch. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs, and 10 finalists are selected to compete in the next round. Ultimately, three winners will each be awarded $50,000 and access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities.
The IFS application period for 2026 has ended. Check back for winner announcements and updates on the next year’s IFS program.
Due to a record number of applications received, we need a little extra time to complete our review process. We will now announce the 2026 Ingredients for Success winners on July 29. Thank you for your patience—we look forward to sharing the exciting news soon.
3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards Ingredients For Success 3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards
Ingredients For Success 3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards Ingredients For Success
3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards Ingredients For Success 3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards
Ingredients For Success 3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards Ingredients For Success
Judges
Judges
Meet our 2026 Ingredients for Success Official Judges
Meet our 2026 Ingredients for Success Official Judges
Judges
Judges
Meet our 2026 Ingredients for Success Official Judges
Meet our 2026 Ingredients for Success Official Judges
Application Tips and Tricks From Our Judges
Application Tips and Tricks From Our Judges
Application Tips and Tricks From Our Judges
Application Tips and Tricks From Our Judges
3 Winners
| $150,000 In Awards
3 Winners
| $150,000 In Awards
The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is an annual national award program launched by Ferrero North America in 2020. IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, networking, and educational resources.
Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses.
Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses.
3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards
3 Winners | $150,000 In Awards
The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is an annual national award program launched by Ferrero North America in 2020. IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses.
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8 Steps to Success: What Every Business Owner Should Know
8 Steps to Success: What Every Business Owner Should Know
USBC offers free resources to strengthen your business knowledge and assist you in completion of your application. You can access them any time at the links below.
Past and current winners receive access to curated content to assist in business expansion and sustainability. Checkout our alumni resources today!
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Past and current winners receive access to curated content to assist in business expansion and sustainability. Checkout our alumni resources today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
IFS is a national award program presented by Famous Amos in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). Honoring the legacy of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos, IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources.
IFS was created in 2020 to honor Wally Amos’ entrepreneurial legacy by supporting early-stage Black-owned businesses with resources to foster sustained growth and success.
Please see a high-level program timeline:
March 31, 2026 – Applications open online April 13, 2026 – “Judges’ Best Practices Guide Video” June 1, 2026 – Applications close Coming Soon! – IFS Finalists Announcement July 29, 2026 – IFS formally announces winners
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
IFS is a national award program presented by Famous Amos in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). Honoring the legacy of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos, IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources.
IFS was created in 2020 to honor Wally Amos’ entrepreneurial legacy by supporting early-stage Black-owned businesses with resources to foster sustained growth and success.
Please see a high-level program timeline:
March 31, 2026 – Applications open online April 13, 2026 – “Judges’ Best Practices Guide Video” June 1, 2026 – Applications close Coming Soon! – IFS Finalists Announcement July 27, 2026 – IFS formally announces winners
