How to track applications for minority business owners in 2026

Learn how business owners can prepare records, track funding applications, compare tools, and review application progress.

By CDings · 2026-10-16

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Keep application details, deadlines, documents, and next steps in one place. Raise Buddy is one option that keeps track of where each application stands, but applications are made on the funder's own site. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1]	Free. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[1]	$14.99 a month. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[1]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[1]	$199 a month. ^[1]

What you need before you start

Prepare the information needed to follow each application from start to finish. Keep the program name, funder details, deadline, application status, submitted materials, and next action together.

For minority business owners, it can help to keep ownership details, business structure, location, and financial documents ready when a program asks for them. Check each funder's rules because requirements can differ between opportunities.

Create a simple record for each application so updates do not get lost. Include whether the application is being reviewed, needs more information, or needs another action. Keep copies of important messages, forms, and notes about questions from funders with the application record. A clear record can make it easier to see what has changed and what needs attention next.

Step by step

Create an application record. Write down the funding opportunity, deadline, contact details, required documents, and current status.

Collect the required materials. Keep business information, financial records, and other requested documents organized before submitting an application.

Record each application action. Note when information is prepared, when a question is answered, and when follow-up is needed.

Review requirements again. Check the funder's rules, requested documents, and deadlines before moving an application forward.

Separate applications by status. Keep track of opportunities that need action, opportunities waiting for a response, and completed applications.

Track follow-ups. Record requests for more information and any deadlines connected to those requests.

Keep records consistent. Use the same business details across applications and update records when information changes.

Review past applications. Use previous records to see what information was prepared and what needs updating for future opportunities.

Check the tracking system regularly. Review open applications and update their status when a deadline, request, or response changes. Regular updates help keep records current.

Tools that can do it

Different options can help with different parts of tracking applications.

Spreadsheets and notes. These can be used to record deadlines, documents, and status updates. Check whether the format gives enough space for the details needed.

Funding program lists. Review each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines before applying.

Business support organizations. Check what information and services each organization provides for application tracking.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile a business owner confirms, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] A business owner pastes a website or describes what the business does, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding the business may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing deadlines. Keep dates visible and review the next action needed for each application.

Losing document records. Keep requested materials organized so the same information can be found when needed.

Skipping eligibility checks. Review program rules before spending time on an application.

Not recording updates. Add notes after each action so the current status is clear.

Using inconsistent details. Keep business information accurate across applications and records.

Frequently asked questions

How can a business track funding applications?

A business can track funding applications by recording deadlines, required documents, current status, follow-up actions, and responses. A simple record can help show which applications need attention and which steps are complete. The tracking method can be a spreadsheet, notes, or a tool that records application progress.

Can Raise Buddy track applications after submission?

Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the business applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] The business still needs to review requirements, prepare information, and complete the application process required by the funder.

Does Raise Buddy help find funding opportunities?

Raise Buddy lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding a business may be able to apply for after the business owner pastes a website or describes what they do. ^[1] Each match also says whether the business can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1]

What documents can Raise Buddy read for a business profile?

Raise Buddy can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile that the business owner confirms. It does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1]

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)