Charles Principato, President of First Greenwich Capital Funding and a notable entrepreneur, has announced the creation of the Charles Principato Scholarship for Entrepreneurs. This scholarship, amounting to $1,000, is aimed at supporting undergraduate students who are dedicated to a career in entrepreneurship.
Established to honor emerging business leaders, this scholarship reflects Principato”s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and aiding students in realizing their aspirations of business ownership. His own journey from investment banker to entrepreneur exemplifies the spirit this scholarship seeks to celebrate.
After acquiring his Series 7, 62, and 63 licenses, Principato worked in investment banking for a decade. He later founded First Greenwich Capital Funding, a merchant cash advance company that offers flexible funding solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. His shift from the financial industry to entrepreneurship stemmed from a desire to create his own venture and assist other business owners in securing necessary capital for their success.
Raised in New York City, Principato excelled at Abraham Lincoln High School, where he developed principles of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. As a father of five and a proponent of community support, he recognizes the significance of providing opportunities for the younger generation to chase their dreams.
The Charles Principato Scholarship for Entrepreneurs is designed for students who exhibit the same entrepreneurial vision and determination as Principato. Interested applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Be pursuing studies related to entrepreneurship, business, or a similar field, or show a clear intent to pursue entrepreneurship as a career.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit a complete application, including an original essay responding to a specified prompt.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The essay must be between 500 and 750 words and respond to the following prompt: “Entrepreneurship requires vision, resilience, and the courage to take calculated risks. Describe a business idea or venture you are passionate about pursuing. What problem does it solve, and how will it create value for your target market? Discuss the challenges you anticipate facing as an entrepreneur and explain how your education, experiences, and personal qualities have prepared you to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.”
Evaluation criteria will focus on originality, clarity of vision, comprehension of entrepreneurial principles, quality of writing, and the applicant”s commitment to entrepreneurship.
Applications, including the essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment, should be sent to [email protected] by the deadline of July 15, 2026. The scholarship committee will announce the winner on August 15, 2026.
Principato expressed, “This scholarship reflects my belief that success is built on hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of something greater. I”m excited to support a student who shares that entrepreneurial spirit and is ready to make their mark on the business world.”
For further information regarding the Charles Principato Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, please reach out via email at [email protected].
