SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pilot, the leader in AI-powered accounting and advisory solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups, today announced the launch of its Small Business Growth Fund, delivering a total of $250,000 in funding across 18 small business owners. Presented in partnership with Hello Alice, the fund supports small businesses across various stages of growth, whether they're investing in operations, expanding their teams or strengthening financial infrastructures.

Small businesses drive nearly half of U.S. employment, but many are feeling the squeeze as banks tighten credit standards and raise interest rates, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. At the same time, research from Hello Alice shows many founders cannot access the full capital they need, even when their businesses are profitable. Together, these forces have created a structural gap between business performance and access to financing.

Through the Pilot Small Business Growth Fund, 18 business owners will receive grants to support them as they scale. The fund will offer one $50,000 grant, two $25,000 grants and 15 $10,000 grants. Each grant recipient will also receive one year of free Pilot bookkeeping services to support their financial management and growth.

"Small businesses fuel innovation and ...