"Grubstake" refers to financial support or provisions given to someone, usually in the form of food or money, to help them get started in a project or venture. It is assistance given to assist someone in their initial endeavors. Full definition
My story, «Grubstake», appears in Supernatural Colorado, and a story I've sent in to their Love «Em, Shoot «Em anthology was accepted. (fictorians.com)
The dissolving of the first marriage had put quite a crimp in saving a grubstake, and the second marriage and the arrival of Sarah further delayed his somewhat heroic plans. (bookbrowse.com)
So after some pondering, I moved my grubstake into mutual funds. (moneysense.ca)