FAQs
That’s Natasha from Women Founders Grant answering your questions.
What is Women Founders Grant?
We are a collective of entrepreneurs and founders who are passionate about addressing the persistent underinvestment and unconscious biases, or outright discrimination, that hinder the progress of women in entrepreneurship. Our community is a vibrant hub where entrepreneurial women come together to share knowledge, support, and create meaningful impact. In addition to fostering connections, we offer personalized consulting and business advice to empower our members on their entrepreneurial journey.
Why do we, Women Founders Grant, do what we do?
We are driven by a deep-seated belief in the potential of women entrepreneurs. We recognize the systemic barriers and biases that hinder their progress and are committed to dismantling these obstacles. Our mission is fueled by a desire to create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We are dedicated to empowering women, fostering community, and driving positive change in the world of entrepreneurship.
What does Women Founders Grant do?
At Women Founders Grant, we provide monthly grants to women-owned businesses, offering $5,000 per grant paid in a single lump sum. The submission deadline is the last day of each month, and shortlisted candidates are contacted on the 15th of the following month. We prioritize businesses with a female majority founder and strictly avoid "femme washing" practices. Whether your business is in the ideation stage or generating revenue, we welcome all applicants, whether it's a sneaky side hustle or your full-time endeavor. Our grants are open to businesses of any type, from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to tech-enabled ventures, serving both B2C and B2B markets. However, we do not fund businesses related to cannabis, vice industries, or those based on hate.
Who founded Women Founders Grant?
Natasha, who witnessed first hand the notorious yet very real “bro club” and how this secret world is all powerful and rich, but unfortunately one’s membership is determined at birth. But alas, sigh, what has been well documented as the odds stacked against women in the start up world, Natasha continued to witness, and personally experience.
Even more mind boggling, how is it possible that 49.7% of the world’s population is less deserving?
We think not so let’s put our money where our birthright is.
What do I get if I am selected?
If you are selected for the Women Founders Grant, you will receive a $5,000 grant with no strings attached.
This is our biggest differentiator—we understand first hand how funding sources often make you jump through unnecessary hoops. But not here. In addition to the grant, you will also have access to valuable resources and support, including:
- An Entrepreneur Business Yoda to mentor and coach you;
- Go-to-market (GTM) support to help you grow and acquire paying customers; and
- On-demand resources to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey
What are the strings attached? How do I qualify or what do I need to prove to you?
There are absolutely no strings attached. This is our biggest differentiator—we understand first hand how funding sources often make you jump through unnecessary hoops. But not here. We believe in keeping the process straightforward and accessible, with no hoops to jump through.
How do you select the grantees?
Our selection process is as simple and straightforward as our two question application.
Grant Selection Process
Our process is simple, fair, and designed to identify the most promising candidates for our grants and may take up to 8 weeks.
Selection Criteria
Our two-question application and merit-based selection process are straightforward. Every application is thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by experienced professionals from diverse industries. Submissions are assessed based on passion, potential impact, and alignment with our values. Finalists are invited to a blind interview, after which a panel votes to determine the grant recipients.
We review and evaluate every grant application and choose finalists from our pool of applicants to be shortlisted for the grants. We then conduct blind interviews with each finalist to gain a better understanding of both you and your business, ensuring legitimacy. There’s no need for extensive preparation; we simply want to hear about your vision firsthand. The grant winners are announced the following month, or if they are still in stealth mode, upon their launch. This announcement is made public via our website and social media channels.
Each submission is carefully evaluated based on a set of criteria including the passion, impact, and potential. After all applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates interviewed, the panel votes to determine the winning submission. This process ensures that grants are awarded in a fair and unbiased manner and allows flexibility to capture a broad array of candidates.
Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for a 30-minute open discussion. This session helps us better understand the applicant and their business while confirming the legitimacy of the application. No preparation is required—just the vision and passion, which founders already know inside out.Winners are announced the following month. For those in stealth mode, the announcement is aligned with their launch. Results are shared publicly via our website and social media channels.
Key Notes:
Contact is made via the email provided in your application.
Due to the high volume of submissions, we’re unable to respond to every applicant.
More details: womenfoundersgrant.com/grants-for-women-business.
Thank you for applying, and we look forward to learning about your vision!
How do I apply?
Simply answer two questions on the application page:
What inspired you to start your business, and what is your vision for its future?
How do you plan to utilize the Women Founders Grant to further your entrepreneurial endeavors?
At the heart of our grants, there's no limit to your business dream. From pioneering scientists to artisan bakers, we encourage diverse passions and pursuits. So what truly matters is you—the woman or women driving the business forward. We value authenticity over corporate jargon; past winners have simply shared their stories—real passion and vision can’t be faked—so let yours shine. We seek not only business acumen but also the fiery passion that fuels your entrepreneurial journey.
Can I apply more than once in the same month?
There is no point, we will review your application and submitting it multiple times in any one month serves no purpose.
Can I apply to multiple months?
Yes, absolutely. If you are still unsuccessful after your third month, please drop Natasha an email info@womenfoundersgrant.com so she can give you some guidance.
Who is eligible to apply?
Women 18 years or older based in the USA with a business idea or existing business that is at least 51% women-owned and operated.
I have not started my business yet, it is still swishing around in my head, can I apply?
Yes, absolutely.
I have started my business, I am not a start up, can I apply?
Yes, absolutely.
I have not set up a company, I have not incorporated, I do not have a web or social media presence, and it is still me, myself and I. Can I still apply?
Yes, absolutely.
There are so many scams today - how do I know you are legitimate?
Natasha is a serial entrepreneurs with as many failures as successes. As part of this journey, she also spent time in Corporate America, and observed the exact same thing both sides of this fence: systematic & institutionalized discrimination against women which over the years and decades, has failed to make any meaningful improvement. And it is not in our heads, it is very real. Still doubtful? Contact our Founder Natasha on (914) 230-0703 - be prepared for her energy and advocacy for women owned businesses - it’s infectious.
When is the application deadline?
Posted on the website for each round of Grants.
How do I know that you've received my application?
We will send you an email to the email address you list (make sure it is correct) which will also contain other grants for you to apply for - you are on a roll so why not go the whole way. And we WANT you to succeed. As always, check spam. This confirmation email will be sent after the application fee payment.
What criteria do you use to select a grant winner?
We consider several key factors in our selection process:
Your story:
We're seeking applicants with qualities like passion, business acumen, and a clear vision. Women who genuinely believe in their ventures tend to captivate us with their stories, inspiring us to believe in their potential too.
Plans for growing/starting your business:
We want to understand how you think about and approach converting your vision to achievable success. Share insights into the pain points, the market, the opportunity, what triggered you, the obstacles you've overcome, and the challenges you still face.
Plans for the grant money:
Detail how you would invest the grant if you were to win. The more specific you can be, the better. Whether it's setting up a digital presence based on your idea, investing in marketing efforts, or enhancing your product/service, we want to know how the grant will fuel your entrepreneurial journey. What is your most pressing need? How will the money help? What outcome are you hoping for?
Why do you charge an application fee? Do you charge additional fees if I'm awarded a grant?
There is a small application fee of $25. This fee defrays operation & administrative costs, ensures a thorough & fair review process, helps maintain and supports the provision of grants. The application fee enables us to sustain and fund the grant program and our operations, including the thorough review of each application by REAL people, as much as we love AI, AI lacks the heart and soul to really connect with and understand women- how we think, why we do what we do and how we do it. The nominal $25 application fee is non-refundable and is the only fee we charge, there are no additional fees if you are awarded a grant.
Philosophically - think about it - the best way to get women to our fair share of wealth creation is through a greater share of the capital economy by being self sustaining in commerce and business - not through hand outs. As women, we need to build, own and lead more businesses and more of Corporate America. So the fee is us practicing what we preach.
Will you contact me if I don’t make the shortlist?
Unfortunately, due to the number of applicants, we are not able to notify candidates who did not make the shortlist.
What are your Social Media accounts?
https://www.instagram.com/womenfoundersgrant
https://www.tiktok.com/@womenfoundersgrant
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234335232