FFN #28: Girls Get Grants... Like this!

🤸🏽‍♀️ Just Do It!

Grants can be highly competitive, but you have to be in it to win it! The more applications you submit the better, this will not only improve your chances but it will help you start building a strong case for why your business is worth supporting. We suggest setting aside some time each week to submit applications, by making it a habit that you time block into your week you’re less likely to fall off track.

👩🏼‍🔬 Do Your Research  

When you receive funding whether it be from a state grant or privately you must do your research on who is funding you. Depending on the terms of your funding, this relationship can be like a marriage so you want to like and trust the person you’ll be somewhat tied to. Make connections with people who work at the organization and ask them questions, this will give you a better idea of the company and could help you in your application process. You can also look at what projects the organisations awarding the grants have funded previously, this will give you an idea of what type of projects or missions they like to get behind.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Where Do I Find Them?

Great question! There are a bunch of resources you can use to find grants. A few of our faves are the Hello Alice and Fundid newsletters. Instrumentl is another great resource to use, their searchable database allows you to find a variety of grants. Fundid also has a similar useful Grants for Entrepreneurs section on their website. National grants can often feel like the ones to go for, however, they’re uber-competitive. Instead, you can apply for grants in your local area, by focusing on grants within your community you can better target your efforts. Non-cash prizes are also great to go for, these can give you access to prizes such as business services, subscriptions and even office spaces.

✍🏼 How Do I Apply?

The process of applying for business grants will naturally vary for each grant. However, most applications will require basic information about your business, as well as a detailed proposal of what you’re going to do with the funding you receive. If you have the funds, we suggest hiring a freelance grant writer to help you with the process. You can hire easily via our jobs board or search in the talent directory.

🎊 A Few Tips From our Grant Writer Natalie!

Be sure to check the SBDC in your area, if you’re in Austin it would be PVAMU and TSU. You can also look at Mogrlul Millennials. As far as writing goes of the free resources there are some ChatGPT prompts to help with writing, a grant checklist is always helpful, and the Logic Model. Thank you Natalie for your insights!

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A purposeful beverage to get you through that 2 pm slump! Buchi was born in a small kitchen in Asheville, NC when two mothers began making Kombucha as a healthy alternative for their kids. Their purpose is to craft delicious, high-quality, functional beverages, invest in the regeneration of our planet and use business as a conduit for positive social impact. I love everything this business is about, my go-to flavour is Legacy is tastes so good. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, women in business are pure magic!