Boundless Futures Foundation Empowers Women Entrepreneurs with $150,000 in Grants
Traverse City, MI – October 22, 2024 – Boundless Futures Foundation, a private family foundation established by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, is making a significant impact on the world of female entrepreneurship by awarding $150,000 in grants. The foundation is dedicated to supporting women who are not only building successful businesses but also making a positive difference in their communities.
This fourth round of EmpowHer grants, totaling $100,000, goes to five inspiring female founders across five states: California, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, and New York. These companies are all driven by a purpose-driven model, weaving social good into the fabric of their business. From a coffee company employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to a snack bar company donating a portion of its profits to health-related causes, these entrepreneurs are truly making a difference.
The Foundation also recognizes the vital role nonprofits play in supporting female entrepreneurs. They are awarding $50,000 in Her Village grants to two organizations: Venture North in Traverse City, Michigan, and Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in Chicago, Illinois. These organizations provide invaluable resources, such as low-cost loans and consulting, to help women navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
EmpowHer Grant Recipients: Making a Difference Through Business
This year’s EmpowHer grantees are a diverse group of female entrepreneurs tackling a range of social issues:
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Piña Designs (Coronado, CA)
: Creating sustainable hair ties from pineapple fibers, Piña Designs donates 5% of its profits to ocean and coastline protection. The company was founded by Sydney Kobak, Kelley Levaggi, Sage Dobby, and Erika Gossett and will receive a $15,000 grant.*
Resist Nutrition (New York, NY)
: Co-founded by Drew Lederman and Emily Cohen, Resist Nutrition produces snack bars tailored for individuals with diabetes and other blood sugar instabilities. The company donates 1% of its profits to health-related causes and will receive a $20,000 grant.*
Rose Cat Coffee Company (Lincoln, NE)
: Founded by Brenda Kasaty, this coffee shop employs and trains individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will receive a $25,000 grant to further its mission of creating inclusive employment opportunities.*
Spacers Inc. (Midland, TX)
: Kristen Fechtel founded this company that produces non-alcoholic beverages marketed to bars and consumers to help pace alcohol consumption. Spacers Inc. donates a portion of its proceeds to mental health organizations and will receive a $20,000 grant.*
VertiGreens (St. Louis, MO)
: Founded by Tova Feinberg, VertiGreens uses shipping containers and hydroponic technology to grow hard-to-find ingredients for restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores. They prioritize sustainable practices and focus on providing access to healthy, locally farmed food in urban areas. They will receive a $20,000 grant.Supporting Female Entrepreneurs Beyond Grants
Boundless Futures Foundation goes beyond providing financial support. They offer a comprehensive program to empower female entrepreneurs, including:
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Advisory Circle:
Each EmpowHer grantee is connected with an Advisory Circle of seasoned female entrepreneurs who provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance on leadership development and skills-building.*
FoundHer Success Kit:
The Foundation has launched this new resource, providing female founders with easy-to-use templates and vital tools to build a strong foundation for their businesses.Impacting Lives Through Entrepreneurship
Since its inception in September 2023, Boundless Futures Foundation has awarded over $525,000 to 19 female-founded businesses and five nonprofits across 13 states. Their commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering social good continues to grow.
If you are a female founder with a business that addresses a social issue, or a mission-aligned nonprofit, consider applying for the next round of EmpowHer grants. The deadline is November 1, 2024. Visit boundlessfutures.org to learn more about the program, past grantees, and how to apply.
About Boundless Futures Foundation
Boundless Futures Foundation is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in the United States. They provide grant funding, mentorship, and resources to individuals in the early stages of starting a business that solves a social issue. The foundation also supports mission-aligned nonprofits working to advance female entrepreneurship.