Ladies Who Launch is supporting women and non-binary small business owners in new ways in 2023! Introducing the FUND Bootcamp, a new program that will provide 120 women and non-binary small business owners across four U.S. cities the opportunity to learn about funding and financing options during five days of virtual workshops.
Donor Name: Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
States: Georgia, Maryland, Colorado, Michigan
Cities: Denver, Detroit, Baltimore, and Atlanta
Type of Grant: Bootcamp
Deadline: 05/31/2023
Details:
The FUND Bootcamp will guide women and non-binary small business owners through local financing options during a week-long bootcamp program (2 hours per weekday).women
Thirty women and non-binary small business owners across all industries, with gross annual revenue between $25,000 and $199,999, will be selected in each city to participate in the week-long virtual bootcamp. The program will culminate with an evening of in-person networking and community building, during which time program participants will have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition with the chance to win a cash prize to support their business’s growth.
FUND Bootcamp Benefits
The FUND Bootcamps, which will include two-hour sessions over five days, will feature small business financing experts, entrepreneurs, and more to help small business owners answer these important questions:
- What financing options are available?
- Bootstrapping isn’t your only option to start and grow your business! The FUND Bootcamp will introduce you to various funding options like loans and lines of credit.
- What funding is right for my business?
- The FUND Bootcamp will help you understand and evaluate your funding options to scale and grow your business. They’ll help you learn how to assess your financing options and understand high-risk vs. low-risk funding opportunities, the terms of the loans, and more. We’ll even discuss the emotions behind finances and how your personal relationship with money can impact your business’s growth.
- What resources are available in my community?
- Throughout the program, you’ll have the chance to get to know the resources available to you in your city! From your local SBA to grant programs and loans, the FUND Bootcamps will help you find the funding resources your business needs.
- How can I find community as a small business owner?
- So many entrepreneurs are solo founders, which can make navigating challenges and evaluating your financing options even more daunting. The FUND Bootcamp is more than an educational program, it’s an opportunity to make this journey less lonely by building a community with like-minded small business owners in your city!
When does the program take place?
- Atlanta, GA o Program Dates: October 23 – 27, 2023
- Pitch Competition: November 2, 2023
- Baltimore, MD
- Program Dates: September 11 – 15, 2023
- Pitch Competition: September 21, 2023
- Denver, CO
- Program Dates: July 31 – August 4, 2023
- Pitch Competition: August 10, 2023
- Detroit, MI
- Program Dates: August 21 – 25, 2023
- Pitch Competition: August 31, 2023
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a woman or non-binary founder or co-founder of the company.
- Business must be registered within the greater metropolitan area of the city for the bootcamp they are applying to.
- Applicant must be a legal resident or citizen of the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Applicants must be 21 years or older.
- Only one entrepreneur per business may apply and/or participate.
- Business must be at least 51% owned by participating founder or co-founder.
- Business can be either a products- or services-based business.
- Business must have an annual gross revenue between $25,000 – $199,999 (should your business be selected as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to submit your financials for verification).
- Business cannot be currently or have previously raised funds, or intend to seek venture capital or angel investment, or a liquidity event, in next 12 months. (Note: Grants, lines of credit, bank loans, and other loans are not considered to be “investments.”)
For more information, visit FUND Bootcamp.
