From Dreaming to Funded: $370k in Grants for Latina Entrepreneurs (With Application Secrets!)

Amiga, you know the struggle of building our businesses with limited resources. When you are the CEO, Marketing Manager, Finance Director, and the 3 unpaid Interns all at the same time. So, how do you find the resources to grow your venture?

Well, what if I told you there's over $370,000 in grant money up for grabs right now? Yes, this month. That's right, amiga. I take a whole day every two weeks to find the best grants for jefas like you who are passionate about their business and need a bit of help ??. Because WE ALL NEED some extra dinero to make this business sh*+ happen! I've already applied to three from this list.

But before I give you all the chisme, I send these (and a bunch of other tools) to your inbox ??, so don't forget to sign up for the Unstoppable Latina movement. Let's break down these incredible opportunities:

1?? Ingredients for Success Initiative ?? $50K + Mentorship + Education ??? Deadline: 8/4/24

2?? HearstLabs Pitch Competition ?? $100K ??? Deadline: 8/7/24

3?? Amigas in Business Pitch Competition ?? Up to $50K + Event Ticket + Travel Expenses ??? Deadline: 8/15/24

4?? Future of Women at Work Grant ?? $10K + Speaking Opportunity ??? Deadline: 8/23/24

5?? LG Nova Pitch Competition ?? $150K ??? Deadline: 8/23/24

6?? Queer to Stay ?? $10k ??? Deadline: 8/31/24

7?? Galaxy Grants Giveaway ?? $4250 ??? Deadline: 9/30/24

8?? Fast Break for Small Businesses ?? $10K + LegalZoom Products ??? Deadline: 9/30/24

These grants aren't just about the money. They're about mentorship, visibility, and opening doors to new opportunities. They're about recognizing the value and potential of Latina-owned businesses. They're about you, mi amiga, taking your rightful place in the business world.

But I know what you're thinking: "Paulette, how do I actually win one of these grants?"

I've got you covered. Here are my top tips for crafting a winning grant application:

1. Start Early, Submit Early: Don't wait until the last minute! Starting early gives you time to gather all necessary documents, craft a compelling narrative, and polish your application. Aim to submit at least a day before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. (I'm still gathering documents for the Fast Break grant ??)
2. Read (and Re-read): the Guidelines Each grant has specific requirements. Read them carefully and make sure you meet ALL criteria before applying. It's heartbreaking to put hours into an application only to be disqualified on a technicality.
3. Tell Your Story: Numbers are important, but don't forget the power of your narrative. What inspired you to start your business? What challenges have you overcome? How will this grant impact not just your business, but your community? Let your passion shine through! Oh, and don't forget to save your responses so you can repurpose them for other applications.
4. Be Specific About Your Plans: Don't just say you'll use the money to "grow your business." Provide a detailed plan for how you'll use the funds. Be specific, be realistic, and show that you've really thought this through.
5. Highlight Your Company's Superpoderes: What makes your business special? How are you different from others in your industry? Don't be shy about tooting your own horn. This is your moment to shine!
6. Provide Solid Financial Information: If the application asks for financial data, be thorough and accurate. Show that you have a good grasp of your business finances and that you're responsible with money. (Again, that Fast Break grant requires a lot of financial information but we've got this)
7. Get a Second (and Third) Opinion: Before submitting, have someone else review your application. Fresh eyes can catch errors you might have missed and provide valuable feedback. I ask my husband to review my applications AND Claude AI.
8. Learn from Rejections: If you don't win, don't get discouraged! Ask for feedback if possible, and use it to improve your next application. Remember, each "no" gets you closer to a "yes."
9. Celebrate Every Win: Whether you win the grant or not, celebrate the fact that you put yourself out there. Applying for grants is a skill, and like any skill, you get better with practice.

Remember, amiga: your business deserves to be funded. Your ideas matter. Your business matters. You have the power to create change not just your life, but the lives of your family and community.

Don't let these opportunities slip by. Start working on those applications now!

Need help crafting a winning pitch? I've got you covered there too. I'm launching a free email series next week on perfecting your pitch for media, podcasts, and events. Because let's face it – once you win that grant, you'll need to know how to talk about your business to a wider audience!

This series will include:

• Templates for media, podcast, and event pitches
• Best practices for promoting your speaking services
• Tips on pricing your talks
• Strategies for negotiating your contracts

The goal? To help you secure paid speaking opportunities and media features, especially as we approach Hispanic Heritage Month. And once you land that gig, I want you to pay it forward and share these resources with another Latina entrepreneur. Because when we rise, we rise together.

Let's support each other. Drop a ?? in the comments if you're planning to apply for any of these grants, and let's cheer each other on! And if you know another Latina entrepreneur who could benefit from these opportunities, tag her in the comments or share this post.

Remember, we are unstoppable when we work together. Let's show the world the power of Latina entrepreneurship!