Capital and Catalyst Grant: $40,000 for Women-Owned Food & Beverage Businesses

Grant Overview

Fuel Your Growth with Non-Dilutive Funding and Expert Mentorship for Female Entrepreneurs

Donor: Enthuse Foundation and Spearhead Global

About: The Capital and Catalyst Grant represents a pivotal opportunity for established women entrepreneurs in the U.S. food and beverage sector. This initiative is a dynamic collaboration between the Enthuse Foundation, a nonprofit championing female business leaders, and Spearhead Global, a certified Women-Owned Enterprise and a leader in packaging innovation. The program is thoughtfully designed to provide more than just capital; it combines a significant $40,000 non-dilutive grant with invaluable, hands-on mentorship from industry veterans. This dual-benefit approach makes it a standout among grants for women entrepreneurs, aiming to catalyze sustainable growth and success.

At its core, the Capital and Catalyst Grant is fueled by a shared mission to empower women in a competitive industry. Spearhead Global, co-founded by CEO Heather Fritzsche, brings deep expertise in packaging, sustainability, and brand development, offering the winner direct access to strategic guidance that can shape a brand’s future. The $40,000 award is non-dilutive, which is a crucial advantage for founders. It means the funding is provided without requiring the business owner to give up any equity or ownership, allowing them to retain full control of their company while scaling their operations. This structure is particularly beneficial for for-profit businesses looking to grow without compromising their vision.

This grant is specifically tailored for seasoned businesses with a proven track record and readiness for the next level of investment. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate significant market traction, reflected in a minimum of $500,000 in lifetime sales. Furthermore, the business must have been operational for over two and a half years, having been founded before January 1, 2023. The program maintains a strict focus on the food and beverage industry, explicitly excluding companies in skincare, beauty, clothing, or personal hygiene. This focus ensures that the mentorship and resources are highly relevant, a factor that differentiates it from more general opportunities like the Amber Grant for Women.

The application process is structured to identify founders who are truly prepared for growth. It involves a multi-stage evaluation, including due diligence interviews with Spearhead Global’s co-founder and a virtual pitch competition for the three selected finalists on September 11, 2025. Applicants will need to provide profit and loss statements for 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring the need for solid financial records. Preparing for such a rigorous process can be demanding, and leveraging expert grant writing support can help ensure your application materials are polished, professional, and effectively communicate your story.

Evaluation criteria focus on a holistic view of the business and its founder. The selection committee assesses product viability and longevity, the strength of the founding team, the overall investment opportunity, and how the business incorporates sustainability and philanthropy into its model. A key consideration is the potential impact of both the funds and the mentorship, meaning applicants should have a clear and compelling vision for how this grant will be a catalyst for their brand. Developing a strong narrative and a detailed business plan is essential to articulating this vision effectively.

Securing an opportunity like the Capital and Catalyst Grant can be transformative. For women entrepreneurs ready to scale, it offers the perfect blend of financial resources and expert guidance. The journey to winning such a competitive grant requires a well-prepared and strategic application. Grantaura’s comprehensive services, from grant research and document preparation to pitch deck refinement, are designed to position your business for success and help you navigate every step with confidence.

Focus: Food and Beverage, Women-Owned Businesses, Consumer Packaged Goods, Business Growth, Mentorship

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Must be a women-founded food or beverage business.
– Skincare, beauty, clothing, and personal hygiene product companies are not eligible.
– Business must be at least 51% owned by women.
– Must have a minimum of $500,000 in lifetime sales.
– Must have been in existence for over two and a half years (founded before January 1, 2023).
– Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
– Must be willing to seek and accept investment within the next two years.
– Finalists are required to participate in a virtual pitch competition on September 11, 2025.
– Must be willing to participate in a due diligence meeting and provide financial statements (P&L for 2023-2025).
– WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) certification is preferred but not required.

Benefits:
– A $40,000 non-dilutive capital grant.
– Direct access to expert mentorship from the leadership team at Spearhead Global.
– Strategic guidance on packaging, innovation, and brand development.
– In-kind services and due diligence engagement to prepare for future investment.

Deadline: July 28, 2025

Terms:
– Non-Dilutive Capital: Funding provided to a business that does not require the owner to give up equity or ownership shares. The grant winner retains 100% of their company.
– Due Diligence: A comprehensive appraisal of a business undertaken by a prospective partner or investor to establish its assets and liabilities and evaluate its commercial potential. For this grant, it involves interviews and a review of financial statements.
– WBENC Certification: A certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the largest certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. While preferred, it is not a mandatory requirement for this grant.
– Virtual Pitch: A presentation delivered online by the finalists to the selection committee, outlining their business, vision, and how they would use the grant.