StitchCrew VESTing Women Program: Ultimate Grants for Female Entrepreneurs – 12 Months Free Mentorship Worth $50K

Grant Overview

Year-Round Coaching That Actually Moves The Needle For Women-Owned Businesses

Here’s the thing about grants for female entrepreneurs – most of them give you money and walk away. The Big Idea Grant hands over $1,000 monthly, which is great. But what happens after that check clears? You’re back where you started, except with slightly more cash and the same problems you had before.

But the StitchCrew VESTing Women Program 2025? This is the real deal. Like, actually useful. Women now own 42% of all businesses in the U.S. – that’s nearly 14 million companies employing 12.9 million workers and generating a mind-blowing $3.3 trillion in revenue every year. Yet somehow, women entrepreneurs still get only 2.1% of all venture capital funding. How does that even make sense? That’s exactly why programs like this aren’t just nice to have – they’re absolutely essential right now.

Donor: StitchCrew

Focus: women entrepreneurship, business coaching, networking, mentorship, business growth, female founders, women-owned businesses

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Women-owned business (50% or more ownership)
– Existing business (not just an idea or concept)
– Based in the United States
– Capacity to attend monthly sessions (third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. CT)
— Must commit to attending at least 10 out of 12 monthly sessions

Benefits:
– Year-round one-on-one and group coaching with experienced mentors
– Exclusive workshops on growth strategies, scaling, and leadership
– Curated networking opportunities with investors, peers, and industry experts
– Access to a vibrant community of like-minded women entrepreneurs
– Strategic business guidance tailored to your specific growth challenges

Deadline: November 10, 2025 (Applications reviewed on rolling basis)

Women are starting businesses at an incredible rate – like 1,817 new businesses every single day in the U.S. That’s insane momentum. But despite owning nearly half of all businesses, women founders still face massive hurdles when it comes to getting the money and support they need. Recent studies show female entrepreneurs are 31% less likely to get funding, get less money when they do succeed, and wait longer for decisions. It’s not just frustrating – it’s actively holding back our entire economy. And don’t even get me started on the “who’s watching your kids?” questions that women constantly get in investor meetings while their male counterparts never hear that nonsense.

Let me be straight with you about something. 59% of female-owned businesses in the USA today are profitable, which sounds good until you realize that leaves 41% struggling. And the average annual payroll per employee of women-owned firms is $38,238 compared to the national average of $54,114. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real challenges that most grants for female entrepreneurs barely scratch the surface of addressing.

So What’s This VESTing Women Program Actually About?

The StitchCrew VESTing Women Program isn’t just another grant opportunity – it’s a full-year transformation journey that actually understands what women business owners need. Founded back in 2017 by Erika Lucas, StitchCrew has been on a mission to build what they call “a more equitable economy through entrepreneurship.” And let me tell you, Erika didn’t start this because she was bored – she started it out of frustration. After working in economic development and private equity, she kept seeing the same pattern over and over: incredibly talented women entrepreneurs who couldn’t get access to the resources and networks they needed to scale. So she decided to do something about it. Since then, StitchCrew has supported over 250 companies and coached more than 300 women entrepreneurs. That’s not just a number – that’s 300 women who now have stronger businesses, better networks, and more confidence because someone finally gave them the support they actually needed.

The Real Deal About What You Actually Get

Let me break down exactly what participants receive because the details matter when you’re deciding whether to invest your time in something like this. First off, you get one-on-one coaching sessions with mentors who actually get it. These aren’t theoretical business coaches who read a book last week and now think they’re experts – they’re experienced entrepreneurs who understand the specific challenges women face when building companies. The kind of challenges that don’t show up in business school textbooks but definitely show up when you’re trying to scale your business plan into reality. We’re talking about the stuff that keeps you up at 3 AM wondering if you’re cut out for this.

Then there’s the group coaching component. And look, I know “group coaching” sounds kind of corporate and boring, but hear me out. There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a room (or these days, probably a Zoom room) with other women entrepreneurs who just get it. Women who understand the pressure of being the only woman in the room, the challenge of balancing work and family, the frustration of being asked “who’s watching your kids?” in investor meetings while your male counterparts never get asked that question. This peer network alone can be worth more than any cash grant, honestly. The connections you make here often last way beyond the program itself.

Workshops That Actually Move The Needle

The exclusive workshops in this program aren’t your typical business seminars where some guy in a suit talks at you for three hours about theories that don’t apply to your actual business. They’re specifically designed to address the gaps that often hold women entrepreneurs back. We’re talking about practical, actionable sessions on growth strategies, scaling operations, and leadership development. The kind of stuff you can actually implement in your business next week, not six months from now after you’ve hired a consultant to translate the business jargon into something useful. These workshops focus on the real challenges women face in business – from negotiating better terms with suppliers to building confidence when pitching to investors who might not look like you.

Q: Can I participate if I’m in a different time zone?
A: Sessions are fixed at 10 AM CT, so you’ll need to accommodate this schedule regardless of location.

Q: What if my business is still really small?
A: They accept existing businesses of various sizes, but you need operational businesses, not just ideas.

Q: Do they provide any direct funding?
A: No cash grants, but the mentorship and coaching value significantly exceeds most monetary awards.

And can we talk about the networking opportunities for a second? Because we all know that in business, who you know often matters more than what you know. But traditional networking events can feel awkward and transactional, especially for women who might not fit the typical “entrepreneur” mold. The curated networking in this program is different – it’s intentionally designed to connect you with investors, potential partners, and industry experts who are specifically interested in supporting women-led businesses. No more wasting time at events where you’re the only woman in the room or where people assume you’re someone’s assistant instead of the founder.

The Numbers Don’t Lie – Women Need This Support

Let’s look at some hard data because numbers tell a story that anecdotes can’t. Between 2019 and 2023, women-owned businesses’ growth rate outpaced men’s by 94.3% in number of firms, 252.8% in employment, and 82.0% in revenue. Think about that for a second. During the pandemic, when everyone predicted women would leave the workforce in droves, women-owned businesses actually added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy. That’s not just impressive – it’s revolutionary. Despite facing disproportionate challenges, women entrepreneurs didn’t just survive – they thrived and created economic opportunities for millions of others.

Yet despite this incredible performance, women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers. Multiple studies show that investing in women and diverse-led companies isn’t charity – it’s actually a great way to mitigate risk and generate strong returns. In fact, startups with women founders achieve 35% higher ROI when they break through systemic barriers. But old patterns die hard, and women still receive only a tiny fraction of venture capital funding. That’s where programs like the VESTing Women Program come in – they’re helping to level the playing field by providing the support, networks, and knowledge that women entrepreneurs need to succeed. It’s not about giving women an advantage – it’s about removing the disadvantages that shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Q: Is this program suitable for tech startups?
A: Yes, though the focus is on business fundamentals that apply across industries.

Q: What happens after the 12-month program ends?
A: You maintain your VEST membership and the peer network connections you’ve built.

Who Should Actually Apply (And Who Shouldn’t)

This program isn’t for everyone, and honestly, that’s what makes it valuable. You should apply if you’re a woman entrepreneur with at least 50% ownership in your business. This requirement isn’t just bureaucratic red tape – it ensures the program stays true to its mission of supporting women-owned businesses. Your business needs to be already operational too – not just an idea or concept you’ve been thinking about. The program is designed to help existing businesses scale, not to help people launch new ventures from scratch. If you’re still in the idea phase, check out some of the startup grants on Grantaura instead.

Q: Can I apply if I’m already in another accelerator program?
A: Yes, but ensure you can meet VESTing Women’s time commitments.

Q: What if my business changes significantly during the program?
A: The coaching adapts to your evolving business needs – that’s part of the value.

Q: Should I mention other grants I’m applying for?
A: Be honest about your funding strategy, but focus on why this specific program matters.

Q: How detailed should my growth goals be?
A: Specific and measurable, but realistic based on your current business stage.

You also need to be based in the United States and have the capacity to attend monthly sessions. The third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. CT needs to be sacred on your calendar. Participants must commit to attending at least 10 out of 12 sessions, and this commitment level is non-negotiable. And honestly, that’s a good thing – it ensures that everyone in the program is serious about growth and willing to put in the work. There’s nothing worse than being in a program where half the people don’t show up or don’t participate.

You might want to skip this program if you’re looking for quick cash without any ongoing commitment, or if you’re not ready to actively work on growing your business. The program requires active participation and a willingness to implement what you learn. It’s not a passive experience where you just show up and magically get results. You get out what you put in, as they say.

The Application Process – What To Actually Expect

Applying for the StitchCrew VESTing Women Program is pretty straightforward but thorough. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, which means there’s no need to wait for a specific deadline – though submitting by November 10, 2025, ensures consideration in the upcoming review cycle. The application itself asks for details about your personal background, company information, customer base, financials, and program fit. It’s not just a formality – they really want to understand your business and whether you’re a good fit for what they offer.

During the selection process, some candidates may be invited for interviews. This isn’t a test – it’s an opportunity for both sides to ensure there’s a good fit. The program works best when participants are fully committed and aligned with the program’s goals. The whole process typically takes about 4-6 weeks from application to decision, though this timeline may vary based on application volume. If you need help with your application, Grantaura offers professional grant writing services that can significantly improve your chances of success.

Questions From Women Entrepreneurs

Q: Is there actual money included in this program or just coaching?
A: The VESTing Women Program focuses on coaching, workshops, and networking rather than direct financial grants. And honestly, after seeing so many women struggle with $500 grants that come with endless reporting requirements, I think this approach is actually more valuable. The knowledge, connections, and skills you gain can help you secure much larger funding opportunities down the road. Think of it as teaching you to fish rather than just giving you a fish for one day.

Q: Can I apply if my business is brand new?
A: Yes, as long as it’s an existing business (not just an idea). The program is designed for businesses at various stages, from early-stage to more established companies looking to scale. What matters more than how long you’ve been in business is your commitment to growth and willingness to engage fully with the program. If you’re just starting out, you might also want to check out funding-ready grants that can help you build a strong foundation.

Q: What types of businesses are in the program?
A: The program welcomes women entrepreneurs from all industries. The diversity of business types actually enriches the learning experience for all participants. Whether you’re in tech, retail, services, manufacturing, or something else entirely, there’s value in connecting with women from different sectors. You never know where your next great idea or partnership might come from!

Q: How much time will this actually take each month?
A: Beyond the monthly session (usually 2-3 hours), you should plan for additional time to implement what you learn and engage with the community. Most participants spend 5-10 hours per month on program-related activities. It’s not insignificant, but when you consider the potential impact on your business, it’s a solid investment of your time. Think of it as an investment with potentially huge returns.

Q: What happens if I miss more than two sessions?
A: The commitment to attend at least 10 out of 12 sessions is taken seriously. Consistent participation is crucial for getting the full value of the program and contributing to the community. Life happens, of course, but this isn’t the kind of program you can phone in – you need to be all in. If you know your schedule is too unpredictable right now, it might be better to wait until you can fully commit.

Key Dates You Need To Know

Understanding the timeline helps you plan your application and participation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time. However, to be considered in the upcoming review cycle, submit your application by November 10, 2025. The program runs for a full year from your acceptance date, with monthly sessions consistently held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. CT. Selection notifications are typically sent within 4-6 weeks of application submission, though this timeline may vary based on application volume. If you need help keeping track of deadlines and requirements, check out Grantaura’s grant guides for expert tips and strategies.

Why This Program Matters Right Now More Than Ever

The timing of this program couldn’t be more critical. Despite the impressive growth of women-owned businesses, significant challenges remain. Women entrepreneurs continue to face difficulties accessing capital, with many reporting that gender bias affects their ability to secure funding. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted women-owned businesses, making programs like this even more essential for recovery and growth. In 2025, women represent just 13.7% of founders in million-dollar startups—a decline from 15% in 2022—while female-led teams receive 14% less VC funding than male counterparts for identical pitches. That’s not just a gap – it’s a canyon.

What’s particularly encouraging is that women-owned businesses have shown remarkable resilience. During the pandemic, women-owned businesses added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy. Imagine what could be achieved with more targeted support and resources. The StitchCrew VESTing Women Program represents exactly the kind of intentional support needed to help women entrepreneurs not just recover but thrive. It’s about creating a rising tide that lifts all boats, or in this case, all women-owned businesses.

Making Your Application Stand Out

If you’re considering applying for this program, approach your application strategically. Be specific about your business goals and challenges – the more detail you provide, the better StitchCrew can understand how they might help you. Highlight your commitment to growth and willingness to participate fully in the program. Remember, they’re looking for entrepreneurs who will actively engage with the coaching, attend the workshops, and contribute to the community. They want people who are going to show up and do the work, not just collect a certificate.

Be honest about where you need help. The program is designed to address specific challenges, so clearly articulating your needs helps ensure you’re a good fit for what they offer. Finally, emphasize your vision for your business. Where do you want to be in a year? How will this program help you get there? Showing that you’ve thought deeply about your business trajectory demonstrates the kind of strategic thinking that makes for an ideal participant. If you’re not sure where to start with your application, Grantaura offers eligibility checking tools that can help you understand your chances before you even apply.

Honestly, putting together a strong application for a competitive program like this takes significant effort. If you’re serious about the StitchCrew VESTing Women Program and want to ensure your application stands out, that’s exactly what we do at Grantaura. Our team has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs secure funding and program spots through compelling applications. A little expert guidance can make all the difference between getting accepted or getting that rejection email. CLICK HERE to get expert help with your application.

More Grants for Female Entrepreneurs

1. Sephora Beauty Grant: $100K Business Grants for Black Females: The Sephora Beauty Grant offers a substantial $100,000 to one Black woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry each year. With no equity taken and no repayment required, this grant addresses the significant funding gap in the beauty industry where Black founders receive less than 1% of venture capital despite Black consumers accounting for 11.1% of beauty spending in the U.S. This is exactly the kind of targeted support that can make a real difference.
2. Annual Amber Grant for Women Business Owners: This remarkable program offers three monthly $10,000 grants to women entrepreneurs, plus an additional $25,000 awarded to one of the monthly winners at the end of each year. The Amber Grant has been supporting women entrepreneurs for over 25 years and has become one of the most well-known and respected grant programs for women in business. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for ongoing funding opportunities.
3. Hey Helen Grant: $5,000 Mission-Driven Business Awards: Visionaries created this tribute to entrepreneurial spirit, providing $5,000 cash awards to women founders with proven, impactful ventures. The grant stands out for its personal approach and focus on supporting women who demonstrate both vision and execution in their business endeavors. Unlike grants for female entrepreneurs that require complex applications, this program emphasizes storytelling and mission alignment, with funding that comes without restrictive terms or excessive oversight requirements.
4. Ignite Grant for Women-Owned Businesses: Connecticut women-owned businesses can receive growth grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 through this program. The grant focuses on helping women entrepreneurs scale their existing businesses with both financial support and business development resources, making it an excellent option for women in the Nutmeg State looking to take their businesses to the next level. Sometimes local grants like this can be less competitive than national ones.
5. Olga Loizon Memorial Grant for Women Entrepreneurs in Michigan: Women entrepreneurs in Michigan can apply for grants up to $10,000 through this memorial foundation. The grant honors Olga Loizon’s legacy of supporting women in business and provides funding to help women-owned businesses in Michigan grow and thrive, making it a valuable resource for women business owners in the Great Lakes State. Regional grants can be a great way to start building your funding track record.
6. $500 Micro-Grant for Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S.: This unique micro-grant program pairs $500 in funding with resources for personal well-being and sustainable success. Recognizing that business success is interconnected with personal wellness, this grant takes a holistic approach to supporting women entrepreneurs, addressing both financial and personal development needs. Sometimes the smaller grants have less competition and can be easier to win.
7. Giving Joy Grants For Women Globally: This highly competitive program is dedicated to supporting women’s empowerment and community development on a global scale. The grants focus on projects that create positive change in communities through women-led initiatives, making it an excellent option for women entrepreneurs with a social mission or community focus. If your business has a strong social impact component, this could be perfect for you.
8. Home for Dreams: $25K Black Business Grants + Mentorship: Parachute’s Home for Dreams program provides $25,000 in business grants plus six months of mentorship to Black entrepreneurs. This combination of financial support and guidance addresses both immediate funding needs and long-term business development, creating a comprehensive support system for Black business owners. The mentorship component here is particularly valuable.
9. Dannon Light + Fit x FFC Grant: $10K Women Entrepreneurs: This program offers grants for women-owned businesses plus mentorship and FFC membership. It’s specifically designed for established female founders ready to scale, making it an excellent option for women who have moved beyond the startup phase and are looking for growth capital and strategic support. Corporate partnerships like this often provide great additional resources beyond just the funding.
10. Idea Cafe Grant: Trusted $1,000 Women Entrepreneur Support: Since 1995, Idea Cafe has maintained one of the most reliable grants for female entrepreneurs, providing consistent $1,000 awards with no application fees or hidden requirements. The program’s 30-year track record demonstrates sustained commitment to supporting women-owned businesses across various industries and development stages. This grant focuses on accessibility and simplicity, making it an excellent option for entrepreneurs seeking straightforward funding without complex qualification processes.
11. Free Marketing for Women Founders | SheScales Grant 2025-26: This unique program offers free expert marketing consulting, brand strategy, and mentorship exclusive to U.S. women founders ready to scale. Rather than providing cash directly, it offers specialized services that can be even more valuable than a small grant, especially for businesses looking to improve their market positioning and customer acquisition. Sometimes expertise is worth more than money.
12. Sage and BOSS Network Grant Program for Black Women: The program offers annual grants of $10,000 to selected entrepreneurs, along with a comprehensive 12-month mentorship and education program. This includes personalized coaching, business development resources, and access to a network of successful Black women entrepreneurs, creating a comprehensive support system. The year-long nature of this program makes it particularly valuable.
13. IFundWomen Universal Application: Streamlined Access Platform: This innovative platform simplifies access to multiple grants for female entrepreneurs through a single, comprehensive application process. Designed to address pandemic-related challenges and ongoing funding gaps, the universal application system connects women entrepreneurs with numerous funding opportunities simultaneously. The platform significantly reduces application fatigue while increasing access to diverse funding sources for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurial projects.
14. Invest Angel Pipeline Angels Grants Min. $5K Per Startup: Pipeline Angels trains 500+ invest angels to fund underrepresented founders. Their pitch summit offers opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect with investors who are specifically interested in supporting diverse founders, with potential investments ranging from $25K-$50K per selected startup. This is more of an investment opportunity than a grant, but worth checking out if you’re ready for angel investment.
15. Women Founders Grant: $5K Funding For Female Founders: Get $5000 no-strings funding plus mentorship for your women-owned business. This program features rolling applications, a simple process, and real community support. Sometimes the simpler application processes can be less intimidating, especially if you’re new to the grant-seeking world. The rolling deadline means you can apply whenever you’re ready, without waiting for a specific cycle.
16. Big Idea Grant: $1,000 Monthly Awards for Women Entrepreneurs: YippityDoo’s established monthly grant program provides consistent funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs across America. Unlike many grants for female entrepreneurs that have annual deadlines, this program offers 12 chances per year to secure $1,000 in business funding. Recipients can use the money for startup costs, marketing initiatives, operational expenses, or any legitimate business development need. The program includes mentorship components and community access, making it valuable beyond just the financial award.
17. Pitch Perfect Grant: Live Competition for Women Entrepreneurs: Mommy to Millionaire and The Pink Print collaborate on this dynamic grant program featuring live pitch competitions and substantial funding awards. The program specifically supports women and mothers seeking financial independence through entrepreneurship, combining competitive elements with supportive community building. Unlike traditional grants for female entrepreneurs, this initiative includes performance components and public recognition, creating additional marketing value for participating businesses.

The grants for female entrepreneurs landscape continues evolving, with new opportunities emerging regularly as awareness grows about funding gaps that women entrepreneurs face. Grantaura’s database tracks these developments continuously, ensuring female founders can access the most current and relevant funding options available. Our platform eliminates the complexity of grant searching, allowing women entrepreneurs to focus on building successful businesses that create lasting impact in their communities and industries.

Terms:
– Women-Owned Business: A business where women own at least 50% of the company. This certification can open doors to specific grants and contracting opportunities designed to support women entrepreneurs. Many organizations require formal certification to qualify for women-focused programs, so it’s worth looking into getting certified if you qualify.
– Women-Owned Business Certification: Official recognition requiring women to own at least 50% of business equity, essential for accessing most grants for female entrepreneurs and government contracting opportunities.
– Rolling Application Review: Continuous evaluation process where applications are assessed throughout the year rather than at specific deadlines, common in competitive grants for female entrepreneurs seeking ongoing intake.- One-on-One Coaching: Individualized guidance sessions with an experienced mentor who provides personalized advice and strategies tailored to your specific business challenges and goals. This personalized attention can be invaluable for addressing unique business obstacles that general business advice might not cover.
– Group Coaching: Collaborative learning sessions where multiple entrepreneurs work with a coach, benefiting from peer perspectives and shared experiences. The group dynamic often leads to insights and connections that wouldn’t emerge in individual sessions. Plus, it’s just nice to know you’re not alone in facing these challenges.
– Equitable Economy: An economic system where all individuals have fair access to opportunities and resources, regardless of gender, race, or background. This is StitchCrew’s core mission and reflects a growing recognition that diversity in business leads to better economic outcomes for everyone. It’s not just about fairness – it’s about better business results.
– Scaling: The process of growing a business in a sustainable way, often involving expanding operations, increasing revenue, and reaching new markets. For women entrepreneurs, scaling often requires overcoming unique barriers related to access to capital and networks that their male counterparts might not face to the same degree.
– Curated Networking: Intentionally organized opportunities to connect with specific individuals who can provide value, support, or opportunities for your business. Unlike random networking events, curated connections are more likely to result in meaningful professional relationships that actually help your business grow.
– Monthly Sessions: Regularly scheduled meetings or workshops that participants are expected to attend as part of their commitment to the program. Consistent attendance is crucial for building relationships and gaining the full benefit of the program. It’s like any relationship – the more you put in, the more you get out.
– Business Coaching: Professional guidance that helps entrepreneurs develop strategies, solve problems, and achieve their business goals more effectively. Good business coaching addresses both practical skills and mindset challenges that entrepreneurs face. Sometimes the biggest barriers are in our own heads, not in our business plans.
– Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The network of organizations, resources, and support systems that help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Programs like VESTing Women strengthen this ecosystem for women by filling critical gaps in support and resources. A strong ecosystem makes it easier for everyone to succeed.
– Mentorship: A relationship where an experienced entrepreneur provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced entrepreneur. Effective mentorship can accelerate business growth and help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls. Finding the right mentor can be absolutely game-changing for your business.
– Business Growth: The increase in a business’s size, revenue, market share, or impact over time. For women entrepreneurs, achieving sustainable growth often requires overcoming systemic barriers that don’t affect their male counterparts. Growth isn’t just about getting bigger – it’s about getting better and more sustainable.
– Access to Capital: The ability to obtain funding for business purposes. Women entrepreneurs often face greater challenges in accessing capital compared to their male counterparts, despite evidence that women-led businesses often deliver strong returns on investment. This funding gap is one of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face.
– Systemic Barriers: Obstacles embedded in social, economic, and political systems that disadvantage certain groups. Women entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities, including unconscious bias among investors and lenders. These barriers are often invisible to those who don’t experience them.
– Peer Learning: The process of learning from others who are in similar situations or roles. Group coaching sessions in the VESTing Women Program facilitate valuable peer learning among women entrepreneurs, creating a supportive community for shared growth. Sometimes the best insights come from people who are facing the same challenges you are.
– Business Sustainability: The ability of a business to operate successfully over the long term without compromising resources or values. The VESTing Women Program focuses on helping women build sustainable businesses that can thrive in changing market conditions. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s about building businesses that last.
– Leadership Development: Activities and programs designed to improve leadership skills and abilities. The workshops in the VESTing Women Program include leadership development components that help women entrepreneurs become more effective leaders in their companies and communities. Good leadership is absolutely essential for business growth.
– Strategic Networking: Building professional relationships with a specific purpose or goal in mind, rather than simply collecting contacts. The VESTing Women Program facilitates strategic networking opportunities that can lead to partnerships, investments, and valuable business connections. It’s not about who you know – it’s about who knows you and what you can do together.
– New Majority Entrepreneurs: A term used by StitchCrew to refer to entrepreneurs from communities that have been historically underrepresented in business ownership and leadership positions. This includes women, people of color, and other groups that face systemic barriers in business. The “new majority” is actually becoming the majority of entrepreneurs in many areas.

Author: Imran Ahmad understands that grants for female entrepreneurs represent more than just funding opportunities – they’re lifelines for women fighting against systemic barriers that have historically limited access to capital and professional networks. As Grantaura’s founder, Imran has worked with over 300 clients, maintaining a 4.9-star rating while witnessing firsthand how the right combination of mentorship, strategic support, and community connection can transform women-owned businesses. His expertise in grant strategy comes from recognizing that successful female entrepreneurs need comprehensive support systems, not just temporary financial relief – exactly what programs like StitchCrew’s VESTing Women initiative provide through their year-long commitment to sustainable business development.