October 12, 2020

WBENC Cummins Grant for Black Student Female Founders

The WBENC Cummins Grant for Black Student Female Founders is a new funding initiative to invest in the next generation of the fastest growing segment of women-owned businesses – Black female founders. The grant program will provide $2,000 to $6,000 funding awards to Black female entrepreneurs in STEM currently enrolled in college or university, or a recent college or university graduate.

 

 

Black women are starting businesses faster than any other segment – in 2019, 1,625 new businesses were started by women of color every single day. Despite this, these businesses experience greater difficulties in securing access to capital and receiving funding to grow their businesses.

WBENC is working to address these disparities through education, opportunities, funding and mentorship programs, including the Student Entrepreneur Program, NextGen Program, and Women of Color Development & Outreach Program. This new grant program, in partnership with Cummins, will help fill a critical funding gap and support emerging Black female entrepreneurs with innovative companies focused on sustainability.

 

Who Should Apply

  • Black female entrepreneurs
  • Collegiate level; undergrad, graduate or doctorate; or recent graduate (within the last 6 months)
  • Preference will be given to:
    • Businesses in STEM fields
    • Businesses that address a sustainable future
    • A demonstrated need for funds

How it Works

  • The grant application period are open through Friday, October 23 at 11:59 PM EST.
  • WBENC and Cummins will review all grant applications and determine awards based on specific scoring criteria and demonstrated need.
  • Grant awardees will be announced on November 12, 2020.
  • WBENC and Cummins will host a special webinar event to announce the grant awardees.

 

Questions?

Contact nextgen@wbenc.org.