#United States #Traverse City #Female Founders #Boundless Futures #EmpowHer grants

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs for a Better Future

In a bold move to support women in business, the Boundless Futures Foundation recently unveiled its commitment to invest $100,000 in female-led companies dedicated to social good. Founded by Soon and McKeel Hagerty, the foundation aims to uplift female entrepreneurs across the United States, fueling not only growth but also positive societal impact.

About the Grants

This round of EmpowHer grants will be awarded to eight outstanding female founders from six different states, each addressing pressing social issues such as sustainability and environmental health. Since its inception in late 2023, the Boundless Futures Foundation has contributed over $750,000 in grants to both individual entrepreneurs and nonprofits aimed at advancing women's entrepreneurship.

The foundations' grants are specifically designed to empower women aged 22 and older, fostering innovation at the intersection of business and social responsibility. The founder of the foundation, Soon Hagerty, emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers for female entrepreneurs, stating, "We focus not only on financial support but also on providing leadership resources that inspire incredible women making a meaningful impact in their communities."

Spotlight on Grant Recipients

The diverse group of female entrepreneurs who will benefit from this initial funding round includes:

• - Carter's Compost (Traverse City, MI): Founded by Megan Alexander, this compost collection service mirrors the ecological mindset of today's society by converting food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for local gardens.
• - Cozy Canine Coffee (San Diego, CA): Co-founded by Caroline Manimtim, this boutique coffee company actively supports animal rescue organizations, finding ways to connect passion for quality coffee with social responsibility.
• - Demi (Chicago, IL): A collaborative effort by co-founders including Lily Wang, Demi partners with urban buildings to implement efficient composting solutions, aiming to improve waste management in cities.
• - Element Essentials (Plainfield, NJ): Founded by Jennifer Benjamin, this company has innovated a line of waterless cleaning products, emphasizing sustainability by reducing plastic waste.
• - Happy Pads (Houston, TX): Co-founded by Kalkidan and Wubit Hailemichael, Happy Pads offers biodegradable feminine hygiene products, prioritizing safety and environmental considerations.
• - Woollets (Argyle, WI): Co-founded by Elaine Becker and Karen Mayhew, Woollets transforms waste wool into eco-friendly alternatives for garden amendments, setting a benchmark in sustainable practices.

Each grantee is matched with an Advisory Circle of experienced female entrepreneurs who offer mentorship, resources for leadership development, and networking opportunities. This interconnected community ensures not just financial backing, but a robust support system that encourages personal growth and professional success.

The Vision of Boundless Futures Foundation

Established on the principle of fostering female leadership, the Boundless Futures Foundation not only provides financial assistance but also champions the visibility of women in entrepreneurship. The organization is committed to creating innovative pathways for female founders who are passionate about addressing social challenges.

As the foundation looks ahead to the future, it recently announced a partnership with Kiva, a notable nonprofit offering crowdfunded loans, further solidifying its impact on the ecosystem of female entrepreneurs. This partnership is set to unlock additional funding resources and will also involve a co-sponsored study to analyze the contributions of women-led businesses to society.

These initiatives characterize Boundless Futures Foundation’s mission to cultivate a supportive and resourceful network for women entrepreneurs. Potential grantees are encouraged to learn about the application process and more by visiting the foundation's website.

In conclusion, Boundless Futures Foundation's investment not only helps achieve financial stability for these entrepreneurs but also reassures them that they are not alone on their journeys. It's about building a movement that recognizes and celebrates women's roles in driving sustainable change.