BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program Welcomes Applications for 2025 Year

BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program Open for 2025 Applications

BMO, in partnership with Deloitte, has officially launched the 2025 cycle of its BMO Celebrating Women grant program. This initiative aims to empower U.S. small businesses by providing them with vital financial resources and support.

Since its inception in 2021, the program has successfully awarded $310,000 in grants to 31 small businesses across the U.S., each selected to receive funds that bolster their growth and contribute positively to their communities. This year, BMO is set to grant 15 awards of $10,000 each.

The overarching goal of the BMO Celebrating Women grant program is to foster the growth of businesses that prioritize the advancement of women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals outlining their business growth plans, detailing how their initiatives support women's roles and achievements in business.

Carolyn Booth, the Head of U.S. Personal and Business Banking at BMO, emphasizes the program's dedication to community upliftment, stating, "At BMO, we believe when small businesses rise, entire communities thrive. The BMO Celebrating Women grant program aims to assist small business owners with the capital, resources, and support they need to expand their impact and build long-term success."

Kathy Scherer, Vice Chair and Chicago Managing Partner at Deloitte LLP, highlights the collaborative spirit of the initiative, noting, "It is a privilege to support BMO's efforts to recognize small businesses. This program provides critical resources to help organizations grow and deepen their impact—both within their business and across the communities they serve."

Application Process
Applications for the 2025 grant program will be open until August 19, 2025, allowing business owners ample time to demonstrate their business plans and commitment to empowering women. For eligibility criteria and application details, applicants can visit the official BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program website.

As part of this initiative, recipients will not only receive a $10,000 grant but also ongoing mentorship and advice from BMO business advisors, along with access to various workshops, seminars, and events designed to support their business growth. There is also the potential for recipients to join relevant organizations and advisory boards that can enhance their visibility and market presence.

The importance of such tailored support cannot be overstated, as many small businesses struggle to gain traction in a competitive economic landscape. With this program, BMO not only aims to provide direct financial aid but also to create a network of support that fosters long-term sustainability and growth.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take the leap, the BMO Celebrating Women grant program represents a unique opportunity to gain significant funding coupled with essential business guidance.

About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group stands as North America's seventh-largest bank by assets, boasting a total of $1.4 trillion in assets as of April 2025. Having served diverse customers for over two centuries, BMO continues to foster a committed approach aimed at making a positive impact in both business and broader societal contexts.

This program is a testament to BMO's pledge to foster inclusive growth and community impact, and it invites small business owners to step forward and apply for this chance to make a significant change—not just in their own businesses but within their communities as well.