#United States #Chicago #Women Entrepreneurs #Small Business Grants #BMO Celebrating Women

BMO's Commitment to Supporting Women in Business

BMO has recently unveiled its lineup of grant recipients for the 2026 BMO Celebrating Women grant program. This initiative aims to uplift female entrepreneurs across the United States, granting a total of $150,000 to empower small businesses. Each of the 15 selected businesses will receive $10,000 to fuel their growth and drive innovation in their respective sectors.

Carolyn Booth, Head of U.S. Personal and Business Banking at BMO, expressed the bank's pride in recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit among women. "This year's recipients were chosen through a rigorous selection process that evaluated their business strength, growth potential, and their commitment to supporting women's advancement. These leaders not only exemplify resilience but also greatly contribute to local economies," Booth stated.

The grant aims to provide essential resources to businesses led by women, enabling them to launch new products, expand their market presence, and create job opportunities. The 2026 recipients, hailing from diverse industries and regions, are:

• - Elizabeth Benditt from Balm Box LLC, Kansas
• - Rhonda Coleman from RCW Strategies, LLC, Illinois
• - Angela Cruz from Ndoro Healing Arts LLC, New Mexico
• - Jennifer Darwin from The Village Postnatal Retreat Center, California
• - Temitope Davies from Abitem Innovation LLC, Illinois
• - Shavon Francis from Fleurish Chicago LLC, Illinois
• - Kristian Franklin from Angelic Organics LLC, California
• - Angela Garmon from ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC, Arizona
• - Denitra Griffin from Drink Some Water.® LLC, Illinois
• - Sonia Lal from Ivy League Potential LLC, Illinois
• - Diedra Manns from Monarch Wellness Group Inc., California
• - Kiley Peters from RAYNE IX LLC, Wisconsin
• - Shobha Philips from PROCLAIM MADE LLC, California
• - Kenya Shelton from Destiny Dreamer’s Academy, LLC, Indiana
• - Dr. Dene' Starks-McGee from DJS Business Solutions, California

In addition to the monetary grant, each recipient will also enjoy access to a tailored resource package designed to enhance their business capabilities. This comprehensive package includes:

• - Coaching from a dedicated BMO business advisor
• - Opportunities for profile features on bmo.com/women
• - Invitations to workshops, seminars, and events hosted by BMO
• - Access to a virtual summit aimed at fostering connections and learning among recipients, industry professionals, and business leaders
• - Potential memberships in various organizations and advisory boards

BMO's investment in these businesses highlights its commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Programs and partnerships, like the collaboration with 1871 for the WMNfintech initiative, further illustrate BMO's strategic approach to connecting founders with essential expertise that aids their growth ambitions.

Since its establishment, BMO Financial Group, now one of North America's leading banks, has been dedicated to building strong communities through various services including personal and commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. Their approach is firmly rooted in innovation, applying both artificial intelligence and human insights to personalize client experiences, ultimately driving business value and strengthening community ties.

The BMO for Women program stands as a testament to BMO's vested interest in promoting women in business, offering specialized advice, capital access, and a solid support network that empowers women to thrive.

In summary, the 2026 BMO Celebrating Women grant program not only recognizes but actively supports the valuable contributions of women entrepreneurs, solidifying BMO's role as a leader in promoting economic equity and community development across the nation.