Grant

Grant

North America

North America

OPEN

OPEN

GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS

Melissa Washington Small Business Award

Melissa Washington Small Business Award

Up to $5,000, awarded once per year — plus coaching, assessment, and a certificate of recognition.

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Applications open May 1 – July 31, 2026; finalists announced the week of September 1, 2026.

AMOUNT

Up to $5,000, awarded once per year — plus coaching, assessment, and a certificate of recognition.

AMOUNT

Up to $5,000, awarded once per year — plus coaching, assessment, and a certificate of recognition.

DEADLINE

Applications open May 1 – July 31, 2026; finalists announced the week of September 1, 2026.

DEADLINE

Applications open May 1 – July 31, 2026; finalists announced the week of September 1, 2026.

FUNDING TYPE

Grant

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You must be a woman veteran — active duty qualifies, and you do not need an existing business.

You must be a woman veteran — active duty qualifies, and you do not need an existing business.

The award is open to women veterans at any stage, from startup to expansion. Financial projections are accepted in place of tax returns or P&Ls if you have no business history yet.

The award is open to women veterans at any stage, from startup to expansion. Financial projections are accepted in place of tax returns or P&Ls if you have no business history yet.

YOUR REAL ODDS

Three finalists are selected annually, so competition is tight with one winner chosen from that group.

Only one recipient is named each year. The committee looks for demonstrated innovation, resilience, and positive community impact — past winners have included nonprofit founders and mission-driven businesses.

WHAT IT TAKES

  1. Prepare your financials — P&L, tax return, or financial projections if early-stage — 1-3 hours

  2. Get a photo — a professional headshot is ideal but any clear photo is accepted — 30 minutes

  3. Submit application through the Women Veterans Giving website during the open window — 1-2 hours

WORTH KNOWING

Attendance at the November conference in Palm Springs is not required to receive the award, and registration and hotel costs are covered for all three finalists if you do attend.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

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