Founders + Fund(Her)s

A funding and mentorship program that brings together early-stage women and non-binary founders from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities with funders, mentors, and investors.

Geographic Scope: Detroit and Southeast Michigan

Focus Areas: Early-stage for-profit businesses from any industry; provides exposure, mentorship, and capital to entrepreneurs

Contact:

• Email: info@basblueus.com
• Phone: (313) 474-1883
• Address: 110 E Ferry St, Detroit, MI 48202

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Requirements:

• Be a woman or nonbinary entrepreneur with significant stake in business
• Business must be majority-owned (51%+ ) and controlled by women or nonbinary individuals
• Be 21 years or older as of application due date
• Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan
• Must be a legal resident of the U.S. and its territories
• Must be a member of a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community
• Must have a for-profit product, business, or business concept

Company Requirements:

• Be a for-profit business from any industry
• Early-stage with 1-5 years of operations preferred
• Have a tested prototype or service model beginning to generate revenue
• Must have developed a business plan
• Current annual revenue within range of $50,000 - $250,000
• Be formed under United States law and operate in the U.S. and territories
• Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan

Program Details

• Includes Pitch Day competition where winners receive funding awards
• 2024 recipients included 1 Girl Revolution, Bed and BARKfest, The Beaute Loft, Linked Workforce LLC, and Trinity Barbara [the brand]
• Provides mentorship and investor connections in addition to capital

Application Process

Status: Application Open Now

Key Steps:

1. Submit application meeting all applicant and company requirements
2. Application reviewed for eligibility
3. Selected finalists invited to pitch at Founders + Fund(Her)s Pitch Day
4. Winners announced and funded at Pitch Day event

Required Information:

• Proof of business ownership and control (51%+ women/nonbinary)
• Business plan
• Revenue documentation
• Prototype or service model demonstration
• Business formation documentation (U.S. law)

Note: Specific application narrative questions and detailed submission materials not provided in available content.