Women Investing in Women (Business Grants)

Funder: The Women's Fund of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc., in partnership with Baird Private Wealth Management and Griffiss Institute

Geographic Scope: Herkimer and Oneida Counties, New York

Focus Areas: Support for women-owned business growth and development across all business types including:

• Retail and bookshops
• Chiropractic and healthcare services
• Arts and education centers
• Environmental consulting
• Marketing and digital services
• Food service and gelato shops
• Childcare facilities
• Hair salons and beauty services
• And other business types

Eligibility:

• Business must be at least 51% women-owned
• Must be operating for minimum of one year
• Located in Herkimer or Oneida Counties

Award Uses: Funds may be used for:

• Equipment purchases
• Hardware/software
• Consulting services
• Training and education
• Marketing
• Business expansion
• Inventory systems
• Facility improvements

Award History:

• 2025: Five women-owned businesses awarded $5,000 each (total $25,000)
• 2023: Four women-owned businesses awarded $5,000 each (total $20,000)
• 2022: Five women-owned businesses awarded $5,000 each (total $25,000)

Selection Process: Applications reviewed by panel judges; recipients announced in November

Background: Initiative launched in 2022 to celebrate the Women's Fund's 25th anniversary. The program recognizes that supporting women entrepreneurs lifts up other women and girls in the community and contributes to regional economic growth.

Contact Information:

• The Women's Fund Phone: (315) 381-3072
• Email: info@womensfundhoc.org
• Address: 2 Williams Street, Clinton, NY 13323
• Website: womensfundhoc.org

Partner Organizations:

• Baird Private Wealth Management (New Hartford, NY)
• Griffiss Institute (Rome, NY) – attracts, develops, and supports tech startup businesses

Application Process

1. Access Application: Available on The Women's Fund website at womensfundhoc.org
2. Required Information:
   • Business ownership structure (must verify 51% women ownership)
   • Business location (Herkimer or Oneida County)
   • Business operating history (minimum 1 year)
   • Description of business and services/products
   • How grant funds will be used
   • Business goals and growth plans
3. Submission: Submit completed application through website portal
4. Timeline:
   • Application window typically opens in August/September
   • Deadline typically mid-to-late September
   • Awards announced in November
   • Funds distributed following award ceremony
5. Evaluation Criteria:
   • Business viability and growth potential
   • How funds will enhance/expand business
   • Woman entrepreneur's vision and commitment
   • Community impact
6. Award Selection:
   • Panel of judges reviews applications
   • Winners announced at ceremony event (typically at Griffiss Institute)
   • Recipients recognized publicly and profiled in media