Deadline: 16-Jul-21
The American Heart Association is inviting applications for its EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator that empowers and invests in women entrepreneurs, startups and businesses that foster equitable access to good health for all.
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator – Oregon and SW Washington will support local women entrepreneurs, often an underfunded group, who are creating sustainable business solutions that overcome social determinants of health.
The environmental and social factors in which people are born, grow, live, work and age include lack of access to healthy food, quality education and health care, employment, and housing.
The national program provides participants tools and support to grow and scale, including business training, grants and a lasting connection to the association.
What do selected candidates finalists receive?
- Four-week, MBA-style business training leading up to the Business Accelerator storytelling finale.
- Finalists will present their business concepts to a panel of local community innovators, entrepreneurs, health experts and business leaders in September.
- The first-place winner will receive a $75,000 grant; second $30,000; and the fan favorite voted on by the public $15,000.
- The first place grant recipient will advance to the National Business Accelerator for a chance to receive additional funding, continue to refine their business story and expand their network of support.
- The Business Accelerator program and first-place winner will be featured at the Portland Go Red for Women® event on Oct. 13.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be:
- Women entrepreneurs or innovators
- Age 18 or older
- Living in and/or serving communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Skamania counties)
- All applicants can receive business training from the YWCA Small Business Development Center.
For more information, visit https://www.empoweredtoserve.org/en/capital-access-grant-funding/business-accelerator-program/oregon-and-southwest-washington