Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Boundless Futures Foundation's Transformative Grants

In a groundbreaking move, the Traverse City-based Boundless Futures Foundation is paving the way for women-led, purpose-driven businesses to thrive. Through its innovative grant programs, the Foundation is not only providing much-needed financial support but also fostering a thriving ecosystem for female entrepreneurs to succeed.

Unlocking the Potential of Women-Led Enterprises

Empowering Women, Empowering Communities

The Boundless Futures Foundation's mission is to champion the entrepreneurial spirit of women and to create a more equitable playing field for their success. In its inaugural year, the Foundation awarded a remarkable $375,000 in grants, with $285,000 allocated to the EmpowerHer program and $90,000 to the Her Village initiative. These grants are not merely financial handouts, but strategic investments in the future of women-led businesses that are making a positive impact on their communities.

Identifying the Trailblazers

The Foundation's rigorous selection process involved reviewing thousands of applications, with the goal of identifying the most promising female entrepreneurs. "It's a bet on them as much as the business," explains Soon Hagerty, the Foundation's co-founder. "Who's our best shot at creating an entrepreneur?" This holistic approach ensures that the Foundation's support goes beyond just the business idea, but also recognizes the exceptional individuals behind it.

Empowering Entrepreneurs, Empowering Communities

The EmpowerHer grants, which provide up to $25,000 to early-stage businesses, are designed to leverage the power of purpose-driven enterprises. These grants are not just about financial support; they are about investing in the transformative potential of women-led companies that are making a tangible difference in their communities.

Elevating the Impact

One such example is Archie's Dog Co., founded by Traverse City's Ellie Kebler Dulude. Inspired by her rescued golden retriever, Dulude developed a thriving business that not only provides healthy treats for pups but also partners with Grand Traverse Industries to provide employment and job training for individuals with disabilities. By outsourcing her packaging to this organization, Dulude is not only growing her business but also creating meaningful impact in her local community.

Overcoming the Funding Gap

The Boundless Futures Foundation is tackling a long-standing challenge faced by female entrepreneurs – the funding gap. According to the Foundation's data, only 3% of venture capital funding goes to women. By providing these grants, the Foundation is actively working to level the playing field and empower women to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Success

The Foundation's support extends beyond just financial grants. Through its Advisory Circle, a group of seasoned female entrepreneurs, the Foundation provides mentorship and expertise to its grantees. This holistic approach ensures that the recipients not only have the necessary funding but also the guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of building a successful business.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Foundation's impact extends beyond individual entrepreneurs. Through its Her Village grants, the Foundation is supporting organizations like Traverse Connect, the region's lead economic development organization. These grants are used to provide scholarships for women participating in programs that equip and support female entrepreneurs and business leaders, ensuring a pipeline of future trailblazers.

Cultivating Confidence, Driving Success

According to Soon Hagerty, the Foundation's co-founder, the secret sauce to building success lies in confidence. "That's your superpower," she emphasizes, recognizing that empowering women with the self-belief to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams is a crucial component of the Foundation's approach.The Boundless Futures Foundation's commitment to supporting women-led, purpose-driven businesses is not just a philanthropic endeavor; it is a strategic investment in the future of entrepreneurship. By leveling the playing field, providing comprehensive support, and fostering a culture of confidence, the Foundation is paving the way for a new generation of female trailblazers to emerge and transform their communities.