The purpose of the WIB Women Owned Business Grant is to provide one year of Chamber and Women in Business committee membership to a woman-owned small business (less than 14 employees with priority given to sole proprietors). We believe Chamber membership will be a significant benefit to these businesses and are hopeful after seeing the benefits, they will remain Chamber members for many years. The WIB Executive Board determines who receives Women Owned Business grants and how those individuals will share their experiences with other Chamber and WIB members.
Benefits of Chamber Membership
Membership in the Chamber and WIB offers numerous benefits that align with business goals and the objectives of the grant program:
- Networking Opportunities
- Professional Development
- Advocacy
- Marketing and Visibility
- Community Involvement
Find more information about these benefits here.
Requirements of Grant Applicants
- Applicants must be a woman-owned small business with less than 14 employees.
- Grant selection priority will be given to sole proprietors.
- An application form, proof of business ownership and number of employees must be submitted online to the WIB liaison for review and approval by the WIB Executive Board. Grants are reviewed at the monthly WIB Executive Board meetings.
- Recipients will be required to:
- Actively Participate
- Event Attendance – Recipients should actively participate in Chamber events, meetings, and networking opportunities. Recipients must attend at least:
- One (1) Membership 360 luncheon
- Six (6) Business After Hours events
- Six (6) Women in Business luncheons (payment required)
- Committee Involvement – Recipients are encouraged to join committees in addition to Women in Business within the Chamber.
- Event Attendance – Recipients should actively participate in Chamber events, meetings, and networking opportunities. Recipients must attend at least:
- Contribute to Chamber Activities
- Volunteer Efforts – Recipients are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to help with Chamber activities, such as organizing events, mentoring new members, or participating in community service projects.
- Sharing Knowledge – Recipients are encouraged to provide their expertise and insights on industry trends, best practices, and relevant issues to enhance the Chamber resources.
- Promote Chamber Goals
- Advocacy – Recipients should support and advocate for the Chambers’ mission, goals and initiatives within the community.
- Collaboration – Recipients should work with other members to achieve common goals and drive community development.
- Actively Participate
- Those receiving a grant may be asked to share their experience with the members of the WIB Board, and if appropriate, with other members of WIB. The WIB Board reserves the right to publish testimonials. The grant recipient may also be asked to present a five-minute oral report at a WIB meeting.
