Submission Deadline

March 6, 2024

Eligibility

Eligible applicant companies must:

1. Be majority woman-owned and -led;

2. Be legal entities with an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN);

3. Be an enterprise that produces products or professional services with an opportunity to scale;

4. Be headquartered within the five-county SEPA (Southeastern Pennsylvania) region;

5. Be in business for a minimum of two years;

6. Have gross revenue in the most recent two years of operation;

7. Have a team of at least two full-time staff in place.

Size of Award

Initial grants will be made up to $50,000. Successful grant recipients will be eligible to apply for subsequent grant funding based on defined milestone achievements.

Use of Funds

Grant funds must be allocated to clearly defined and approved project costs designed to advance the company’s growth and success.

Application Format

Online via GUST.com. For applications for JVS Investments, visit Ben Franklin here.

Review Process and Timeline

1. Applications may be submitted via GUST.com at any time.

2. Companies of interest will be invited to present to the JVS Advisory Committee, which meets monthly.

3. Companies moving forward will work with a designated reviewer for further due diligence.

4. Applicants selected for funding will be informed via written communication that will set out the grant terms and reporting requirements. (grant letter, press release timing, reporting format, contact point, funds transmittal info).

5. Grantees may be eligible for advice and services via the Advisory Committee and contributed services of the Corporate Partners Network.

Confidentiality

The Fund maintains the confidentiality of applications. Information provided that is proprietary or confidential should be clearly marked “confidential.” Applications should include enough information for reviewers to make informed decisions on the merit of the application. Information submitted will be shared among the Advisory Committee, each of whom signs non-disclosure agreements annually. Non-confidential award recipient information may be used by the Fund in public communications about this program. Applicants acknowledge that information provided may be made available to the public at any time and by any method.