Mohawk Valley fund accepting applications for grants to women-owned businesses

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties — in cooperation with Baird Private Wealth Management, UpMobility Foundation, and the Griffiss Institute — is accepting applications for five $5,000 grants to women in business in the two counties.

“For the past two years, we have seen an overwhelming response from women in our communities for these grants,” Women’s Fund Board of Directors President Janet Richmond said in a release announcing the grants. “It’s our commitment to women and girls combined with the generosity of our donors that allow us to provide this unique opportunity to women-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Women business owners are making a difference for women and families in our area and contributing to our region’s economy.”

The Women’s Fund began the initiative in 2022 and has awarded nine grants totaling $45,000 to women-owned businesses in Utica, Rome, Herkimer, New York Mills, Frankfort, and Clinton.

“Supporting women entrepreneurs helps to lift up and move forward women and girls in our area,” Board Secretary Ellen Rainey said. “For the past two years, we have seen tremendous enthusiasm from area businesses. Each year we have received more than 50 applications from women in Oneida and Herkimer counties. We are hoping we get an even greater response this year. We have been staying in touch with past recipients and it has been impressive to see how they have stayed connected to each other, supporting one another.”

Businesses must be at least 51 percent women-owned and have been in existence for at least one year. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 30. Applications are available online at womensfundhoc.org.

Grants will be awarded in November. Funds may be used for equipment, hardware/software, consulting services, training, education, and marketing.