Women in Networking (WIN), a progressive lead and networking group affiliated with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, is seeking applicants for its annual WIN Entrepreneurial Grant.
This philanthropic program provides financial assistance to women in business, 18 years of age or older in the Greater Valley area in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.
The WIN grant, celebrating its 10th year of providing grants to area women, can be used for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a new business. These expenses may include: equipment, tuition, books, transportation, business wardrobe or childcare necessary to reach the applicant’s career goals.
Since its inception in 2004, the WIN grant has benefited 29 women owned businesses in the Valley with more than $28,000 in grants. In 2007, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant became a new named fund with the Valley Community Foundation allowing contributions to be made directly to this designated fund. But what speaks even louder than the statistics are the testimonials.
For Jean Mai, a grant recipient in 2008, just $500 was enough to give her the breathing room she needed to purchase supplies for her business, Science Snoopers, which provides educational programs for children in the areas of nature, animals, the body, habitats and other science themes.
“It’s the little things that so many kids miss these days. That’s what I try to teach them how to see the little things outside — bugs, tracks in the snow, the like,” she said.
Prior to receiving the grant, Ms. Mai had to purchase supplies for her programs one by one. By having the cushion, she was able to have an inventory of supplies and developed four new programs that year alone. She participated in the WIN group for the year following the grant and noted “through WIN, I see how hard that woman work to make their businesses a success and are real goal oriented.”
Kim Dulca was awarded a $1,500 grant this past year from the WIN group. She is the owner of the All American Valley General Store in Seymour and used the funds to install kitchen sinks in order to serve food at the store.
“I couldn’t have done it without WIN,” she said. “I am now able to offer farm fresh lunch, which is a huge portion of our business.”
Past grant recipient, Mandy Oram, of Paws & Kisses Pet Sitting Service, LLC, comments, “The WIN grant helped me make a success of my business. Through the award, I purchased a computer and software that enabled me to automate my client files and scheduling which saved me precious time to concentrate on expanding the business.
“Being a WIN grant recipient is about more than just the grant money,” Mandy added, “the help and support of the professional, friendly and knowledgeable WIN members over the ensuing years has been invaluable.”
Megan Crandlemire, owner of Starboard Digital, said, “I was fortunate to receive a WIN Grant in 2011 to purchase a laptop, allowing me to meet with clients in person and give visual demonstrations of my work. This has been a tremendous asset to my business.”
WIN raises money for the Grant program through its annual silent auction event. Local businesses and supporters are encouraged to participate through sponsorships and the donation of items for auction. This year’s Appletini Harvest event is scheduled for Sunday, September 8th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, located at 312 Roosevelt Drive, Route 34, in Seymour, CT.
The cost per person is $40, which includes martini tasting, hors d’oeuvre, door prizes, and a silent auction. For non-martini drinkers, a cash bar will be available.
A special discounted prix fixe menu dinner is offered at Tavern 1757 for Appletini attendees with advance reservations. Call restaurant directly at 203 – 516-5461 for details.
Debi Molfese, WIN member, Marketing Director of Villa Bianca, and 2013 Chair of the Appletini Harvest Silent Auction offered, “We are grateful for the many local businesses that provide sponsorship through advertising and donated items to be auctioned. It is a fun time with great food, drink, prizes, and auction items.”
How To Apply
The minimum one-time grant is $500. Greater amounts may be awarded according to individual needs and funds available.
Call the GVCC at (203) 925‑4981 for more information about the grant application, which can be downloaded from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.greatervalleychamber.com and by clicking on the WIN link.
Grant applications must be postmarked by Friday, October 4, 2013. Applicants will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, national origin, religious affiliation or disability. Grant recipient(s) will be announced in December during the WIN holiday luncheon. Recipient(s) will also be invited to a complimentary one-year membership to the WIN Group.
Tickets may be purchased from any WIN member, via the Chamber’s website at http://bit.ly/12V1gcJ or by calling the GVCC at 203 – 925-4981. Please make checks payable to the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also accepts Discover, Visa, MasterCard or AMEX.
