1. Overview

The V-List Awards (“Awards”) is a private recognition program administered by Visionaries Media LLC (“Sponsor”), a Michigan limited liability company registered in Wayne County, MI. The purpose of these Awards is to recognize and celebrate women entrepreneurs in the United States who are building businesses with integrity and human-first practices.

The Awards Program consists of two tiers of recognition:

• V-List Honorees: Between 100-250 founders selected based on the strength and volume of applications received
• Spotlight Awards: 25 awards given to V-List Honorees for exceptional achievement in specific categories

There is no application fee for the 2026 award cycle. By accepting recognition as a V-List Honoree or Spotlight Award winner, recipients agree to fulfill reasonable verification and publicity requirements as outlined in these Terms and Conditions.

Participation in the Awards constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of, and agreement to be bound by, these Terms and Conditions, as well as all decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the administration and outcome of the Awards.

The Awards Program is void where prohibited by law.

 

2. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Awards, applicants must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application submission and at the time of award announcement:

2.1 General Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Identify as women and own 100% of the applicant business, or co-own a business in which women hold a least 50% ownership;
• Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the intent of this program are welcome to apply;
• Operate a business legally registered in the United States or U.S. territories, with a valid mailing address in the same;
• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older;
• Be the owner or majority-equity stakeholder in an actively operating business;
• Be actively generating revenue through the sale of products or services;
• Have been operational by the end of 2025;
• Be able to demonstrate business activity through online presence, client/customer work, or proof of financial activity upon request;
• Agree to submit documentation to verify eligibility, if selected.

The Sponsor reserves the right to verify all eligibility information provided at any time.

2.2 Business Requirements

The business must:

• Be domiciled and legally operated in the United States or U.S. territories;
• Be an active, revenue-generating business entity or sole proprietorship;
• Be in good legal standing under the laws of its state of registration and operation;
• Be compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations;
• Not be classified as any of the following:

• Cannabis-related business or dispensary (regardless of legality at the state level);
• Gambling, betting, or lottery-based business;
• Business involved in adult content, pornography, or sexually explicit material;
• Businesses that violate the Sponsor’s values or the spirit of this initiative, as determined at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.

2.3 Founder Identity

The Awards are exclusively intended to support women and non-binary founders. Eligible applicants must identify as women or non-binary and own at least 50% of the applicant business. Nonbinary individuals who were assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the purpose and spirit of this program are welcome to apply.

Self-identification is sufficient; the Sponsor will not request documentation of gender identity but reserves the right to disqualify any applicant who is found to have misrepresented themselves.

2.4 Ineligibility

The following individuals are ineligible to apply or receive an award:

• Employees, contractors, or immediate family members of Visionaries Media LLC;
• Any person or entity who, in the judgment of the Sponsor, has engaged in conduct that conflicts with the purpose, values, or spirit of the Awards;
• Any applicant who fails to meet the eligibility requirements outlined herein.

3. Application Process

3.1 Application Timeline

The application process for the Awards will follow a timeline determined by the Sponsor for each award cycle. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Application Open and Close Dates: Applications open February 2, 2026 and close May 29, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
• Winner Notification Date: V-List Honorees will be notified in mid-July 2026. Spotlight Award winners will be notified prior to the Visionary conference in September 2026.
• Public Announcement: V-List Honorees will be announced publicly in mid-July 2026. Spotlight Award winners will be announced live at the Visionary conference on September 29, 2026.

The Sponsor reserves the right to adjust any part of the award timeline at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice, including in the event of technical issues, administrative needs, or unforeseen circumstances.

3.2 Submission Guidelines

• Applications must be submitted electronically using the forms provided by the Sponsor.
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading applications may result in disqualification.
• Applications submitted through unofficial channels or outside the designated forms will not be accepted.

3.3 Application Limit

Each business may submit one (1) application per award cycle. In cases where a business has multiple co-founders, all co-founders must be included in a single joint application. Multiple entries for the same business will be disqualified. In the event multiple applications are submitted for the same business, only the first completed application will be considered, and all subsequent submissions may be disregarded at the Sponsor’s discretion.

Applicants who own multiple businesses may submit a separate application for each business.

3.4 Decision-Making Process

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Selection criteria include: Vision & Innovation (20%), Growth & Impact (20%), Leadership (20%), Purpose & Values (20%), and Business Health (20%).

While efforts will be made to ensure impartiality, the Sponsor acknowledges that some applicants may be known personally or professionally to members of the Visionaries Media LLC team or judging panel. All applications will be reviewed in good faith. Final decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Sponsor and are final, non-negotiable, and not subject to appeal.

4. Selection & Notification

4.1 Number of Awards

Sponsor will select between 100-250 V-List Honorees based on the strength and volume of applications received. From those V-List Honorees, 25 Spotlight Award winners will be selected across people-focused and industry-specific categories.

All award counts are subject to modification at the sole discretion of the Sponsor.

4.2 Selection Criteria

Winners will be selected based on qualitative review of full application responses. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Vision & Innovation (20%): Originality of concept, approach, or business model; forward-thinking solutions to problems; creative execution and differentiation in the market.
• Growth & Impact (20%): Business growth trajectory (revenue, reach, influence); measurable results and achievements; impact on customers, community, or industry.
• Leadership (20%): Leadership approach and how the founder shows up; influence and impact within industry or community; strategic decision-making and business direction; team culture and dynamics (if applicable).
• Purpose & Values (20%): Authentic mission beyond profit; alignment with Visionaries values (human-centric, inclusive, transparent, relationship-focused); how values show up in business decisions and operations.
• Business Health (20%): Sustainable business model and financial health; strategic thinking and execution; scalability and long-term viability.

These criteria are not exhaustive. Judges may consider additional factors they deem relevant to the applicant’s story, business model, or industry context.

All evaluation and selection decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Sponsor and judging panel and are final, binding, and not subject to appeal.

No purchase, affiliation, or promotion of the Sponsor is required to be considered.

4.3 Notification of Selected recipient(s)

V-List Honorees (“winners”) will be notified via email in mid-July 2026, prior to the public announcement. Spotlight Award winners will be notified via email prior to the Visionary conference in September 2026.

Winners must respond to the notification email within seven (7) business days to confirm acceptance of the award and provide any requested verification documentation. Failure to respond within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the award, and an alternate winner may be selected at the Sponsor’s discretion.

The Sponsor is not responsible for failed delivery of notification emails due to spam filters, incorrect email addresses, or other technical issues. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their contact information is accurate and to monitor their email (including spam/junk folders) during the notification period.

5. Award Recognition and Benefits

5.1 What V-List Honorees Receive

V-List Honorees will receive the following recognition and benefits:

• Public recognition as a V-List Honoree on the Visionaries website and in promotional materials
• Feature in the Visionaries newsletter
• Digital winner badge for use on websites, marketing materials, and promotional content
• Social media recognition across Visionaries platforms
• Automatic consideration for all 25 Spotlight Award categories (if applicant indicated interest)
• Eligibility to participate in People’s Choice Award voting

5.2 What Spotlight Award Winners Receive

In addition to the benefits listed in Section 5.1, Spotlight Award winners will receive:

• Recognition as a Spotlight Award winner in their specific category
• Live announcement and recognition at the Visionary conference on September 29, 2026
• Opportunity to receive a physical award at the Visionary conference (if attending)
• Enhanced promotional features and recognition across Visionaries platforms

5.3 Physical Awards Package

V-List Honorees and Spotlight Award winners may opt to receive a physical award package, which includes a trophy and other branded materials.

A fee will be charged to cover production and shipping costs. The exact amount will be determined and communicated to winners after selection. This fee is waived for winners who purchase a ticket to and attend the Visionary conference and receive their physical award in person at the event.

Physical awards are optional. Winners who do not wish to receive or pay for a physical award will still retain all other benefits and recognition outlined in Sections 5.1 and 5.2.

6. Winner Obligations and Requirements

6.1 Verification Requirements

Selected winners may be required to provide documentation to verify eligibility, including but not limited to:

• Proof of business registration or operation
• Confirmation of ownership structure
• Evidence of revenue-generating activity
• Any other documentation reasonably requested by the Sponsor to confirm eligibility

Failure to provide requested documentation within the timeframe specified by the Sponsor may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the award.

6.2 Publicity & Promotion Rights

By accepting recognition as a V-List Honoree or Spotlight Award winner, recipients grant the Sponsor the right to use their name, business name, likeness, photograph, voice, biographical information, and submitted application materials for promotional, marketing, and editorial purposes related to the Awards Program.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Website features and winner announcements
• Social media posts and promotional content
• Email newsletters and communications
• Press releases and media outreach
• Event materials and presentations
• Future promotional materials for the Awards Program

Recipients may not:

• Require approval of such uses prior to publication
• Require compensation for such uses
• Revoke this grant of rights after acceptance of the award

The Sponsor will make reasonable efforts to represent winners accurately and in a positive light.

6.3 Use of Award Recognition

Winners are encouraged to promote their recognition as V-List Honorees or Spotlight Award winners. Winners may:

• Use the provided digital winner badge on their website, marketing materials, email signatures, and social media profiles
• Reference their award status in bios, proposals, media kits, and other professional materials
• Share the recognition with their team, clients, and community

Winners may not:

• Misrepresent the nature, scope, or significance of the award
• Imply endorsement of specific products, services, or business practices beyond the general recognition
• Use the Visionaries logo or branding without explicit permission from the Sponsor
• Transfer or assign their award status to another individual or business

The Sponsor reserves the right to request that a winner cease use of award-related materials if such use violates these Terms and Conditions or misrepresents the award.

7. Publicity, Content Rights & Communications

7.1 Use of Likeness and Content

By accepting Award, recipient(s) agree to allow Sponsor to use their name, business name, likeness, voice, image, biographical information, submitted application content, and post-award reporting materials for promotional, publicity, editorial, and advertising purposes.

Such uses may include, but are not limited to:

• Social media content and digital campaigns
• Website or email marketing
• Press releases or media outreach
• Testimonials or founder spotlights
• Community features and future grant marketing

These rights are granted worldwide, royalty-free, and in perpetuity as they relate to the recipient’s participation in Award. Recipient(s) may request removal from future marketing or publicity materials with reasonable advance notice, though Sponsor is not required to alter or remove previously published content.

Recipient(s) will not receive additional compensation for the use of submitted content or associated promotional appearances unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

7.2 Ownership of Submitted Materials

All content submitted as part of the application remains the intellectual property of the applicant. By submitting an application, the applicant grants the Sponsor a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use excerpts or summaries of their submission for promotional, editorial, or storytelling purposes related to the Awards.

This license is:

• Worldwide in scope
• Perpetual in duration as it pertains to the relevant Awards cycle
• Revocable upon written request for future uses (Sponsor will not be required to remove previously published materials)

The Sponsor will make reasonable efforts to provide credit and attribution when application content is featured. However, omission of such attribution will not constitute a breach of these Terms and Conditions.

7.3 Consent to Receive Communications

By initiating the Awards application process — including submitting their name, email address, or any other personal information through the application intake form — applicants expressly consent to receive communications from the Sponsor.

These communications may include:

• Updates regarding the current Awards cycle and future application opportunities
• Resources, tools, or announcements related to Visionaries initiatives
• Community news, invitations, and event information

Applicants may opt out of non-Awards-related communications at any time using standard unsubscribe links. However, unsubscribing from marketing communications does not prevent the Sponsor from contacting applicants regarding their application status, eligibility, post-award requirements, or compliance matters as necessary.

All data submitted through the application process is governed by the Visionaries Privacy Policy, available at visionaries.co/privacy.

8. Code of Conduct 

8.1 Community Values

The Awards are rooted in a commitment to equity, dignity, and respect. This program exists to uplift underrepresented founders and foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

By applying, all applicants and winners affirm that they:

• Share in the values of inclusivity, generosity, and ethical leadership;
• Will not engage in conduct that harms, undermines, or disrespects marginalized communities;
• Understand that participation in the Awards is not solely transactional, but a reflection of mutual alignment with the spirit of this initiative.

8.2 Prohibited Conduct

The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify, deny recognition to, or rescind awards from any applicant or winner who:

• Engages in hate speech, harassment, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class;
• Publicly promotes ideologies, business practices, or affiliations that conflict with the stated mission and values of the Awards;
• Is found to have falsified information during the application or reporting process;
• Engages in conduct that, in the Sponsor’s sole judgment, would bring disrepute to the Awards, its community, or affiliated partners.

8.3 Ongoing Eligibility

Eligibility for award consideration and continued recognition is contingent on compliance with this Code of Conduct. The Sponsor reserves the right to withdraw promotional features or revoke future eligibility in extreme or bad-faith violations of this section.

9. Data Use & Retention

9.1 Collection and Storage

By submitting an application to the Awards, applicants consent to the collection and storage of the personal and business information provided in their application forms. This includes, but is not limited to: name, contact details, demographic information, business details, and any supporting documentation submitted as part of the application or post-award process.

All data will be securely stored by Sponsor and/or its authorized service providers, and will be accessible only to individuals and contractors directly involved in the administration of the Awards.

9.2 Purpose of Use

Collected data may be used by the Sponsor for the following purposes:

• Reviewing and evaluating applications
• Contacting applicants about the status of their submission
• Administering award recognition and post-award follow-up
• Communicating with applicants about future awards, community opportunities, and related initiatives
• Analyzing demographic trends and applicant data in aggregate to improve future programming

Applicants will be added to the Sponsor’s mailing list and may receive updates, newsletters, or promotional messages. Applicants may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time; however, unsubscribing does not affect the Sponsor’s ability to contact an applicant regarding compliance, award status, or reporting obligations.

9.3 Data Sharing and Third Parties

The Sponsor will not sell, trade, or share applicant information with unaffiliated third parties. Information may be shared only with contractors or service providers engaged to support the administration of the Awards, and solely for that purpose.

9.4 Data Retention

The Sponsor may retain applicant data indefinitely for the purposes of historical recordkeeping, impact reporting, or future outreach. Applicants may request that their data be deleted or anonymized after the conclusion of the awards cycle, though such requests may affect future eligibility.

10. General Terms & Legal Provisions

10.1 Award Program Modification or Cancellation

The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Awards or V-List Awards Program at any time for any reason, including but not limited to: fraud, technical issues, legal or regulatory developments, or insufficient applications. Notice of such changes will be provided on the Sponsor’s website or via email where feasible.

10.2 Release and Limitation of Liability

By participating in the V-List Awards, applicants and winners agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless the Sponsor, its affiliates, employees, contractors, officers, and representatives from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• Their participation in the Awards
• Publicity or promotion of the Awards
• Any errors, delays, or disruptions in the administration of the program

The Sponsor is not responsible for any technical failures, submission issues, communication delays, or force majeure events that may affect the administration or outcome of the Awards.

10.4 No Guarantee of Results

The Sponsor makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties regarding the business outcomes, financial results, or other benefits that may result from receiving recognition as a V-List Honoree or Spotlight Award winner. While the Awards are designed to provide visibility and credibility, individual results will vary based on numerous factors outside the Sponsor’s control.

Winners acknowledge that:

• Award recognition does not guarantee increased revenue, client acquisition, press coverage, or other business opportunities
• The value and impact of the award will depend on how the winner leverages the recognition
• The Sponsor is not responsible for any business decisions made based on receiving the award
• Past winner outcomes are not indicative of future results

Winners assume all responsibility for how they use, promote, and leverage their award recognition.

10.4 Force Majeure

The Sponsor shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, public health emergencies, war, terrorism, governmental action, strikes, internet outages, or system failures.

10.5 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under or in connection with the Hey Helen Grant shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Wayne County, Michigan.

10.6 Agreement to Sponsor Policies

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge and agree to be bound by:

• These V-List Awards Terms and Conditions
• The Sponsor’s general Terms of Use: visionaries.co/terms
• The Sponsor’s Privacy Policy: visionaries.co/privacy

In the event of any conflict between these Terms and the general terms or privacy policy, the terms of the Awards shall control for purposes of Awards participation.

Last updated: 31 January 2025