We select recipients based on five key factors:

1. The founder’s drive and determination,
2. A clear and realistic plan for how the funds will be used,
3. Evidence the business can sustain and build on that work,
4. A solid business foundation, and
5. A compelling vision for the future.

While values alignment and broader social impact are considered, our priority is funding women founders we believe can execute, sustain, and grow well beyond the grant itself.

We keep applications on file for 12 months. So, for example, if you apply in October, your grant will be considered for each grant announced starting mid-December (as there is a ~45 day review people) through mid-November the following year.

Pretty much anything that supports your business growth — marketing, hiring, tech, operations, inventory, etc. You will, however, need to have a plan for how you want to use it when you apply.

There is a small fee to submit your application for the Hey Helen Grant. This helps us cover the operational costs of running the grant program — including things like paying independent reviewers to thoughtfully read and assess applications, and maintaining the software and systems that support the process.

There are no fees whatsoever if you’re selected as a grant recipient. You’ll receive the full award amount, paid directly to your business bank account. However, note that all grant recipients are responsible for reporting the award as income and paying any applicable taxes as is standard with most business grants.

As of August 2026, application rounds will close monthly. The August round closes August 30, 2026 at 7pm EDT, and for each month after, rounds will close on the last day of the month at 7pm ET. Any applications submitted after this time will automatically be considered for the next round. All applications will be kept on file for consideration for 12 months (12 monthly rounds).

Starting mid-October 2026, winners will be announced monthly. 

Our initial scoring period after an application is submitted takes up to 45 days, so: 

• Winners for applications submitted in January start as early as mid-March then 11 more months through mid-February the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in February start as early as mid-April then 11 more months through mid-March the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in March start as early as mid-May then 11 more months through mid-April the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in April start as early as mid-June then 11 more months through mid-May the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in May start as early as mid-July then 11 more months through mid-June the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in June start as early as mid-August then 11 more months through mid-July the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in July start as early as mid-September then 11 more months through mid-August the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in August start as early as mid-October then 11 more months through mid-September the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in September start as early as mid-November then 11 more months through mid-October the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in October start as early as mid-December then 11 more months through mid-November the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in November start as early as mid-January then 11 more months through mid-December the following year
• Winners for applications submitted in December start as early as mid-February then 11 more months through mid-January the following year

As long as you remain on our email list, yes, all decisions and final outcomes will be sent to subscribed audience members.

No. The Visionaries Collective is our paid networking membership for business owners — but all applications are reviewed equally and awarded based on merit of the written application. Being a member or client does not impact your chances.

Recipients will be chosen by an independent selection panel. 

Due to anticipated volume, we’re unable to provide individual feedback.

No. Only for-profit businesses are eligible to apply.

Yes, pre-revenue businesses are welcome to apply.

Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to reapply in a future round, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

That said, all applications are kept on file for one year after submission and eligible for grant rounds which fall into that timeframe, so you don’t need to resubmit unless something has changed.

We recommend reapplying if:

• You feel you could significantly strengthen your application

• Your business has meaningfully evolved

• The way you’d use the funds has changed since your last application

Click here for full terms and conditions.