1. Overview

The Hey Helen Grant Program (“Grant”) is a private grant initiative administered by Visionaries Media LLC (“Sponsor”), a Michigan limited liability company registered in Wayne County, MI. The purpose of this Grant is to provide financial 100% women-owned, for-profit businesses in the United States who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their business vision and future impact.

The Grant consists of one unrestricted monetary award:

• One (1) award in the amount of ten thousand U.S. dollars ($10,000) to one selected applicant.

This award is provided without requirement of repayment and without equity exchange. However, by accepting the Grant, recipient(s) agree to fulfill reasonable verification and publicity requirements as outlined in these Terms and Conditions.

Participation in the Grant 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 Grant.

The Grant is void where prohibited by law.

2. Eligibility Requirements

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

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 100% 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;
• Have a U.S.-based business bank account capable of receiving ACH transfers;
• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older;
• Be the owner or majority-equity stakeholder in an actively operating, for-profit business;
• Generate less than one million U.S. dollars ($1,000,000) in annual gross revenue;
• Be able to demonstrate business activity through online presence, client/customer work, or proof of financial activity upon request;
• Not have received a Hey Helen Grant within the previous twelve (12) months;
• 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;
• 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:
• Nonprofit or 501(c)(3) organization;
• 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;
• Multi-level marketing (MLM) or network marketing business;
• Passive investment vehicles, shell corporations, or holding companies;
• 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 Grant is exclusively intended to support women founders. Eligible applicants must identify as women and own 100% 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 Grant;
• Any applicant who fails to meet the eligibility requirements outlined herein.

3. Application Process

3.1 Application Timeline

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

• Application Open and Close Dates: Specified publicly for each round on the official grant application page.
• Winner Notification Date: All recipients will be notified within approximately thirty (30) calendar days of the application close date.
• Award Disbursement Deadline: Funds will be disbursed within approximately thirty (30) calendar days of winner notification.

The Sponsor reserves the right to adjust any part of the grant 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 applicant may submit one (1) application per grant cycle. Multiple entries will be disqualified. In the event an applicant submits more than one entry, only the first completed application will be considered, and all subsequent submissions may be disregarded at the Sponsor’s discretion.

3.4 Decision-Making Process

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor or a designated internal committee. Selection criteria may include but are not limited to: the founder’s drive and determination, a clear and realistic plan for how the funds will be used, evidence the business can sustain and build on that work, a solid business foundation, and a compelling vision for the future. 

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. 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 award a total of one (1) grant during this cycle:

• One (1) primary award of ten thousand U.S. dollars ($10,000).

All award amounts and total number of grants distributed 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. While no formal rubric will be published, evaluation will consider:

• Founder Commitment: We want to feel your dedication to making this work. Show us your passion for what you’re building, the persistence you bring to your work, and your belief in your own ability to see it through.
• Clear and Sustainable Use of Funds: Tell us exactly how you’ll use the grant within six months — and how your plan will create lasting impact beyond this one infusion of funding. We want to know this investment sets you up for long-term success, not just a short-term boost.
• Solid Business Foundation (or a Strong Start): For established businesses: Show that you’re operating on stable footing with the systems, traction, and stability to keep going. For startups: Show early momentum and a realistic plan for building that foundation — and how the grant will help you get there.
• Community Impact: Your business doesn’t have to be a social enterprise, but we value founders whose work positively impacts their customers, industry, or community.
• Compelling Vision: We want to see where you’re headed. Your vision doesn’t need to be polished or corporate-perfect — it needs to be clear, inspiring, and full of possibility.

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

4.3 Notification of Selected recipient(s)

Selected recipient(s) (“Winners”) will be notified by email within a reasonable time following the close of the application period. The Sponsor is not responsible for undeliverable emails, missed notifications, or delayed responses due to incorrect or outdated contact information.

Winners will be required to:

• Accept the award in writing;
• Submit required verification documents as outlined in Section 5;
• Sign a grant agreement outlining terms of fund disbursement, usage requirements, reporting obligations, and publicity permissions.

Failure to complete all required steps within ten (10) calendar days of initial notification may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate recipient at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.

4.4 Alternate Selection

If a selected recipient is found to be ineligible, declines the grant, or fails to comply with the Terms and Conditions (including verification), an alternate may be selected from among the remaining eligible applicants.

The Sponsor reserves the right not to issue one or more of the grants if an adequate number of eligible, compelling applications are not received.

5. Grant Disbursement & Use of Funds

5.1 Disbursement Method and Timeline

Grant funds will be disbursed by the Sponsor via electronic funds transfer (ACH) through Relay, a U.S.-based banking provider. Recipient(s) will be required to complete and submit all disbursement-related documentation, including but not limited to bank connection forms and IRS Form W-9, prior to any transfer of funds.

Funds will be disbursed within a reasonable period following recipient verification and execution of all required agreements. Disbursement timelines may be subject to delay due to technical issues, compliance reviews, or force majeure events.

Failure to complete required disbursement steps within the timeframe specified by the Sponsor may result in cancellation of the award and selection of an alternate recipient at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.

5.2 Use of Funds

Grant funds are intended to directly support the recipient’s business operations and advancement. Acceptable use of funds includes, but is not limited to:

• Product development, materials, or inventory
• Equipment, tools, or supplies necessary for service or delivery
• Marketing and visibility efforts
• Software, subscriptions, or professional services essential to business operations
• Hiring, contractor, or labor-related costs
• Business-related travel, training, or professional development
• Rent, utilities, or infrastructure costs tied to a physical business location
• Legal, accounting, or operational support

Funds may not be used for:

• Personal expenses unrelated to the business
• Political activity or contributions
• Charitable donations (unless such activity is a core part of the business model)
• Any activity prohibited by federal, state, or local law
• Any purpose that violates these Terms and Conditions or the spirit of the Grant

5.3 Use Consistency Requirement

Recipient(s) are required to use the funds in substantial alignment with the purpose stated in their application response to the question of intended use of Grant funds.

At least eighty percent (80%) of awarded funds must be used for the specific initiative, project, or expenditure described in the application, unless a written exception is granted by the Sponsor. Up to twenty percent (20%) may be reallocated to other eligible business expenses at the discretion of the recipient.

5.4 Reporting and Accountability

Recipient(s) must use the full amount of awarded funds within six (6) months of the date of disbursement. Funds must be used in alignment with the intended purpose described in the original application. Any material deviation from the stated use of funds requires prior written approval from the Sponsor.

All recipient(s) are required to submit a post-award usage report within a timeframe specified by the Sponsor, not to exceed six (6) months from the date of disbursement. The report must include:

• A brief written summary of how the grant funds were used
• A description of the business impact or outcomes achieved
• Supporting documentation, such as receipts, screenshots, photos, or a brief testimonial

Failure to submit the required report may result in:

• Ineligibility for future grants or funding opportunities from the Sponsor
• Withholding of any associated promotional visibility or public recognition
• In cases of material misrepresentation or bad-faith conduct, a formal request for partial or full repayment of funds

The Sponsor reserves the right to publish, quote, or otherwise use the contents of submitted reports for marketing, communications, and storytelling purposes, as outlined in Section 7.

6. Publicity, Content Rights & Communications

6.1 Consent to Publicity and Marketing Use

By accepting Grant, 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 Grant. 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.

6.2 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 Grant.

This license is:

• Worldwide in scope
• Perpetual in duration as it pertains to the relevant Grant 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.

6.3 Consent to Receive Communications

By initiating the Grant 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 Grant 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-Grant-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.

7. Code of Conduct 

7.1 Community Values

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

By applying, all applicants and recipient(s) 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 this Grant is not solely a financial transaction, but a reflection of mutual alignment with the spirit of this initiative.

7.2 Prohibited Conduct

The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify, deny funding to, or rescind recognition or awards from any applicant or recipient 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 Grant;
• 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 Grant, its community, or affiliated partners.

7.3 Ongoing Eligibility

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

8. Data Use & Retention

8.1 Collection and Storage

By submitting an application to the Grant, 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 Grant.

8.2 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 grant disbursement and post-award follow-up
• Communicating with applicants about future grants, 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.

8.3 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 Grant, and solely for that purpose.

8.4 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 grant cycle, though such requests may affect future eligibility.

9. General Terms & Legal Provisions

9.1 Grant Program Modification or Cancellation

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

9.2 Release and Limitation of Liability

By participating in the Hey Helen Grant, applicants and recipient(s) 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 Grant
• Use or misuse of the awarded funds
• Publicity or promotion of the Grant
• 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 Grant.

9.3 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.

9.4 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.

9.5 Agreement to Sponsor Policies

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

• These Hey Helen Grant 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 this Grant shall control for purposes of Grant participation.

Last updated: 8 August 2025