As part of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance’s 20th anniversary, the organization is launching a special startup grant to support new business ventures.

Startup businesses often struggle with getting capital and the WBC wanted to find a way to help out. WBC Director Brandy Jaquez tells us rather than awarding cash to startups, this new grant will be awarded in the form of services tailored to meet the recipient’s business needs.

Jaquez says this is all about helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.

“It really is about helping a new business start and filling a void that they have,” Jaquez said.

Any business or entrepreneur can apply for the grants. Applicants must have been in business for six months or less to be considered a startup. Anyone in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties can apply.

Jaquez says finalists will give a brief presentation at an event on October 3 to pitch their idea and why they should receive support.

“It’s giving them a friendly audience to hone that skill of pitching. And then second, it’s also exposure. So it’s letting people know about your business and what’s coming up and potentially you network and you find some connections and maybe even some collaborators for your business.”

To be considered for the grant, applicants must submit their business idea by September 23 at 9 a.m. You can find out more right here.