Hey Helen Grant

The Hey Helen Grant is a privately funded initiative created by Visionaries Media LLC, an organization dedicated to supporting purpose-driven businesses and elevating entrepreneurs through storytelling, networking, and strategic investment. This grant was established in honor of Helen Roberts, whose legacy of generosity, belief in people, and spirited independence continues to inspire new generations of women entrepreneurs. Visionaries launched the Hey Helen Grant as a means to provide catalytic funding to mission-aligned women-led businesses that are actively operating and generating measurable impact in their communities. The primary purpose of the Hey Helen Grant is to offer financial support to women founders leading for-profit businesses in the United States with an annual revenue ranging between $25,000 and $1,000,000. The grant awards one unrestricted $5,000 cash prize per cycle, intended to support a recipient’s business growth and operational needs. Acceptable uses for the grant include, but are not limited to, marketing, hiring, infrastructure upgrades, operations, or any initiative that moves the business forward. Should more than 1,000 qualified applications be submitted during a cycle, Visionaries reserves the right to unlock an additional $1,000 award. Eligible applicants must be 100% women-owned and led businesses legally registered in the United States. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents aged 18 or older and possess a U.S.-based business bank account capable of receiving ACH transfers. Additionally, nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth or who align with the intent of the grant are welcome to apply. The program does not accept applications from nonprofit entities or businesses that are not yet operational or generating revenue. The application process for the Hey Helen Grant is streamlined into three key steps. First, applicants must complete an entry form that collects information about business operations, annual revenue, the founder’s vision, and how the funding will be utilized. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 29, 2025. Once the submission period ends, an internal team from Visionaries will evaluate applications based on clarity of vision, alignment with impact-driven values, and demonstrated or potential community impact. Winners of the grant will be announced by September 19, 2025. Two recipients will be chosen—one primary winner receiving the $5,000 grant and a potential second awardee if the application threshold is met. Funds will be distributed via ACH transfer by October 3, 2025. Grant recipients will also gain visibility through a feature on Visionaries' media platforms and may have additional opportunities for press exposure. While this is the inaugural round of the Hey Helen Grant, applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply again in future cycles, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. There is no fee to apply, and no preferential treatment is given to members or clients of the Visionaries Collective. Questions about the application process are addressed in the provided FAQs, though personalized feedback on applications is not available due to the anticipated volume of submissions.