Capital and Catalyst Grant
This funding initiative provides $40,000 to established women-owned food and beverage businesses in the U.S. that demonstrate strong sales and investment readiness, along with mentorship from industry leaders.
The Capital & Catalyst Grant is a collaborative funding initiative offered by the Enthuse Foundation in partnership with Spearhead Global. Spearhead Global, a Pennsylvania-based, certified Women-Owned Enterprise Business, specializes in packaging innovation for the beverage and spirits industry. The organization, co-founded by CEO Heather Fritzsche and CINO Robert Catalano, emphasizes sustainability and community support, notably through its nonprofit arm, Spearhead Project Earth. Enthuse Foundation, a mission-driven organization supporting women entrepreneurs, partners in this effort to empower established women-led businesses in the food and beverage space. This grant aims to support a seasoned women-owned food or beverage brand with a non-dilutive capital infusion of $40,000. It targets businesses with demonstrated traction and potential for investment readiness. Companies must show a minimum of $500,000 in lifetime sales and have been operational for over two and a half years (i.e., founded before January 1, 2023). The grant explicitly excludes companies involved in skincare, beauty, clothing, and personal hygiene, ensuring focus remains on food and beverage enterprises. Eligible applicants must also be U.S. citizens, at least 51% women-owned, and open to receiving investment within the next two years. In addition to financial support, the Capital & Catalyst Grant offers mentorship and due diligence engagement with Spearhead Global's leadership. Selected applicants must participate in a virtual pitch event and provide profit and loss statements for the years 2023 through 2025. While WBENC certification is preferred, it is not required. Finalists are required to attend a virtual pitch competition on September 11, 2025, and the winner must complete vendor paperwork post-award. Applications for the 2025 cycle opened on June 23 and will close on July 28. From August 21 to 27, due diligence interviews will be conducted with Co-Founder Heather Fritzsche. Finalists will be announced on August 29, and the virtual pitch event will follow on September 11. The selected winner will be notified and awarded the grant on September 16, 2025. Applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as product viability and longevity, strength of the founding team, overall investment opportunity, and incorporation of sustainability and philanthropy into the business model. The grant also assesses the potential impact of both the funds and mentorship services provided by Spearhead Global. While no contact email or phone number is provided in the grant information, potential applicants are encouraged to visit the Enthuse Foundation or Spearhead Global websites for more information or to apply directly through the provided channels. The application requires preparation of financial documentation and participation in interviews and a virtual pitch, indicating a moderate time investment for completion.
Award Range
$40,000 - $40,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
1
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
The grant awards a fixed $40,000 to one women-owned food or beverage business with at least $500,000 in sales, more than 2.5 years of operation, and willingness to take on investment. Additional support includes mentoring and in-kind services from Spearhead Global. Finalists must participate in a virtual pitch and undergo due diligence.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must be women-founded U.S. food or beverage businesses that have been in operation for over two and a half years (before January 1, 2023), with at least $500,000 in lifetime sales. Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, and willing to seek investors in the next two years. WBENC certification is preferred but not required. Applicants must also attend a virtual pitch event if selected as finalists.
Geographic Eligibility
All
WBENC certification is preferred; be ready for due diligence and to explain investment readiness and use of funds.
Application Opens
June 23, 2025
Application Closes
July 28, 2025
Grantor
Heather Fritzsche
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