Women Investing in Women
Women Investing in Women: Grants for Women Business Owners
Your contribution is a meaningful way to give back and pave a brighter future for women in Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
Please contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
The window for applications for 2026 is now closed. Please check back to apply in 2027.
What should I include in my application?
Click here for a printable page of Application Guidelines
What if I don’t need $5,000 for my project?
You may apply for less than $5,000 if your project budget is less.
What if my project will cost more than $5,000?
Each grant awarded will be up to $5,000. Should your project require more money, please include confirmed sources for that additional funding in your budget.
How are the winners selected?
A panel of local business leaders and representatives from The Women’s Fund will review each application packet for completeness as well as other criteria including the potential for the grant to satisfy the business need and positively impact future growth and success, and our community.
If I receive a grant, when will I receive funding?
Winners will receive grant funding in November at the award reception.
Is there a deadline to use this grant funding?
We ask that recipients use their grant within a year of receiving it.
What if I have other questions about the grants or the application process?
Please email any questions to grants@womensfundhoc.org.
You may also leave a detailed voicemail at (315) 381-3072 and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Thank You
Thank you!
To all who have applied for our 2026 grants.
Applications are now closed for the 2026 cycle of Women Investing in Women grants. See below for additional information or contact us at grants@womensfundhoc.org.
Sponsored by:
Many thanks to our sponsors, Baird Private Wealth Management and Griffiss Institute for their generous commitment to the Women Investing in Women program. Their support helps women-owned businesses grow, thrive, and strengthen our community.
Women Investing in Women grants provide funding of up to $5,000 each to women entrepreneurs in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, to enable them to grow and enhance their businesses. The annual application cycle begins on August 1st and the deadline to apply is September 30th of each year. Recipients are notified by November 1st.
Applications will be considered from businesses that:
- Are at least 51% woman-owned.
- Are based in Oneida County and/or Herkimer County, New York.
- Have been in existence for at least one year with plans to improve/expand.
Examples of what we will fund:
- Equipment
- Hardware/Software
- Consulting Services
- Training/Education
- Marketing
Examples of what we will not fund:
- Ongoing operating expenses (salaries, rent, etc.)
- Religious or political businesses
- Debt reduction
- Already incurred expenses
Since the Women Investing in Women program started in 2022, we have granted $95,000 to 19 women-owned businesses
2025 Recipients:
Ingrid Quiceno-Vela // Barrio Builders — Barrio Builders is a Latina-owned construction and housing rehabilitation firm based in Utica that specializes in lead-safe renovations that protect families and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The grant will help pay for a construction trailer.
Alex Nicolette // Bloom Nutrition Solutions — According to Alex’s application, “The Utica area has limited access to nutrition-related care, while many individuals struggle with chronic illnesses requiring specialized dietary therapies. Additionally, a growing population of women diagnosed with eating disorders requires the expertise of a registered dietitian experienced in meal planning and nutrition counseling tailored to this condition.” The grant will be used for marketing efforts to expand the group practice and increase client numbers.
Brenda Carney // Can Chasers –– Can Chasers offers equine therapy to individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Their work aligns with Herkimer County Mental Health Services’ goals to expand respite services by providing horse-centered and art therapeutic activities. The grant will be used to purchase arena rails to expand their outdoor horse arena.
Ana Felicia Brito // D. Furniture Upholstery— An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Ana’s business bucks the trend of “disposable” furniture. The grant will be used to purchase industrial machines, allowing her to work faster and with heavier fabrics.
Gabriella Marchesani // Legacy Fiberoptics — Legacy Fiberoptics provides repair and calibration services for fiber optic test equipment for their customers across the globe. The grant will be used to purchase nine new electrostatic discharge benches for their new facility to accommodate their increased workload and new customers.
2024 Recipients:
Sarah Linder, LCSW, PC, Sherrill
Live Well Fitness Health & Wellness Center, Little Falls/St. Johnsville
Valentina’s Alterations and Tailor Shop, Herkimer
2023 Recipients:
The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center, New York Mills
2022 Recipients:
TRM Environmental Consultants, Rome
The Women’s Fund extends heartfelt appreciation to Baird Private Wealth Management and the Griffiss Institute for their generous commitment to the Women Investing in Women program. Their support makes it possible to provide grants that help women-owned businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen our region’s economy.
By investing in this initiative, Baird and Griffiss are championing the talent and determination of local women entrepreneurs and ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Their partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of women-led businesses to create lasting opportunities and positive change in Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
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Please contact us at grants@womensfundhoc.org to become a partner in the advancement of women-owned businesses in our area.
“Working in the traditionally male-dominated field of finance, I understand the barriers women can face as they work to become successful business owners. These grants make a positive difference in women’s lives and we at Baird are proud to partner with The Women’s Fund and Griffiss Institute to support women in our community.”
– Michele Sheridan, CFP®, Director at Baird
“We are so grateful for the partnership that we put together. It is of a deep belief that we have incredible opportunities to build women up, to support each other, to build great businesses that can help you and your families and our communities to thrive.”
– Heather Hage, President and CEO, Griffiss Institute
“Because of this grant for new equipment and training, my business is more professional. My operations and processes are tightened up. The service offerings bring more $$ to the bottom line. I am more educated on strategy. And because of this training, I was able to add new team members, including a recent graduate from Hamilton College. I would never have sought out the training that has helped me grow my business without the opportunity from The Women’s Fund. “
– Leigh Ann Dillon, Website Designer, Hilltop Marketing, 2022 Women Investing In Women grant recipient
“We put the grant money towards our third chiropractic table. This table has helped us manage our flow as we’ve gotten busier and also provides a gentler version of decompression for our acute patients. This gentle technique helps those with disc herniations, allowing us to relieve some of that pressure over time. We are so honored to serve our community and are thankful to be able to help people through conservative treatment such as chiropractic. Thank you to the The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. for this opportunity.”
– Amanda Montagna, Chiropractor, Realm Chiropractic of Herkimer, 2023 Women Investing in Women grant recipient
In 2025 Women Investing in Women began an educational series to further support women in business.
Power and Profit: Taking Control of Your Business Finances is a hands-on workshop designed to give business owners the tools and confidence to manage their business finances with clarity. Follow us on social media for details on when the next workshop is taking place.
