Sample is a successful small business owner with multiple exits. During the 15 years she ran those businesses, she never thought of her gender as a roadblock. However,"once I was considered a larger business owner and joined a business network of essentially all men—it created a barrier for what I thought was an unlimited path to success," said Sample."I went down a rabbit hole to better understand the issues women entrepreneurs face.
The truth is it was uncomfortable going back to friends and colleagues and asking for introductions over and over again. Unlike men, her network was finite. Fortunately,"I had ambassadors," said Sample."There were a handful of men and women who opened a lot of doors for me, and their credibility gave me credibility without me earning it."
Eligibility requirements dramatically vary from one grant to another. There are grants available for all types of companies, with many specifically aimed toward businesses owned by women, people of color, or that target an industry, geography, or company size.