The RISE Collaborative SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses is seeking donations to increase the prize funds available to eligible entrepreneurs. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible donations to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages RISE Collaborative.
SOVA Female Founders Fund for Woman-Owned Businesses
The SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses is intended to provide additional support and encouragement to female entrepreneurs demonstrating perseverance in pursuing their vision.
Eligibility criteria: To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned by a woman, as self-reported. Priority will be given to qualified entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit defined as the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals” and the ability to overcome obstacles.
The business must apply for funding through a RISE Collaborative program, such as the RISE Business Pitch Competition set for June 26, 2024. Learn more about the RISE Business Pitch Competition >
Donations will be accepted by the SOVA Innovation Hub c/o RISE Collaborative through June 26, 2024, with awards announced on June 27, 2024 at 6pm EST.
To make a donation, please complete the RISE Donation Commitment Form and indicate that you want to designate your gift to the SOVA Female Founders Fund. After we receive your form, a member of the SOVA Innovation Hub/RISE team will contact you to setup payment.
Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications, established the SOVA Female Founder’s Fund with an initial gift in 2023, which was matched by other generous entrepreneurs.
Prior Award Recipients: Meet the Female Founders Fund Award Winners
In 2023, RISE Collaborative awarded two entrepreneurs with prize funds from the RISE Female Founders Fund: Mary Bagwell and Tara Lucas.
Mary Bagwell
Owner, TOASTED by Southern Plenty
Mary Bagwell of Halifax County, VA, owner of TOASTED by Southern Plenty, pitched her startup concept to launch a new, specialty retail store with a plan to scale through e-commerce. Mary received an award of $1,250 from the RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the 2023 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Mary is a completer of the Winter 2023 RISE Business Bootcamp and a previous winner of the Downtown South Boston Community Business Launch.
Tara Lucas
Owner, Sweetcakes Bakery by The Cheesecake Lady
Tara Lucas of Martinsville, VA, owner of Sweetcakes Bakery by The Cheesecake Lady. She pitched her concept to expand from a limited-service bakery into a restaurant. Tara received an award of $1,250 from the RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the 2023 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Tara is a completer of the Winter 2023 RISE Business Bootcamp and has also completed training through the Martinsville-Henry County Startup/Grow business programs.
How many SOVA Female Founders can we support in 2024?
In 2024, RISE Collaborative will award additional prize funds from the SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses to eligible entrepreneurs in the RISE Business Pitch Competition, set for June 26, 2024. Your support is needed to increase the amount of support we can provide!
Female Founders in the Spotlight
“Four Female Founders Talk Pricing” was a live panel discussion hosted by Letterpress Communications on Facebook Live on May 17, 2023. Featured speakers include:
- Mary Bagwell, Founder of Toasted by Southern Plenty (South Boston, VA)
- Tara Lucas, Founder of Sweetcakes Bakery by the Cheesecake Lady (Martinsville, VA)
- Natalie Hodge, Founder of Rudy’s Girl Media (Martinsville, VA)
- Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications (Farmville, VA)
Donate to the Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses
Thank you in advance for your support of the RISE Collaborative SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses. Donations are tax-deductible contributions to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which manages the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship & innovation initiative.