BAD Women Rising
Micro-Grant Information
Grant Purpose
*NOTE: Acceptance Deadline for Spring is April 1, 2026*
To provide charitable assistance that promotes economic self-sufficiency for women through micro-enterprise support.
Program Overview
The Build a Dream Foundation provides $2,000 micro-grants to women in the Pensacola area who are working to start or stabilize a small business as a pathway toward self-sufficiency.
In addition to financial support, Build a Dream may offer material assistance, services, or hands-on support when appropriate (equipment, supplies, mentorship, or professional services).
We believe that when women are given practical support and dignity, they are empowered to rise—and when women rise, families and communities thrive.
Elegibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be 18 years or older
Reside in the Pensacola, Florida area (This includes anyone in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.)
Be a woman or women-led household
Demonstrate financial need
Have a business idea or early-stage business intended to generate income
Agree to use grant funds solely for business-related purposes
Businesses do not need to be formally registered at the time of application
Grant Size & Frequency
Grant amount: Up to $2,000
Number of grants: 3–6 per year
Deadline for 2026 is April 1
Grants are awarded based on:
Demonstrated financial need
Clear business purpose
Practical use of funds
Alignment with charitable mission
No grant is awarded based on expected profitability alone.
Oversight & Documentation
The Foundation maintains:
Completed applications
Board or committee approval notes
Proof of disbursement or in-kind support
Follow-Up & Accountability
Recipients may be asked, 3–6 months after receiving support, to provide:
A brief written update or
A photo of purchased items or
A short conversation or text update
Failure to achieve business success does not require repayment.
Mail in Application
Copy and paste to a Word document. You may use more space if needed. Print and mail to the address below. Applications must be mailed. We will not accept e-mailed applications. Please do not hand deliver.
BAD Women Rising Micro-Grant Application
* NOTE: Acceptance deadline for Spring is April 1, 2026* Grants will be awarded at the end of April. Recipients will be notified by email! Good luck!
Mail completed applications to:
Build a Dream Foundation (BAD)
201 S Alcaniz St
Pensacola, FL 32502
SECTION A — Applicant Information
Full Name: ___________________________________________
Address (Pensacola area): _______________________________
Phone: ___________________ Email: ____________________
Social media and/or Website? ________________________________
Are you 18 years or older? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Are you a woman or women-led household? ☐ Yes ☐ No
SECTION B — Business Overview
Business Name (if applicable): ___________________________
Type of business (check one):
☐ Service ☐ Product ☐ Home-based ☐ Online ☐ Other: __________
In a few sentences, please describe your business idea or current business:
SECTION C — Use of Grant Funds
If selected, how would you use the $2,000 BAD Rise Micro-Grant?
(Check all that apply)
☐ Equipment or tools
☐ Supplies or inventory
☐ Licensing or permits
☐ Marketing or website
☐ Training or certification
☐ Other (please explain): _______________________________
Brief explanation of how this grant would help you move forward:
SECTION D — Current Situation
Business stage (check one):
☐ Idea only
☐ Early setup
☐ Operating but struggling
What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?
SECTION E — Personal Statement
In a few sentences, please share:
What would becoming more financially stable through this business mean for you or your family?
SECTION F — In-Kind / Practical Support (Optional)
In addition to or instead of cash, would any of the following help you?
☐ Goods (equipment, supplies, or tools)
☐ Services (legal, accounting, marketing, building, maintenance)
☐ Childcare support (to attend training/work)
☐ Transportation assistance
☐ Workspace or storage
☐ Mentorship or coaching
☐ Other: ____________________________________________
SECTION G — Applicant Certification Build a Dream Foundation – Women’s Micro-Grant Agreement
This grant is provided as charitable assistance to support self-sufficiency through small business development. Build a Dream Foundation reserves the right to provide support in the form of materials, services, or direct purchases in lieu of cash when appropriate.
Recipients agree to:
I certify that:
The information provided is true to the best of my knowledge
Grant funds will be used only for business-related purposes. I understand these funds may not be used for personal expenses unrelated to the business.
This is a charitable grant, not a loan. Funds do not need to be repaid.
I agree to provide a brief follow-up update if requested (written, text, or photo) within 3–6 months if requested.
I agree to use funds in good faith as described in their application
Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________
OUR BELIEF
At Build a Dream, we believe that when women rise, the world thrives.
Sometimes all it takes is a strong foundation.