BAD Women of the Gulf
Micro-Grant Information
Grant Purpose
*NOTE: 2026 applications are now closed. For 2027 grants, please submit your application between January 1 and April 1, 2027. Acceptance Deadline for Spring, 2027 is April 1*
BAD Women of the Gulf
MICRO-GRANT PROGRAM · EVOLVING CULTURAL INITIATIVE
Every year, Build A Dream awards micro-grants to women in the Pensacola area who are working to start or grow a small business as a pathway toward self-sufficiency. Grants are $2,000 each, awarded annually. In addition to financial support, we may offer material assistance, mentorship, supplies, or professional services where appropriate.
Something is growing here.
This program is evolving into something we are very excited about: Byuild a Dream's (BAD) Women of the Gulf.
She is the centerpiece of our logo, our brand, our heart. She is rising on a wave that is entirely her own, shaped by the Gulf Coast that made her, the culture she carries, and the community rising with her.
Women of the Gulf is Build a Dream’s living, growing celebration of the women of this city. The makers, the singers, the storytellers, the healers, the entrepreneurs whose gifts have always been here, who have been doing the work. Quietly, faithfully, brilliantly.
We are elevating, recognizing, and bridging the Gulf. One woman at a time.
Pensacola is the City of Five Flags, The oldest, and one of the most culturally layered cities in America. Women have always carried its culture. The dancer whose movement vocabulary was passed through generations. The woman keeping her grandmother’s recipes alive. The quilter, the storyteller, the healer, the singer. The maker whose objects carry the memory of this place.
We are quietly and intentionally building toward a Women of the Gulf Cultural Collective, a program that will fund, mentor, and publicly celebrate the women whose creative work carries the cultural identity of this Gulf Coast city. We are not rushing it. We are coaxing it out, the way you coax something precious out of hiding. Slowly, with warmth, with patience, and with deep respect for what it is.
If you are that woman — or if you know her — we want to hear from you.
diana@buildadreamfoundation.org
We believe that when women are given practical support and genuine dignity, they rise. And when women rise, families and communities rise with them. Let's go!
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 2027 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: 2026 applications are now closed. For 2027 grants, please submit your application between January 1 and April 1, 2027. Acceptance Deadline for Spring, 2027 is April 1* Grants will be awarded at the end of April. Recipients will be notified by phone call! 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.