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IFundWomen • Caress Dreams Fund Grant Program

As the founding partner of IFundWomen of Color, Caress has provided $2,285,000 to fund, support, and elevate Women of Color founders since 2020. This year, Caress is continuing their commitment to diverse entrepreneurs by awarding $5,000 grants, annual coaching memberships, and a seat in the award-winning IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator to 12 deserving applicants. 

This application is now closed.

 

Caress Dreams Fund

Learn more about the IFundWomen • Caress Dreams Fund Grant Program

Through the Caress Dreams Fund, 12 founders who qualify will each be awarded a $5,000 grant plus a seat in the award-winning IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator. Learn more about what the program offers:

IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator

Program participants will go through an 8-week crowdfunding crash course to learn how to prep, launch, and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2023. The 8-week program will take place from August 2, 2023, through September 25, 2023.

Annual Coaching Membership

Program participants will receive a year of 1:1 coaching with IFundWomen experts on all of the business topics they need to know.

A $5,000 Grant

Program participants will receive a $5,000 grant from Caress as the first funder of their crowdfunding campaign!

Exclusive networking opportunities

Program participants will receive unique opportunities to expand their network and learn from industry experts.

 

Inspiration starts here

Caress believes that no good idea should go down the drain and that transformation happens when you spark your senses and clear your mind. By providing crowdfunding programs, grants, coaching and connections, Caress and IFundWomen of Color help to ensure women of color founders are set up for long-term success and can bring their dreams to life. Meet some of our Caress Dreams Fund Alumni recipients below.

Kimbritive
A House Called Hue

A House Called Hue from IFundWomen on Vimeo.

Embrace Change

Caress • IFundWomen of Color

As the founding partner of IFundWomen of Color, Caress has provided $2,285,000 to fund, support and elevate women founders since 2020. Through IFWOC, Caress is committed to changing the game for women of color entrepreneurs by creating access to business resources to bring their dreams to life. By providing crowdfunding programs, grants, coaching, and connections, Caress and IFundWomen of Color help to ensure women of color founders are set up for long-term success.
 

Resource hub

We know it’s about more than just the funding. Whether you’re working to grow your project, side hustle, small business, or start up, these are the tools that will help you get to the next level.

How to navigate customer discovery

READ THE BLOG

You’ve told your friends and family, you’ve bought a domain, you’ve designed the website, and even changed your LinkedIn job description to that coveted “Founder” title. You’re ready to launch this business and see your idea revolutionize the world. Yet, the night before your launch, you’re tossing and turning in bed with one dreaded question circling your brain, attacking your will to sleep: “What if no one even wants this product?” Here’s the truth. You won’t ever completely get rid of this feeling as a founder. But, you can put your mind a bit at ease by spending some time on this important step: Customer Discovery.

Caress • IFundWomen of Color Virtual Summit

WATCH THE VIDEO

For this year’s Women’s History Month, Caress & IFundWomen of Color highlighted & celebrated diverse founders who, against all odds, are making their dreams to life. The virtual summit featured amazing speakers like Esi Eggleston Bracey EVP of Personal Care & Beauty at Unilever, Cyndi Ramirez, Founder & CEO of Chillhouse, IFundWomen of Color entrepreneurs, and workshops hosted by IFundWomen's expert coaches. If you missed, catch all of the gems shared in the replay.

Building a professional network

WATCH THE WORKSHOP

The key to your success is in the power of your network. The best CEOs, founders and creatives attained their positions not just because of what they knew but the friends, colleagues, relationships that supported them along the way. If you're building a new business, especially if you're endeavoring into a new industry, networking is essential to the success of your business. Watch this workshop to learn how to define your network, how to find people that are a part of your industry vertical, and how to expand your network whether you're an industry newbie or veteran.

Creating strategic partnerships

WATCH THE WORKSHOP

Whether your business is on the Fortune 500 or just starting out, strategic partnerships can make a huge difference in driving growth for your business. Strategic partnerships allow businesses the opportunity to reach new customers, deepen relationships with their current audience, increase brand presence, and expand the product set.  Watch this workshop to learn the strategy behind identifying, pitching, and closing deals with companies that can take your business to the next level.

Meet the Caress Dreams Fund 2022 Fall Cohort

Through the Caress Dreams Fund 2022 Fall Cohort, 34 Women of Color entrepreneurs worked to prep and launch their crowdfunding campaigns. Check out their amazing businesses!
Indianapolis, IN

Sip & Share Wines

by Sip & Share Wines

Sip & Share Wines is crowdfunding for the launch of our new Be Bubbly Sparkling Wine right in time for the holiday season!

54% Funded
$5,355Raised
0Days Left
Business Services

Our best ideas start in the shower

We know that every big dream starts with a small spark of possibility. Caress has always been committed to creating products that turn every shower into a fully immersive sensorial experience - moments that are proven to spur creativity. It's what inspires Caress' belief that no great idea should go down the drain and our passion for the Caress Dreams Fund.

Learn more

 

It's time to take your dream to the next level

 

Learn more about IFundWomen of Color

 

Learn more about Caress.

Read the programs Official Rules.