Profiles of Women's Business Grants Winners

Women's Business Grants - Women's Financial Fund

Business Grant Winners

December 1, 2003 - Tanya Bassett

Grant Winner Tanya Bassett: I'm so sorry for the delay, with the Holidays and being so excited I've gotten behind! I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this grant. It's really amazing that one woman could start something like this when our government rarely provides grants for woman owned businesses. Just goes to show you what a woman who owns a business can really do! I will be joining my local chamber of commerce with proceeds from this grant and putting a down payment on a store front so I can get out of my basement! Thank you so much! (Tanya owns a tailoring shop where she creates wedding gowns and does alterations.)

July 1, 2003 - Kristin Lake, Patti Lambe

Grant Winner Kristin Lake: I'm still in shock. When I received the call I almost fell out of my chair, but I could hear my Mother telling me how everything would work out if I just put my heart into the business. I started Kristin's Kandies a little over a year ago and it's been a struggle. When I saw the announcement of the grants, I knew I had to apply. I plan on using the grant money to buy a new printer for labels, and start a new marketing initiative in local bakeries. I might even find time to create a website finally.

I just want to thank you so much for taking the time to create this program for women. After speaking with you I am amazed at what one woman can do, and I know now that I can make this business a success. Thank you so much!

Grant Winner Patti Lambe: Thank you so much for choosing my business to receive one of your grants! It really is a dream come true after working so hard to get started. I honestly had no idea how hard it would be to learn everything, marketing, accounting, and of course still have time to take care of the dogs. This grant will allow me to expand the kennel and add some fun activities. I'm still looking through catalogs to choose exactly what I will add, but I will definitely let you know!

I just wanted to say something to all the other women who applied. I want to thank each of you for donating first of all, I know that it will help create more grants, and I like the idea that I will be supporting each of the future winners. I know I wouldn't be where I am without the support I've received from so many other business owners around here. Secondly, I just want to wish you luck and let you know that it can happen! When that phone rings, make sure you answer it!

Thank you again for this grant! (Patti owns Patti's Pet Daycare in Atlanta, GA)

March 1, 2003 - Rae Hoffman, Debbie Dankelson

Grant Winner Rae Hoffman: I can't tell you how honored and thrilled I am to be one of the winners of your Network Marketing Grants. I started my Cognigen business a year ago with the launch of my first website, http://www.discountlongdistancerates.com. After being a happy customer of their telecom services for about a year, I decided to work their business opportunity. It has been a choice I have been extremely happy with.

I market online and it is a fast paced and competitive field. I do my best to stay on top of trends and learn my trade well. Marketing online is a complicated process, but the short version is that it involves many hours and multiple websites to get the success that I am aiming for. My most recent website is http://www.cheaplongdistancecarriers.com. I have been very fortunate to have achieved a good deal of success in a short amount of time.

When I found your website a few months ago, I thought it was wonderful that you were offering grants for women in network marketing. Something many other women's business organizations do not offer grants for. I applied and was honored that you felt my application had something.

I plan to use the grant money to aid in the purchase of a new computer. Since 100% of my business is performed online, the computer is my most important business tool. My machine is about four years old now. In computer years, it is a dinosaur. A new computer will allow my business to run more smoothly and without frequent reboots from having multiple programs open at once.

Again, I can't find the words to express how excited I am. Thank you so much for believing in me enough to bestow this grant upon me. I promise to make Women's Business Grants and all the wonderful people behind your organization proud.

Grant winner Debbie Dankelson: All I can say is "Thank you SO much!!!" I plan on using the money on advertising for new customers. I feel this is the one thing that can really help my business grow and to help other people enhance their lives.

If I could send on message to anyone even considering applying for a grant, it would be "Just Do It!" I didn't believe for one second that I would actually win, but I believe in my business 110% and had to give it a shot!!! This is really such a thrill for me and I don't know how to thank you enough.

Debbie is a representative of Melaleuca and can be reached at http://debbiedank.themomteam.com

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