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Melissa Washington

Small Business Award

The Melissa Washington Small Business Award (MWSBA) will now be available each quarter beginning in Quarter 2 of 2024. The award will be up to $5,000 and will be up to the discretion of the awards committee and Women Veterans Giving Board of Directors.

Q4 Cycle Applications Are Open!


Application Cycles:

·  Q2 Cycle: Applications open on April 13th and close on June 30th, with awards announced in Q3.

·  Q3 Cycle: Mark your calendars for July 1st to September 30th, with awards presented in Q4.

·  Q4 Cycle: Applications for the final quarter of 2024 open on October 1st and close on December 31st, with awards given in Q1 of 2025.

It's important to note that all 2024 applications from previous quarters will automatically roll over through the 4th quarter. New applications must be submitted for the 2025 cycle starting January 1st. Additionally, previous awardees are not eligible for subsequent awards. 

Here's a brief overview of the application process:

·  Eligibility: The MWSBA is awarded to a woman veteran to start or expand her business.

·  Submission: Applications to be submitted through our website during the submission period.

·  Criteria: We're seeking individuals who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact through their ventures.

·  Grant: Recipients will receive up to $5,000, assessment, coaching, certificate of recognition, MWSBA brooch and other benefits.

Required documents to be uploaded within application:

·  P&L or Tax Return

·  Professional Headshot



MWSBA Committee Members:

Chairwoman Jennifer Vollbrecht, Marine Corps (2020 Recipient)
Siobhan Cunningham, Air Force (2021 Recipient)

Leanne Babcock, Air Force Reserves (2019 Recipient)

Beth Beeson, Marine Corps (2018 Recipient)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do I have to already have an established business?  No
  • I am still on active duty do I qualify?  Yes
  • Since I am only in the start up stages, I do not have any any tax returns or P&Ls. What can I do?   Submit your financial projections.
  • I do not have a professional headshot. Can I submit a regular photo?  Any photo will work. Just be advised, if you are selected as a finalist, this photo will be shared widely!


Congratulations to our Q3 2024 MWSBA Awardee!


CJ Scarlet

Marine Corps Veteran

Founder & President

Badass Grandma Ventures

"This recognition fuels my mission to empower parents to raise strong, confident kids who are equipped to face life’s challenges head-on. With the support of this grant, I’m thrilled to bring the Heroic Parenting Academy to life—a 13-module online course launching soon to help parents protect their kids from bullies and predators while building their self-esteem and resilience." ~ CJ Scarlet

Read more



Learn about the Coastal Kapital Veterans Business Loan Program, which offers essential information to help veterans kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.


Women Veterans Giving, Inc.  Registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

530.830.1915 • info@womenveteransgiving.org

Copyright © 2023 Women Veterans Giving. All Rights Reserved.


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Sacramento CA 95821



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