Applications for the High Five Grant for Moms are open through September 30, 2023, and we’re here to answer the most commonly asked questions about our program. If you don’t see your question, send us an email at meg@themamaladder.com or a DM on Instagram (@highfivegrant).
Eligibility
Do I have to be a mom?
Yes. This is a grant specifically for mothers. That includes being a stepmom, adoptive mom, expecting mom, empty nester, or foster mom ... but not dog mom. You need to have cared for or currently care for children to meet this requirement.
Do I need to own my business?
Applicants must own at least 50% of their for-profit business. Your co-owner does not need to be another mom.
Are nonprofits eligible?
The High Five Grant for Moms is currently open to for-profit businesses only.
What if I don't have any revenue yet?
We are looking for those who already have momentum and have at least $1 in revenue in the past 12 months. This grant is not an incubator for business ideas, but you don’t need to have hundreds of thousands in revenue to be eligible.
I live outside the US. Am I still eligible?
Absolutely! Our grant is open to any mom-business-owners anywhere in the world.
My company sells a service, not a product. Can I still apply?
Yes! We’re committed to supporting all mompreneurs.
Application Details
Why do you charge an application fee?
First, we have found that an application fee helps us filter out hobbyists from applicants who are serious about building their businesses. We also use the fees to supplement the grant amounts.
How is my application fee used?
All application fees go toward grant awards. The only exception is the small credit card processing fee (which is standard for all credit card transactions), but we do not use any of the application fees for administrative costs or salaries.
Is there a refund for the application fee?
No. Once you've submitted your application, it is final and all funds go towards grants for mom business owners.
Can I change my application after I submit it?
No. Once your application is submitted, it is final. We recommend applicants write their answers to all the application questions in a Google or Word document before filling out and submitting the application.
Award Information
What grants are being awarded?
We are giving away eight total grants:
GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 cash prize, $1,000 gift card to Walker Edison furniture company, and a one-hour strategy meeting with Product Marketing House ($6,000 value)
1st Runner Up: $5,000 cash prize, $1,000 gift card to Walker Edison furniture company, and a one-hour strategy meeting with Product Marketing House ($6,000 value)
2nd Runner Up: $2,500 cash prize, $1,000 gift card to Walker Edison furniture company, and a one-hour strategy meeting with Product Marketing House ($6,000 value)
Five Honorable Mentions: $1,000 cash prize and $1,000 gift card to Walker Edison furniture company each
How does the grant need to be used?
Grant winners have full freedom to decide how to use these funds to grow their business. They are to be used to GROW a business, not to fund personal activities or purchases. Whether it's a new logo, website, product inventory, business coaching, event costs, etc. -- that's up to you!
Do I have to pay the High Five Grant back?
No. This is 100% yours, although you will need to pay applicable income taxes to your respective government as grants are considered income.
Do I have to report the grant as income?
Yes. You will need to work with your tax professional to report the High Five Grant as income. You will need to pay applicable taxes on it, per your respective government. In order to receive the grant, American finalists must submit a W-9 form to The Mama Ladder.
Judging Criteria & Process
Who are the judges?
We have wonderful women on the 2023 Judging Panel! Meet the 2023 High Five Grant for Moms Judging Panel: Barbara Cobas, Betty Hines, Fran Maier, and Shea Workman here.
How are finalists selected and notified?
Between October 1 and October 17, our judging panel will review all the applications and select their top eight applicants. These eight finalists will be notified on October 18 via email and/or phone.
When are the finalists announced?
Finalists will be publicly announced on our social media channels and our website on October 20. This is the same day public voting on our finalists will launch on highfivegrant.com.
How do you determine the grand prize winner, runners up, and honorable mentions?
The winners are determined using the following rubric:
50% input from the judging panel
25% input from public voting at highfivegrant.com
25% input from sponsors (finalists will have the opportunity to present a five-minute Zoom pitch to our sponsors on October 24 from 11 am–12 pm MDT)
General Grant Information
Is this a scam?
The High Five Grant is 100%, completely, totally legit. We work hard behind the scenes to create this opportunity for deserving, ambitious mothers. Because we are passionate about supporting women at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, we have given more than $32,000 in grants since 2018. After 2023’s competition, the total given will be $54,500.00 in cash grants, as well as other valuable services and products.
We are proud that former High Five Grant for Moms finalists have been on Shark Tank and Good Morning America, and they also have products at Target, Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.
What is The Mama Ladder?
The Mama Ladder offers a community of heart-powered mom business owners. We are dedicated to helping moms fulfill their personal and professional goals. We host workshops and retreats with the goals of helping mothers have clarity, confidence, and community.
Who are the sponsors of the High Five Grant?
We are honored to have powerhouse sponsors backing us this year, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Clean Simple Eats, Albion Fit, Legal Launch Lab, Not Your Father’s Lawyer, Product Marketing House, Robinson Burnett & Associates Tax Consultants, and Walker Edison.
