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JLH Ignite Scholarship

The Ignition Scholarship was created by the Junior League of Huntsville, in partnership with The Catalyst, to support a female business owner with funding, mentorship opportunities, and in-kind services.

This fund helps fulfill the Junior League of Huntsville’s mission to develop the potential of women:

The Junior League of Huntsville is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We welcome all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 ARE NOW OPEN!

  • Applications due July 14, 2023 at 11:59pm CDT
  • Business Pitches will be scheduled for July 20, 2023 & July 21, 2023; applicants must be available during one of those two days
  • Finalists will be selected and notified by August 1, 2023
  • The 3 Finalists will each receive a ticket to The Catalyst’s Leading Ladies Business Conference where the winner will be announced live; Leading Ladies will take place on August 24 & 25, 2023

Scholarship Description

  • $5,000 in funding, to be utilized for business expenses and/or training opportunities
  • A feature in League Lines, the Junior League of Huntsville’s quarterly magazine (valued at $350) plus recognition on all Junior League of Huntsville social media
  • A Junior League of Huntsville meeting sponsorship (valued at $500 + potential to directly speak to and reach up to 500 women)
  • Membership in the Junior League of Huntsville plus one year of membership dues (valued at $175). Membership is contingent upon the recipient’s eligibility; subsequent membership renewals will be the responsibility of the Ignition Scholarship recipient

Ignition Scholarship Applicant Requirements

  • Female
  • At least 25 years old and a legal resident of the United States
  • At least a 50% stakeholder in the organization for which you are applying
  • Will operate as the daily business manager or currently serving as such

Ignite Scholarship Business Requirements

  • Formed under U.S. law
  • Currently operating, or with intent to operate, within Madison County
  • Startup or in operation less than five years
  • Make less than $750,000 annually – a copy of your financial statements may be required upon request
  • Business plan that has been vetted by The Catalyst – to be uploaded to application
  • Business pitch – to be scheduled by the scholarship committee after completion of this application

Special Considerations

  • Special consideration given to current members or those interested in becoming a member of The Junior League of Huntsville
  • Special consideration will be given to a female business owner whose organization gives back to the community or to the industry in which they work
  • Subsidiary, franchise and/or network marketing businesses are not eligible for the Ignition Scholarship
  • This award will go to one individual, not multiple partners

2023 REQUIREMENTS

  • Intake Interview with Catalyst & registration as a Catalyst client
  • Attend the Catalyst Engage in Entrepreneurship Workshop
  • Submit a Business Model Canvas
  • Attend the Catalyst Ignite Small Business Fundamental series of workshops to include: 
  1. Developing a Business Plan 
  2. Accounting & Taxes 
  3. Choosing a Legal (Business) Structure 
  4. Business License 
  5. Marketing 
  6. Banking Needs
  • Attend 3 additional Catalyst workshops 
  • Attend minimum of 2 coaching sessions, one of which must be on Business Plan
  • Attend 3 Catalyst networking events including Strong Coffee Strong Women 
  • Submit Business Plan to The Catlayst prior to Scholarship Application submission
  • Participate in pitch competition for finalists  
Application