Gabrielle Union and Hairstylist Larry Sims Launch a $25,000 USD Grant Initiative for Black, Women-Owned Businesses

Ranging across the fashion, skincare and hair accessories categories.

For Black women entrepreneurs, the opportunity and access to capital in order to scale their businesses are hard to come by. To help close the gap, actor Gabrielle Union and hairstylist Larry Sims haircare brand Flawless have partnered with LinkedIn to launch the $25,000 USD “Lift As We Climb” grant initiative.

In honor of International Women’s Day, the grant initiative spearheaded by Union and Sims will award three Black, female-owned businesses across the fashion, skincare and hair accessories categories. The grantees of the opportunity will not only receive financial support but the initiative will also offer LinkedIn mentorship sessions. To be considered, founders must submit a one-minute video and brand deck for evaluation.

The application period begins on March 8 and ends on April 19. Six finalists will be chosen to participate in a virtual pitch event taking place on May 10 and winners will be announced on May 17.

In order to participate, founders must meet the following criteria:

Must be 18+
The company must be based and operated in the United States. (open to U.S. residents and U.S.-based brands only)
The company must be in one of the following categories: fashion, skincare, and hair accessories.
Must have an existing company website and social media presence.
Products are not in distribution at a major retailer.
Businesses must be past the ideation phase with a fully developed product and service — with customers or ready for customers.

Head over to the brand’s website for more information on the program.