The Lillie Knox Investing for Growth Award

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The Lillie Knox Investment Award is a cash prize of up to $20,000, exclusively available to WBCS Women's Business Enterprises, to help further business growth. Current members, in good standing, are welcome to apply annually for consideration.

Applicants are asked to:

Share how certification and WBCS has impacted their business.
Identify a need that, if met, would support the growth of their business.
Provide an itemized budget of their funding request.
Address how they are financially contributing to their business need.

The 2022 Lillie Knox Investment Award application period is closed. Check back in 2023 for the next application.

Because WBEs provide services across a range of industries and are at different stages in their business development, the investment award can be utilized for myriad purposes and the amount requested can be any amount up to $20,000.

The Lillie Knox Investment Award is funded solely by member donations. The number of awards distributed and the amount of each award is determined by the total fund available as well as the merits of requests in each application.

Lillie Knox was a vital part of the history and current success of the Women's Business Council - Southwest (WBCS) and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The Lillie Knox Investment Award was established in 2005 to memorialize Lillie for her support of Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) through her commitment, passion, and determination to increase opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

Questions? Contact Executive Director of Programs, Lindsay Pittard.

Learn about our 2021 winners:

Eligibility Requirements

Recipient(s) must be a current WBCS WBE in good standing
The application must be completed by the owner of the certified business
WBEs who have received a Lillie Knox Investment Award in the past are ineligible to submit an application for a period of two years following receipt of the award

Donating

Thank you for considering a donation to the Lillie Knox Investment Award Fund. One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to the Fund. Please note that donations are not considered a charitable contribution. Click the button below to securely make a donation using a major credit card.

FAQs

How do I apply?

The 2022 application cycle is closed and will open again in the second half of 2023.
Who can apply?

Any Women's Business Council - Southwest Women's Business Enterprise member in good standing can apply.
When is the application deadline?

The application period will be announced in the second half of 2023.
How many awards are given each year?

There is no set number of awards given. The awards are fully funded by donations, so it depends on the total fund available as well as the merits of requests in each application.
How is the award amount determined?

The award amount is determined by the merits of requests in each application.
Who selects the recipients?

The Selection Committee is made up of WBCS past board chairs, the current board chair, and the WBCS President & CEO.
Are there any restrictions on funding requests?

Yes, generally only a one-time expense with a long-term impact (like website enhancements, new software, consulting services, etc.) is funded as opposed to an on-going expense (like salary, rent, education, etc.). Also, you must outline how you plan to use the funds in the application.
Do I have to report on how the money is used?

Yes, but not a formal report. We simply want to know what you purchased with the award and how it has impacted your business. We use this information in the program book for Harvesting Partnerships.
When will the recipients be notified and announced?

The recipients will be notified a few weeks after the application period closes and announced publicly during our Harvesting Partnerships event.
What if I can't attend Harvesting Partnerships?

By submitting an application, you agree to be present at Harvesting Partnerships.
If I won last year, can I apply this year?

You must wait for a period of two years before applying again.
If I'm newly certified, am I eligible for the award?

Yes! New members are welcome to apply.
If I receive an award, will my award amount be publicized?

Yes, it will be publicized as part of the award announcement.