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THE LAND &
LAUNCH FUND
The Inspiration Lab is a soft place to land and a strong place to launch for women from all walks of life. At least 20% of our supporters are small business owners. In an effort to help these women feel the comfort of a soft landing or the boost of a strong launch during this difficult time, we are launching a micro-grant program.
FOR SOME, WAITING FOR ASSISTANCE ISN'T AN OPTION
WE WANT TO OFFER SOME IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL RELIEF, EVEN IF IT'S JUST TO PAY THE ELECTRIC BILL!
Recent national polls by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Glassdoor indicate women are feeling the weight, anxiety, and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately more than men. Yet in the 2019 North Carolina Small Business Handbook published by the Small Business Technology and Development Center in Raleigh, the power of women-owned businesses was clear. In the years between 2007 and 2018, women-owned businesses surged 58%(!) while all businesses increased 12%. Women also saw their employment rise 21% while other businesses declined at .08%. Total revenue for women-owned businesses jumped 46% while other businesses increased 36%. These numbers are even more astounding when you consider that data shows women struggle more to find access to capital and strong mentors than their male peers. In short, if you want to invest in our economy, in the areas where it is truly growing, it’s smart to invest in women-owned businesses. And there’s never been a more critical time to do so.
The Inspiration Lab’s Land & Launch Fund, a micro-grant program, is our way of saying very important things to women who own small businesses during this global crisis. Like: First off, we need you — now more than ever, your hard work, your ability to create jobs, and your can-do attitude is needed. Second, we see you — your dream, all those extra hours, all those times you didn’t pay yourself… your sacrifices matter! Third, this is a tiny way to bring you relief and even more hope. Consider this grant our way of saying we’re betting on you. We believe at The Inspiration Lab we should create the things we wish existed and nothing embodies that idea more than starting your own business.
Each micro-grant recipient will be welcome to join our Small Business Squad, a group of women within The Inspi Lab who own small businesses and are on this same challenging, thrilling, exhausting, and wonderful entrepreneurial journey. If you want to know more about our Small Business Squad, click here.
What It Can Do
Aside from offering financial relief to women in need, your generous donation will give something equal in measure: hope. Hope that there is a bright light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. Hope that, during any hardship, there will always be a soft place to land or launch and other women cheering on the road to success.