Red Letter Grant Awards $8,000 to Women-led Start-ups in Western Wisconsin
Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 -- 7:00 AM
EAU CLAIRE, WI – This week, the Red Letter Grant awarded four $2,000 awards to emerging women-owned businesses based in western Wisconsin. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for our economy, it has not stifled entrepreneurial spirit regionally. The grant program received a record number of applications – 28 in total – from emergency veterinary clinics to childhood therapy programs and more. Applicants were judged by a 5-person committee of judges and selected for awards based on a number of criteria including: viability to succeed, need for grant dollars, need in the community and passion for the business.
This spring’s awardees include:
Integrity Audit & Tax, Black River Falls | An emerging, Native-owned, CPA managed, full-service accounting firm in Black River Falls, WI that provides services to both individuals and businesses, with a focus on serving the Ho-Chunk Nation. Not only do they provide payroll and bookkeeping services, they also can fulfill financial statement preparation requirements. Additionally, they can assist with internal auditing needs, whether it is for a specific process, program, or service within an organization, or a general financial statement audit.
Laura Riley & Co., Menomonie | Laura Riley & Co. teaches socially-conscious and values-driven professionals and business owners how to articulate their values, get clear on who they are, and clarify what they have to offer, helping folks make authentic connections and land aligned work. Laura Riley & Co. exists at the intersection of personal branding, communications, and professional coaching, serving clients in the following ways: online courses (on-demand), virtual workshops (live), in-person workshops, downloadable templates, one-on-one coaching, group coaching, mastermind groups, speaking engagements, content writing, and book sales.
Legacy Pines Assisted Living, New Richmond | Legacy Pines Assisted Living, LLC is a community based residential facility that will be licensed for 8 residents. Legacy Pines is a safe, high quality and comfortable living solution for senior adults. Legacy Pines will be licensed as a community based residential facility and specializes in the ability to provide a very high level of care in a smaller more personalized, home-like environment. Legacy Pines provides a wide variety of assistance and service to residents which includes 24-hour supervision, assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and meals. Legacy Pines is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to seniors in the New Richmond area.
Peace Tree Care, Eau Claire | Peace Tree is a high quality child care center that cares for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old. Currently it runs as a licensed, in-home center that can serve up to 8 children. Inspired by the philosophy of Montessori and Reggio Emilia, Peace Tree is a place where children are free to discover and explore at their own pace, build independence, and learn practical life skills. Peace Tree hopes to expand into a group center to be able to serve even more families in their community.
“Winning this grant was a huge validation of all the hard work I put into my business. It helped me to know that someone out there believes in me and my vision! I am beyong grateful to be able to move forward in helping my community. The funds will go towards the purchase of property and towards Montesorri curriculum and materials,” said Lydia Ekenstadt of Peace Tree Care, an in-home childcare facility that is expanding to serve more families.
About the Red Letter Grant | The Red Letter Grant is a charitable organization that aims to support and empower female entrepreneurs – closing the business leadership gap in Wisconsin. RLG curates small business workshops, cultivates mentor/peer networks, and awards start-up capital to women owned businesses.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.