PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Grant Program, in partnership with Hello Alice, is designed to support small businesses in the food and beverage industry. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by PepsiCo to invest $50 million over five years to assist small businesses. The program will award a total of twenty grants, each valued at $10,000, to eligible small business owners. The grants aim to provide financial assistance to businesses that meet specific criteria and demonstrate a need for funding.

The primary purpose of the Juntos Crecemos Grant Program is to empower women entrepreneurs who lead businesses in the food and beverage sector. The program seeks to foster growth and sustainability within this industry by providing financial resources and support. The objectives include not only the distribution of funds but also the enhancement of business skills through a virtual business Boost Camp that will commence in January 2025.

Funding from the Juntos Crecemos Grant Program is specifically allocated for small businesses that are for-profit and located in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Eligible businesses must be woman-owned and can include restaurants, bodegas, carnicerías, catering services, or food trucks. The grants are intended to address the demonstrated financial needs of these businesses, helping them to thrive in a competitive market.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria. The applicant, referred to as the Officer, must be a woman entrepreneur who is the leading executive of the business. Additionally, the business must be registered and operational in one of the eligible regions, and the applicant must be at least eighteen years old, or nineteen in Alabama and Nebraska. The business must also show a clear need for financial assistance and agree to participate in the virtual Boost Camp.

Submission requirements for the grant include providing accurate information about the business and the applicant. The program may disqualify entries that contain inappropriate content or are submitted in bad faith. Verification of eligibility will be conducted by the sponsor, which may involve additional documentation. It is essential for applicants to ensure that their submissions comply with all terms and conditions outlined by the program.

The evaluation of applications will be based on specific criteria, including the demonstrated need for funds and the potential impact of the grant on the business. The timeline for the grant program indicates that the application deadline is set for September 27, 2024. Interested applicants should prepare their submissions in advance of this date to ensure they meet all requirements.

Overall, the Juntos Crecemos Grant Program represents a significant opportunity for women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry to receive financial support and enhance their business capabilities. For more information and to apply, potential applicants can visit the Hello Alice website.