Last updated: March 8, 2026
By applying to the Spring 2026 Makers Mindset Grant, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
- All applicants must submit the official online application by April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST to be considered.
- Limit one entry per business.
- Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility and alignment with the program’s goals.
- Three (3) awardees will be selected and notified in May 2026.
- Awardees must confirm acceptance within 48 hours of notification or their award may be forfeited.
- Makers Mindset reserves the right to disqualify any applicant who provides false or misleading information.
- Any participant engaging in harassment, inappropriate conduct, or violations of program guidelines may be removed at the discretion of the organizers.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, your business must meet all of the following requirements:
- Legally registered in the United States.
- Operate in the CPG sector across beauty, food, beverage, pet, tech goods, or home goods.
- Be at least 51% women-owned.
- Have annual revenue over $50,000 and no greater than $1 million USD.
- Have been generating revenue for at least two full years.
- Founders must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
- Applicants who are employees of Makers Mindset, participating judges, and their immediate family members are not eligible.
PARTICIPATION
- The Spring 2026 Makers Mindset Grant is a free program designed to provide equity-free funding, mentorship, and visibility.
- This is a grant opportunity; participants will not receive financial compensation for applying or presenting.
IP & CONFIDENTIALITY
- Any information considered proprietary, confidential, or trade secret in your application or pitch session will not be shared outside of the program. The organizers are otherwise not responsible for protecting or enforcing intellectual property rights.
- Participants retain full ownership of their business ideas and materials shared during the program.
- Makers Mindset and affiliated partners reserve the right to share general insights, testimonials, and success stories from the program for promotional and educational purposes.
GRANT AWARDS
- Three (3) winners will each receive a $10,000 USD equity-free grant.
- Judging criteria: Innovation, scalability, clarity of vision, and potential impact.
- Winning businesses must use grant dollars only toward marketing, manufacturing, or research & development.
- Grant recipients will be required to provide regular progress reports, including itemized expenditures and measurable outcomes, to comply with the grantor’s legal monitoring requirements.
- Recipients are responsible for any applicable taxes on awarded funds.
MEDIA RELEASE
- By applying and/or participating, applicants grant Makers Mindset permission to use their name, image, business name, and likeness in promotional materials, social media, press releases, and other marketing efforts related to the program.
- The program reserves the right to highlight awardees and participants across Makers Mindset platforms, including websites, newsletters, media outlets, and social channels.
- Upon completion of the program, winners may be asked to provide a testimonial detailing their experience, which may be used for marketing purposes.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
- Participation in the Spring 2026 Makers Mindset Grant is voluntary, and Makers Mindset, Nancy Twine, judges, and partners are not liable for any business outcomes resulting from participation in the program.
- The organizers reserve the right to modify pitch schedules, judge availability, or grant distribution if necessary, without prior notice to participants.
AGREEMENT TO TERMS
- You meet all eligibility requirements and understand that non-compliance may result in disqualification.
- You understand that participation is voluntary and does not guarantee grant funding or business success.
- You agree to the media release terms and allow Makers Mindset to feature your participation in promotional content.
- You acknowledge that grant funds, if awarded, may be subject to taxation and reporting requirements.
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact grants@makersmindset.com.