Two Mothers Launch Covid Relief Fund for Mom-Owned Businesses Across Country

Nonprofit business incubator Moms As Entrepreneurs (MAE) is launching a national Covid-19 relief fund for businesses solely owned by mothers called the Moms As Entrepreneurs Give Life. Give Community. Fund. The fund is designed to help support those who have been shut out of government loans or other funding during the Covid-19 pandemic. Grants of $500-$1,000 will be given to mom-owned businesses in all industries, and applications will be accepted beginning May 18 at www.maeentrepreneur.com.

“Experts estimate that up to 90% of businesses owned by women and people of color have been, or will likely be, shut out of the Federal Paycheck Protection Program. We understand the disparities that moms, especially moms of color, are dealing with as they continue to maintain their businesses during Covid-19,” said Dr. Tammira Lucas, Co-Founder Moms as Entrepreneurs. “Many relief programs do not support businesses that do not have payroll expenses or support businesses that may not have relationships with commercial banks. We also realize that while these women are trying to find relief for their businesses, they are also trying to be teachers and mothers. We knew we had to help. If we aren’t able to save mom-owned businesses, women-owned businesses in general will see a decline and push our hard work of elevating women-owned businesses back by decades.”

To qualify for grant money, businesses must:

• be solely owned by a mother
• have not received any other funding relating to Covid-19 relief
• have had business sales decline by 40 percent or more due to the pandemic
• commit to supporting another mom-owned business with 10% of their grant funding. This support can be in the form of purchasing supplies or services from another mom-owned business or donating this portion back to the Fund.

The founders hope others will give mom entrepreneurs a chance to continue to support their families and communities by supporting the Moms As Entrepreneurs Give Life. Give Community Fund on what is nationally recognized for charitable donations as #GivingTuesday, May 5, 2020. People can make an online contribution at maeentrepreneur.com.

“Mom-owned businesses significantly impact local and national economies, communities, and families. More than half of the women who own businesses are mothers.

On May 5, during what is known internationally as Giving Tuesday, we are asking people to donate to our fund to help us raise $25,000 to support this initiative and make a statement that these women matter. For this campaign we’re using the slogan, Moms Give Life. Moms Give Community,” said MAE Co-founder Jasmine Simms.

About Moms As Entrepreneurs

Moms As Entrepreneurs is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to remove the stigma that moms are unwilling to risk or assume the pressures of being a mom and an entrepreneur, by challenging the inequities placed upon them. Through entrepreneurial training, financial education, and the support of a mom entrepreneur community we help them start sustainable businesses. Learn more at www.maeentrepreneur.com.