JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women 2026 Grant Opportunity – Apply Now

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

The JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women is a strategic grant initiative dedicated to accelerating the growth and market impact of established, women-owned and women-led businesses within the Greater Philadelphia region. Founded by distinguished entrepreneur Judee von Seldeneck, the Fund moves beyond simple capital infusion. It provides a powerful combination of financial support, tailored advisory guidance, and access to a valuable network of experienced leaders. This holistic approach is designed to empower women CEOs as they navigate the challenges of scaling their ventures, fostering sustainable success and significant economic contribution to the local community.

What’s on Offer: Grant & Support Package
Selected recipients will receive a comprehensive support package designed to catalyze business growth:

• Growth Capital Grant: Awards range from $25,000 to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding. This capital is intended to fuel specific, strategic growth initiatives for companies with a proven business model.
• Strategic Funding Purpose: Grants are awarded explicitly to support growth-stage companies in expanding their products or professional services. Applicants must demonstrate a clear, actionable plan for utilizing the funds to achieve measurable milestones and scale their operations.
• Advisory & Network Support:
  Beyond the grant, recipients gain access to:

• Strategic Guidance: Mentoring and advisory sessions from the Fund’s network of accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs.
• Valuable Connections: Introduction to a curated community of peers, potential partners, and industry experts within the Greater Philadelphia business ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this grant, your business must meet all of the following requirements:

• Ownership & Leadership: The business must be at least 51% woman-owned and actively led by a woman CEO or President.

Legal & Geographic Standing:

• Be a legally registered entity in the United States with a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Have its headquarters physically located within the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties).

Business Maturity & Operations:

• Have been operational for a minimum of two (2) full years.
• Demonstrate annual gross revenue of at least $200,000.
• Employ at least two (2) full-time staff members (including the founder).

Key Dates & Timeline

• Application Portal Opens: December 1, 2025
• Final Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Review & Presentations: February – March 2026
• Grant Award Notification & Funding Disbursement: First Quarter of 2026

Application & Review Process
The selection process is competitive and designed to identify businesses with strong strategic growth potential:

1. Online Submission: All applications must be submitted electronically via the GUST.com platform.
2. Committee Review: Applications are thoroughly reviewed by the JVS Fund team and Advisory Committee.
3. Presentation Stage: A select number of applicants will be invited to present their business and growth plan to the Advisory Committee for final consideration.
4. Award Decision: Grants are awarded based on the strength of the business model, clarity and viability of the growth plan, and the overall strategic fit with the Fund’s mission.

Who Should Apply
This grant is an ideal opportunity for established women founders in the Greater Philadelphia area who are leading revenue-generating businesses with a solid track record. It is tailored for leaders who are poised for accelerated growth, have a specific strategic use for the capital, and are ready to leverage both the funding and the advisory network to reach their next milestone.

How to Apply
Prepare your business details and growth proposal. Applications are submitted exclusively through the GUST platform via.

To apply Click here