The Breakthrough Grant Returns For Volume II

After the success of its inaugural launch earlier this year, The Breakthrough Grant is back for Volume II, and this time it’s even more accessible for women entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level.

Her Agenda created the Breakthrough Grant to celebrate our 17th anniversary and to help ambitious women break through barriers in entrepreneurship and professional growth. The grant provides $5,000 in funding to one woman entrepreneur with the vision and determination to overcome obstacles and scale her business.

“I launched the Breakthrough Grant because I know what it feels like to be on the edge of something great but held back by a lack of resources,” said Rhonesha Byng, founder and CEO of Her Agenda.

“We originally wanted to launch this grant years ago in collaboration with a brand,” she said. “As a small business, we’re not exactly sitting on extra funds that we can give out. On top of that, we envisioned being able to disperse a large grant amount. But no brand signed on. True to form, we did not let that stop us, and instead, we turned to our community to pour into this grant that helps offer the support needed to keep going and create their next opportunity.”

For Volume II, you still have the opportunity to donate. Donations allow us to consider awarding more than one entrepreneur.

INSIDER members get 50% off the entry fee, one of many benefits of being part of our private community. Not an INSIDER yet? Join today and apply for the grant at the discounted rate.

Volume I had over 200 applications, and closed Sept. 17th. Volume II officially opened on Sept. 18. Here’s the timeline for this new cycle:

• Applications Opened: September 18, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: January 18, 2026
• Judging Deadline: February 18, 2026
• Winner Announced: March 2026 (in alignment with The Groundbreakers awards)

To make applying easier, the administrative fee has been reduced for Volume II:

• General Entry Fee: $25
• INSIDER Discount: 50% off for INSIDERS
• Returning Applicants: Anyone who applied in Volume I but did not win can reapply in Volume II with no fee at all. (Check your email for the code, all applicants were sent this directly).

These changes ensure that more women entrepreneurs have the chance to bring their business ideas forward without financial barriers holding them back.

Applicants must:

• Be entrepreneurs with an operating business.
• Be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter (a requirement for eligibility).

Volume I of the Breakthrough Grant showed us just how many visionary women are out there, ready to push their businesses to new heights. With Volume II we’re doubling down on our mission to break barriers and empower women to turn ambition into achievement.

Applications for The Breakthrough Grant: Volume II are open now. Don’t miss your chance to apply, reapply, or support this movement of women building businesses and creating change.