Fidelity In The News

Pictured: 2023 Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship grant winner Tamara White of Pillar Homecare

The Junior League’s Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship presented by Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. – a yearlong program supporting female business owners with funding, mentorship and in-kind support – is now accepting applications for 2024. Applications are due Jan. 8, 2024.

In the U.S., 42% of businesses are women-owned, employing more than 9.4 million workers around the country. Having increased access to female mentors, resources and role models can cultivate entrepreneurial success. As a women’s training organization, JLNO’s diverse, professional membership is uniquely positioned to guide women wishing to scale their endeavors.

“The WE Fellowship goes beyond giving financial support to a small business. It aligns with the JLNO’s mission to develop the potential of women by offering mentoring, training and support,” said JLNO President Ashley Cangelosi Lewellyn. “Created in 2016, the program emphasizes the unique capacity women have for creative endeavors and perseverance, providing examples to which women and girls can aspire.”

JLNO’s WE Fellowship Committee reviews each submission and selects up to six finalists who will meet individually with a growth consulting firm to craft a 10-minute pitch. A judging panel will select the 2024 Fellow.

“In the past, our WE Fellows have gained knowledge, connections and exposure through the pitch process,” said JLNO WE Fellowship Committee Chair Diana Vasquez. “We know that women entrepreneurs are essential to our local economy and community. This program provides an opportunity to develop their potential, offering a platform to showcase products, talents and skills.”

In addition to mentoring and support services from JLNO, the 2024 Fellow will receive a $5,000 cash grant provided by Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R., access to meeting space at JLNO’s newly renovated Uptown headquarters, tuition to JLNO’s Get on Board nonprofit board training program, strategic business consulting services from Trepwise, a feature story in JLNO’s Lagniappe publication and a one-year complimentary membership in the Junior League of New Orleans.

“Fidelity Bank believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity, and the WE Fellowship grant is a testament to our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs,” said Tammy O’Shea, chief marketing officer at Fidelity Bank. “By providing financial resources and support, we aim to foster innovation, growth, and success within the women-owned business community.”

Past JLNO WE Fellowship winners include Pillar Homecare, Bomb Ass Fro, Water Block Kidz, Cocktails and Sons and Windowsill Pies. The WE Fellowship program and pitch competition are made possible thanks to Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. and Trepwise.

To be eligible, women must have at least a 50% stake in an enterprise and have been in operation between one to five years, making less than $750,000. To learn more about the WE Fellowship program or to apply, visit jlno.org.