Block Advisors by H&R Block Now Accepting Entries for Second Annual ‘Fund Her Future' Grant Program Created to Help Female Founders Thrive, Fuel Small Business Growth

Core Insights - Block Advisors by H&R Block has relaunched its Fund Her Future grant program, accepting applications from April 28 to May 30, 2025, to support women-owned small businesses with high growth potential [1][5] - The program will award a total of $100,000 in grants, with one recipient receiving $50,000 and up to five others receiving $10,000 each, along with a year of small business services valued at nearly $30,000 [1][4] Group 1: Program Details - The 2025 Fund Her Future program aims to recognize six women-owned small businesses that demonstrate community impact [1][5] - Eligibility requires applicants to be over 18 and owners of a U.S.-based business, with a focus on those showing community impact [5] - The program received over 6,000 applications in 2024, highlighting the significant interest and need for support among female entrepreneurs [6] Group 2: Challenges for Female Entrepreneurs - Female entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing capital, with 42% of women business owners denied bank loans and nearly 90% relying on personal finances and credit cards for funding [2] - The 2024 State of Women's Small Business Report indicates that women entrepreneurs encounter more hurdles compared to their male counterparts [2] Group 3: Impact of Previous Grant Recipients - Grant recipient Heather Jiang reported a 50% increase in online traffic to her business after receiving the grant, which allowed her to expand product lines and hire staff [7] - Erica Cole leveraged the funding to launch a sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire another brand, demonstrating the scaling potential enabled by the grant [7] - Ameka Coleman anticipates a 400% revenue increase from onboarding additional hospital networks due to the support received from the grant [7] Group 4: Company Overview - H&R Block, through its Block Advisors division, provides year-round services for small businesses, including bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory services [10] - The company combines digital innovation with human expertise to assist clients in achieving better financial outcomes [10]