Alcon has launched a grant and coaching program for women entrepreneurs to start and propel their business visions.
The program, Real Relief for Visionary Women, is a partnership among Systane, Alcon’s best-selling eye drop brand; Barbara Corcoran, businesswomen and media personality and iFundWomen, a women-centric crowdfunding platform.
The program is offering a total grant amount of $40,000.
To receive valuable capital to start-off their ventures, women entrepreneurs from across the nation can apply to the program at Systane, a part of Fort Worth-based Alcon Vision that specializes in dry eye.
The entrepreneurs will need to share their personal entrepreneurship stories as well as their experiences with dry eye to be eligible grant recipients.
“I started my company with a loan for just $1,000 and overcame many challenges while setting up my business, including the distraction and discomfort caused by dry eye,” Corcoran said in a statement.
“I’m incredibly excited to partner with SYSTANE®, the #1 doctor recommended brand of dry eye drops, to share my story,” she added, “and help the next generation of female entrepreneurs make their innovative ideas a reality with Real Relief grants.”
According to the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, 72% businesswomen face the challenge of a lack of capital and cash flow.
While 48% lacked proper mentorship to excel their businesses, according to the report.
“Women are starting businesses 2.5 times faster than the national average, and providing access to capital, coaching and connections to drive action in launching and growing businesses is critical,” said Karen Cahn, founder and CEO of iFundWomen. “iFundWomen has made it our mission to support female innovators and their ideas, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with Systane in providing relief to women with access to funding and startup coaching.”
Out of all the applicants, 8 entrepreneurs will be selected. The grant winners will be announced in Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on Nov. 19.
Along with the grant money, the winners will also gain access to iFundWomen coaching services, scholarship to masterclasses, a one-year supply of Systane eye drops.
One grand prize winner will have the chance to discuss her business with Corcoran.
For more information:
www.SYSTANE.com