Do you have an original product idea or a startup business? Are you thinking about making the jump from mom to mompreneur? Well then sharpen your (digital) pencils because applications are now being accepted for the Huggies MomInspired Grant Program. You have until the deadline of July 31, 2012 to apply for one of the $15,000 awards.
Past winners include the inventor of the Bobee and the inventor of PsiBands. The Bobee is a wall-mounted diaper and wipe dispenser that saves space at your changing station and the PsiBand is an acupressure bracelet that relieves nausea. Even though the program is sponsored by Huggies, your idea does not have to be related to diapers or hygiene.
The application process involves the following:
Step 1 – The basics
After you register on the website, you’ll be asked to provide basic contact info and some personal details such as your education, number and ages of your children, and something unique about yourself.
Step 2 – Confidentiality agreement
Review, then electronically sign and date the non-disclosure agreement.
Step 3 – Your idea
Describe your business and your product. How did you think of your idea? The sample application describes one mother’s “aha” moment as coming when her son threw up in church!
Step 4 – Your plan
What is the current status of your idea, your future plans, the biggest risks? Who are your main competitors? How will you use the $15,000 in prize money to help your business grow?
Promising applicants will be invited to phone interviews and up to 12 grants will be awarded for fall 2012. Regardless of the outcome, applying for a program such as this one can spur you to taking action and thinking strategically about turning your idea into a business or your business into an enterprise, so really, it is a no-lose proposition.
Jennie Wong, Ph.D., is a syndicated business writer, executive coach, and the author of “Ask the Mompreneur: Small Business Advice on Starting and Growing Your Own Company,” available at www.JennieWong.com. Email your entrepreneurship questions to TheJennieWong@gmail.com.
