Each year since 2004, Zions Bank, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah has awarded Smart Women Grants to outstanding women in Utah and Idaho who own non-profits and small businesses. The recipients receive grants of $3,000 each. Approximately six applicants are chosen each year for the grants.
The micro-grants recognize the contributions made by women in small business start-up and expansion, community development, continuing education and teacher support, child and elder care, health and human services and arts and culture.
In the United States, women own approximately 40 percent of privately-owned businesses. In the state of Utah, that percentage is 50 percent. Smart Women Grants were created by Zions Bank to support women-owned businesses who have a significant impact on the local economy.
Past recipients have included women whose businesses have provided care for the elderly, help for abused women, food for the hungry and support for education. Since the beginning of the Smart Women Grants program, Zions Bank has awarded more than $160,000 in Smart Women Grants.
For more information, visit www.zionsbank.com/learning-center/swsm-grant.jsp