​Top 3 Finalists Named for The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000

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Loan Mantra, the leading online commercial and SBA loan portal for business is excited to announce the top 3 finalists of The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000. The finalists (in no particular order) are:

  • Awendaw Sanitation Services: Stacia McNeil Dawson, Awendaw, SC
  • The GraceWorks Initiative: Rev. Shennice Cleckley, Columbia/Lexington, SC
  • Rally Higher: Amanda Simeone, Greenville, SC

In the grant’s inaugural year citizens and business owners of the Palmetto State select the award recipient by popular public vote. Community voting is open now through May 31, 2026 at https://loan-mantra.storychief.io/the-loan-mantra-she-leads-sc-grant. Residents can view and vote for the finalists to help give seed money to a deserving female entrepreneur. Any U.S. citizen 18 or older can vote. All that is needed is an email address and zip code.

The finalist with the most votes receives The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000, plus complimentary financial strategy sessions with Loan Mantra CEO and Forbes Business Council member, Raj Tulshan. The winner is announced on South Carolina Day, August 31, 2026.

The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000 was designed to provide high-impact seed capital to female entrepreneurs, new women owned businesses, she led start-ups, concepts and mom-driven-mission initiatives who are building businesses that uplift local South Carolina communities. The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant committee judged the initial entries, comprised of female business owners, bankers and financial professionals who selected the three finalists using criteria shared below.

  • Community Impact (30%) – How is the business woven into the fabric of the South Carolina community? How does the business benefit the community?
  • Feasibility (25%) – Is the $5k use-of-funds realistic and objective for the proposal?
  • Innovation & SROI (25%) – Is this a fresh solution to an old problem?
  • Video Pitch Quality (10%) – Your video doesn’t need to be Hollywood ready, but we are looking for you to clearly articulate your "why"?
  • Engagement Potential (10%) – Is your business concept shareable and inspiring?

2026 Timeline

  • April 14 Application deadline 5:00 PM EST.
  • May Top 3 Finalist available for community voting.
  • May 31 Deadline for community voting.
  • August 31 Public announcement of winner on National South Carolina Day.