To celebrate the huge strides women are making in business ownership and in honor of Women’s History Month, Loan Mantra, the leading online commercial loan portal for business, is launching The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000. The grant is designed to provide high-impact seed capital to female entrepreneurs, new women owned businesses, she lead start-ups, concepts and mom-driven-mission initiatives who are building businesses that uplift local South Carolina communities.
“At Loan Mantra, we firmly believe that Main Street isn’t just built on spreadsheets alone. It’s built on stories. Often, the most compelling stories come from founders who started their enterprises from a single ingredient or even a college assignment,” says Raj Tulshan, founder and managing partner of Loan Mantra, “If you have a great idea or budding business venture that will change your community we want to hear from you.”
The application process is open now through April 14 online for those aged 21 years and up at The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000. Initial entries will be judged by The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant committee, comprised of female business owners, bankers and financial professionals who will select three finalists using criteria shared below.
Community Impact (30%) – How deeply are you woven into the fabric of your South Carolina community? How will/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?
In its inaugural year, the final grant winner will be selected by the citizens and business owners of the Palmetto State by popular public vote. Voters will choose the recipient in a one-month virtual selection round of the top 3 finalists, to take during the month of May 2026. In addition, the grant recipient will receive time with a financial business coach for women entrepreneurs from Loan Mantra.
2026 Timeline
Now Applications Open The Loan Mantra She Leads SC Grant for $5,000.
April 14 Deadline for application 5:00 PM EST.
April 24 Applicants Notified Applicants will be notified of results.
May Top 3 Finalist are available for community voting.
May 31 Deadline for community voting.
June 17 Grant winner will be notified.
August 31 Public announcement of winner on National South Carolina Day.