BMO announces 2026 Celebrating Women Grant Program to support U.S. small businesses

BMO has announced the 2026 U.S. recipients of our BMO Celebrating Women grant program — an initiative that empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses across the United States to scale, advance innovation and strengthen community impact. 

This year, BMO awarded $150,000 in grants to 15 businesses supporting the advancement of women across our U.S. footprint, fueling product launches, market expansion and job creation.  

"We’re proud to recognize and support businesses that are driving innovation, creating opportunities and fostering stronger communities across the United States. This year’s recipients were selected through a competitive application process that evaluated business strength, growth potential and demonstrated results in supporting the advancement of women. Representing a wide range of industries and regions across the country, these entrepreneurs exemplify the leadership, resilience and vision that help local economies thrive.”

- Carolyn Booth, Head of U.S. Personal & Business Banking, BMO 

The 2026 BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program U.S. recipients are:  

• Elizabeth Benditt, Balm Box LLC, Kansas 
• Rhonda Coleman, RCW Strategies, Illinois 
• Angela Cruz, Ndoro Healing Arts LLC, New Mexico 
• Jennifer Darwin, The Village Postnatal Retreat Center, California 
• Temitope Davies, Abitem Innovation LLC, Illinois  
• Shavon Francis, Fleurish Chicago LLC, Illinois 
• Kristian Franklin, Angelic Organics LLC, California  
• Angela Garmon, ARG Coaching and Consulting Group LLC, Arizona 
• Denitra Griffin, Drink Some Water LLC, Illinois 
• Sonia Lal, Ivy League Potential LLC, Illinois 
• Diedra Manns, Monarch Wellness Group Inc., California 
• Kiley Peters, RAYNE IX LLC, Wisconsin 
• Shobha Philips, PROCLAIM MADE LLC, California 
• Kenya Shelton, Destiny Dreamer’s Academy LLC, Indiana 
• Dr. Dene' Starks-McGee, DJS Business Solutions, California 

In addition to $10,000 each, recipients will receive an invitation to an exclusive virtual summit, tailored resources, visibility across BMO channels, coaching from a BMO business advisor and more. 

BMO’s commitment to small businesses includes multi-year initiatives to expand access to credit and mentorship, partnerships with accelerators like WMNfintech, and programs designed to connect founders with expertise and advice to help them reach their business goals. 

For more information on the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, visit bmo.com.