IFundWomen of Color
Discover grants for women of color
As the founding partner of IFundWomen of Color alongside IFundWomen, we’re proud to have provided $2,285,000 to fund, support and elevate women of color entrepreneurs since 2020. Through IFundWomen of Color, Caress is committed to fighting systems of inequity to ensure diverse entrepreneurs have a strong foundation to bring their dreams to life.
Image: Veronica Pesantes, Co-Founder of The Onikas
Founding Story
Women—particularly women of color—are more likely than others to launch new ventures and pursue their passion projects. In fact, out of the 1,800 new businesses started each day in the US, 64% of those are started by women of color. But despite their passions, women of color don’t have the same access to opportunities for funding or support to bring their ideas to life. The statistics are sobering, with less than 1% of WOC receiving funding for new ventures.
Which is why Caress and IFundWomen have a shared belief in the importance of supporting women of color in this journey, from the first small spark of inspiration to launching their dreams, and providing them not only with funding but with coaching, mentorship, and connections needed to make their dreams a reality.
Image: Chrystani Heinrich, Founder of Compton G.irls Club
Image: Sandra Burciago Olinger, Founder of Grimy Goods
Caress Dreams Fund
Caress believes that no good idea should go down the drain and that transformation happens when you spark your senses and clear your mind.
As the founding partner of IFundWomen of Color alongside IFundWomen, we’re proud to have provided $2,285,000 to fund, support and elevate women of color entrepreneurs since 2020. Through IFundWomen of Color, Caress is committed to fighting systems of inequity to ensure diverse entrepreneurs have a solid foundation to bring their dreams to life. The Dreams Fund awards entrepreneurs with grants, coaching, connections, and support with crowdfunding programs. Together, Caress and IFundWomen of Color help to ensure women of color founders are equipped for long-term success.
With the understanding that one-in-three women of color small business owners get their most creative ideas in the shower*, the Caress collection of creativity-boosting scents helps to spark your next aha! moment with an immersive shower experience and aims to provide the support needed to bring these dreams to life.
*Research from Caress x IFundWomen State of Small Business Report, 2021
Caress x IFWOC Covid-19 Response
In response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, Caress supported 200 women of color owned small businesses with $500,000 in grants from June through September 2020. To continue the support to the community, Caress, through IFundWomen of Color, have launched the Caress Dream Fund, awarding 210 entrepreneurs since 2020 with grants and coaching scholarships.
Image: Christy Innouvong-Thornton & Beatriz Aurelio-Saguin, Co-Founds of Tuk Tuk Box