
Founders + Fund(Her)s seeks to bring together early-stage (one to five years of operations) women and non-binary founders from historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced communities looking to gain exposure and raise capital, with funders looking to advise, support and invest.






Applicant + Company Requirements
These criteria are designed to identify and support entrepreneurs and businesses that are not only dedicated to their success but also contribute to the empowerment and growth of historically underrepresented communities, particularly in Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
Applicant Requirements
All applicants must:
- Be a woman or nonbinary entrepreneur with a significant stake in a business majority-owned (51% or more) and controlled by women or nonbinary individuals
- Be 21 years or older as of the application due date
- Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan
- Must be a legal resident of the U.S. and its territories
- Must be a member of a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community
- Must have a for-profit product, business, or business concept
Companies Requirements
All companies must:
- Be a for-profit businesses from any industry are eligible
- Be early-stage, with one to five years of operations preferred
- Have a tested prototype or service model that is beginning to generate revenue and has developed a business plan
- Have current annual revenue within the range of $50,000 – $250,000.
- Be formed under United States law and operate in the United States and its territories
- Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan
2024 Founders + Fund(Her)s Recipients
1 Girl Revolution
1 Girl Revolution is a multimedia enterprise that highlights the stories of world-changing woman and girls across the country. 1 Girl Revolution started as a podcast and now has become a full-fledged multimedia enterprise featuring multiple podcasts, an Emmy-nominated documentary series, thriving social media pages, and multiple avenues/mediums of storytelling to reach these stories to the optimal amount of people around the world. Kate Milligan is the “one girl” behind 1 Girl Revolution, but 1 Girl Revolution is on track to hire 2-3 more people in the coming months (by the end of the year).
Our revenue model is currently structured around grants, sponsorships, and individuals contributions. The women that we feature do not pay a penny for the promotion and publicity — and that is important to us. Our value proposition is we are telling the authentic and inspiring stories of women and girls that the media is not telling, publicizing them and promoting them, and creating the space and outlet to encourage all women to use their voice, tell their stories, and to be the 1 Girl Revolution they were created to be.
Bed and BARKfest
Erin Schnute, founder of Metro Detroit’s Bed and BARKfest, revolutionizes residential dog boarding with her boutique business, prioritizing love and care over cold, commercial options. With profitable operations since year one, Erin’s innovative approach has driven significant growth, expanding her client base by over 500% and profits by over 700% in just two years.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Erin is a dedicated community builder. Hosting popular events like Doga (Yoga with your Dog), she fosters connections and creates unforgettable experiences for local pet owners. Her commitment to community extends to volunteer work, notably as Volunteer Coordinator for Kiss Me in Ann Arbor, the Midwest’s largest Swing dance event, where she cultivates an inclusive dance community.
As the Community Connections Leader for the Amour Women Foundation, Erin empowers disadvantaged women and youth through entrepreneurship. Her passion for giving back shines through her involvement with Habitat for Humanity, Forgotten Harvest, Michigan Animal Rescue League, and House of Providence.
Erin’s unwavering dedication to fostering connections and making a difference, both in business and philanthropy, makes her a standout leader and advocate for positive change in Metro Detroit and beyond.
The Beaute Loft
The Beaute Loft, is realm where the allure of clean beauty meets the innovation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). I always say that we are more than a beauty studio; we are a sanctuary where artistry, science, and sustainability interlace to create an extraordinary experience. Our products, ranging from signature fragrances to lotions and body butters, are not mere commodities; they are the fruits of meticulous R&D by formulation chemists, blending traditional beauty with modern science.
Linked Workforce LLC
As the Founder and CEO of a cutting-edge consulting firm, Linked Workforce LLC, Andrea is renowned for her ability to spearhead impactful resource and workforce management transformation initiatives, ultimately cultivating truly inclusive work environments. She is a dynamic force in the realm of performance and staffing metrics, harnessing the power of data-driven agility to gain comprehensive insights into the complete talent journey.
Trinity Barbara [the brand]
Trinity Barbara Brown is the Founder and CEO of Trinity Barbara [the brand]. She is a BBA ‘24 student with a concentration in marketing and strategy. She has spent her college career developing a better understanding of the intersections of fashion design, business administration, and sustainability. She is a Zell Entrepreneur and Scholar representing student entrepreneurs who are pursuing their venture full-time post-graduation. Through their guidance she was able to win second place at the 2024 Michigan Business Challenge in the innovation track, competing against some of the Midwest’s best student entrepreneurs.
Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, she plans to spend a year utilizing the connections she’s made at UM to work on Trinity Barbara full time through alumni accelerator programs.
Trinity Barbara is the visionary behind the brand, bringing nine years of experience as a self-taught bench jeweler and artisan. With a passion for sustainability and innovation, Trinity leads the creative direction of the brand, infusing each piece with her unique aesthetic and commitment to craftsmanship.
In the Press
Founders + Fund(Her)s Pitch Day
March 28, 2024
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DBusiness
DBusiness Daily Update: Ram and Dodge Brands win 2024 Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards, and More
March 27, 2024
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Michigan Chronicle