Announcing the winners of the Dubsado New Business Grant
Starting a business is a leap — one that takes courage, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. This fall, by awarding our first-ever Dubsado New Business Grants, we set out to celebrate and support entrepreneurs in their very first year.
We were blown away by the applications we received. Hundreds of new business owners shared their stories — their fears, their wins, and the reasons they chose to bet on themselves. Narrowing it down to just 10 finalists was tough, and after opening the vote to the community, we’re so excited to share the 3 recipients of the grant.
Meet the winners
Each of these three entrepreneurs represents the courage, creativity, and heart that define what it means to build something from the ground up. Their stories remind us that every business starts with a leap — and that betting on yourself can change everything.
Carol M Sainthilaire of Saint Impact Ventures
After years in nonprofit leadership fighting for housing justice, Carol Sainthilaire saw how women and Latina-owned businesses lacked access to the tools larger organizations had. Through Saint Impact Ventures, she helps them build strong foundations and grow sustainably. She left her executive role this year, too stubborn to fail—and has already landed her first paying clients.
Up next, Carol plans to expand Saint Impact Ventures’ reach, offering bilingual resources and consulting support to empower even more women-led businesses.
“No one else is going to hand you permission — you have to create it. When you bet on yourself, you show your community what’s possible.”
Read Carol’s full story.
Stay connected with Carol:
Karlie Stawychny of The Bold & Savvy Virtual Assistant
After having three girls in two years, Karlie became the go-to person for tech and systems help. She launched Bold and Savvy as a virtual assistant and social media manager because she needed something for herself beyond motherhood. Within nine months, she's fully booked with clients she genuinely enjoys, helping business owners show up online while balancing mom life through Dubsado's automations.
Karlie is focused on continuing to refine her systems, grow her client roster, and champion other moms who dream of building businesses that fit their lives.
“I hope my story shows other moms that it’s possible to build something that’s yours. Take the leap — what’s meant for you will find you.”
Read Karlie’s full story.
Stay connected with Karlie:
Mel Usry of Mel Usry Photography
After becoming a mom, Mel started asking herself why she didn't believe in the same endless possibilities she wanted for her son. She launched her documentary-style family photography business last year to capture the unposed, in-between moments that make up a life. Through her work, she shows families their everyday lives are beautiful exactly as they are.
Mel is growing her photography business and deepening her focus on capturing raw, real family moments that celebrate connection and presence.
“I want families to see how beautiful their everyday lives really are. When you bet on yourself, you open the door to a life that truly feels like your own.”
Read Mel’s full story.
Stay connected with Mel:
https://melusry.com | @melusryphoto
What they’ll receive
Each recipient will be supported with a package designed to fuel their first years in business, including:
$2,000 cash grant
2 free years of Dubsado’s Premier plan
Donated services from our Certified Specialists community
Special thanks to:
Taylor Hedden of Chanel & Lee
Monica Walker of Hello Systems
Heather Quill of HQ Virtual Solutions
Jennifer Skinner of Day to Day Assist
Curated home office goods to inspire their work
Why we created this grant
The first year of business is exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges and unknowns. We know that from experience, and from the thousands of business owners we’ve walked alongside.
The Dubsado New Business Grant is our way of celebrating entrepreneurs who take that leap — and equipping them with resources, tools, and encouragement to keep going.
Thank you to everyone who applied, voted, and shared their story with us. We’re honored to be part of your journey.
More ways to bet on yourself
Even if you weren’t able to apply or one of this year’s grant recipients, we want to make sure you feel supported in your first year of business. Here are a few resources to help you keep going:
Download our free Ultimate Day 1 Checklist — a guide to help you cover the essentials and start your business on the right foot.
Read the Bet on Yourself blog series — stories, tips, and inspiration for navigating your first year of business.
Start a free Dubsado trial — explore the tools that help thousands of entrepreneurs organize their business and build confidently.
Because this is just the beginning. No matter where you are in your journey, you’re not building your business alone.
When you bet on yourself, Dubsado bets on you too.
