Build the business you dream of, with a little extra support
Voting now closed. Check back Nov. 5 for the winners!
Introducing the Dubsado New Business Grant, supporting 3 service businesses with $7500 in funding, tools, and support to fuel a business owners first year in business.
We’re celebrating 10 incredible entrepreneurs in their first year of business — read their stories and vote for who inspires you most. The top 3 winners with the most votes will each receive the Dubsado New Business Grant valued at $7,500 in funding, tools, and support.
Meet the finalists
Aldo Covarrubias Gomez
Aldo Covarrubias Gomez started Sin Booze after his own sobriety journey showed him how many people feel left out at events when they don't drink. His mobile mocktail business brings Mexico City's vibrant Michelada culture to San Diego, creating elevated non-alcoholic experiences where everyone feels included.
Carol M Sainthilaire
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.
Chanel Vanzant Garrand
After surviving the tragic loss of a child, grief brought clarity to what truly matters. She and her family are building Nanihoku Events to reimagine weddings and celebrations as intentional ceremonies where people can heal and celebrate life's moments with meaning. They've broken ground on the building, but three hurricanes, a job layoff, and redirected savings have slowed their launch.
Evan Bell
Evan (spelled backwards as "Nave") started NAVE HAUS after watching his former boss get handcuffed by a website design contract that took days or weeks to make simple changes. He launched his agency with one mantra: give people control over their websites while providing expert design guidance. His passion and empathy for each client's brand dreams has already earned him referrals and a community of like-minded designers.
Fiona Nieman
After getting laid off earlier this year, Fiona Nieman saw it as the launching pad she'd been waiting for. She founded Indaba Events, a full-service event planning company where she finally gets to do what she loves on her own terms. She just sent out her first contract through Dubsado, proving that sometimes the risk is in the "what if" you didn't try.
Karlie Stawychny
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.
Laura Long
After 20 years as an elementary music teacher, Laura wanted to be more emotionally available for her family. She launched The Organized Note this summer as a course maestro, helping coaches and experts transform their ideas into online courses that reflect their expertise. She's combining her curriculum design background with her love of tech to create courses that transform lives.
Lauren Weidley
After being laid off from corporate, Lauren decided to bet on herself and launched Wildflower Marketing Company just two months ago. She runs digital ads for e-commerce, clean beauty, and lifestyle brands that prioritize wellness from the inside out. This isn't just about replacing her income—it's about proving you don't have to climb the corporate ladder to build something meaningful.
Melissa Usry
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.
Tiffany Williams
After 13 years in the military and 5 years in government intelligence, a spiritual awakening led her to her true purpose: helping women break generational cycles of silence, fear, and shame. Through The Self Love Portal, she uses coaching and sound healing to help women stuck in survival mode rediscover their self-worth and heal holistically.
When you bet on yourself, Dubsado bets on you too
Starting a business takes courage. We know because we’ve been there, and we’ve walked alongside thousands of entrepreneurs who’ve been there too.
That first year is filled with doubts, risks, and hard work — but also incredible wins and transformation. The Dubsado New Business Grant is our way of helping new business owners feel supported, celebrated, and set up for growth as they make the biggest bet of their careers.
A $7500 package to fuel your first year of business
3 grant recipients will receive a comprehensive package designed to give their business a financial boost, the right tools to succeed, and confidence-building support from our community:
$2,000 cash financial grant
2 free years of Dubsado’s Premier plan
Dubsado setups and 6 months of business operations consulting from our Certified Specialist community
Curated home office goods to help you feel inspired
Apply between Sep 29-Oct 8
Share your story by answering a few questions via video submissionSee if you’re a top 10 finalist on Oct 20
Our team will select the most inspiring storiesVote with our community from Oct 20-24
Share your entry, rally your supporters, and gather votesStay tuned for the winners on Nov 5
We’ll reveal the 3 winning recipients
How the grant works
More than software. A partner for your business.
Dubsado helps creative service businesses succeed at doing what they love with the business management tools to streamline admin processes and enhance your client experience, all in one place.
Send contracts, invoices, proposals, forms, and schedulers
Manage leads and client projects
Grow confidently with tools that scale with you
FAQs
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The Dubsado New Business Grant is open to service-based business owners who have legally registered their business within the last 12 months in the U.S. and Canada, and are 18 years or older. You do not need to be a Dubsado customer to apply — both current users and non-users are eligible.
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Three recipients will be selected to receive a grant package.
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Each of the 3 recipients will receive:
$2,000 cash grant
2 free years of Dubsado’s Premier plan
Donated business consulting and Dubsado setup services from Certified Dubsado Specialists
1 recipient will receive Dubsado setup with Taylor Hedden of Chanel & Lee
1 recipient will receive a Dubsado setup with Monica Walker of Hello Systems
1 recipient will receive a Dubsado setup with Heather Quill of HQ Virtual Solutions
All 3 recipients will receive a 6 month business consulting course and support with Jennifer Skinner of Day to Day Assist
Curated home office goods
Visibility in the Dubsado ecosystem
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Our team will select the top 10 finalists based on passion, clarity, and alignment with the spirit of the grant. From there, public voting will help determine the three recipients.
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Winners will be announced on November 5, 2025.
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Please use the chat bubble in your account or contact page , or email our customer care team at hello@dubsado.com.
Courage got you started. Support will help you grow.
Starting a business is a leap, and you don’t have to do it alone. Do what you love, on your terms — and let Dubsado help you get there.
The Dubsado New Business Grant – Official Rules
1. Sponsor
The Dubsado New Business Grant (the “Grant”) is sponsored by Dubsado, LLC. (“Dubsado”), 100 E. Tujunga #201, Burbank, CA, 91502, United States.
2. Eligibility
The Grant is open to:
Business owners who have legally registered their business within the past 12 months as of the application deadline.
You are a service-based business. Including but not limited to industries such as photographers, coaches, graphic designers, virtual assistants, etc.
Must be a legal U.S. or Canada resident or business.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
You are 18 years or older.
You do not need to be a Dubsado customer (both users and non-users are eligible)
Exclusions: Employees, officers, directors, contractors, and agents of Dubsado and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
3. Timeline & process
Applications Open: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 9:00am PT
Applications Deadline: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:59pm PT
Top 10 Finalists Selected by Dubsado Team by: Friday, October 10, 2025
Finalists Announced & Voting Opens: Monday, October 20, 2025 at 9:00am PT
Voting Deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:59pm PT
Winners Announced: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
4. How to apply
Applicants must submit the official application form by the deadline, including:
A short video response answering all required prompts.
Completed written responses as requested in the application form.
Limit one application per person/business. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.
By submitting, applicants grant Dubsado permission to use their name, likeness, and submitted content (including videos) for promotional purposes.
5. Selection process
Round 1: Dubsado team will review all eligible applications and select the top 10 finalists based on:
Our team will carefully review all eligible applications and select the top 10 finalists based on the following criteria:
Passion & Purpose: A clear story of why you started your business and how it addresses a real problem or need in your community.
Impact: Your goals for growth, and how that growth will positively affect your clients and community.
Need & Alignment: Why this grant matters to you right now, and how your goals align with the spirit of supporting new small business owners to truly bet on themselves.
Authenticity in Storytelling: We value applicants who share their journey honestly and in their own voice.
Shared Values: As a grant recipient, you’ll represent the Dubsado community. We look for alignment with our brand values and mission.
Use of Funds: A clear, practical plan for how you’ll apply the grant resources to move your business forward.
Round 2: The top 10 finalists written and video submissions will be featured on Dubsado’s voting page. Public voting will determine the 3 final recipients.
Voting is limited to one vote per person during the voting period.
Multiple votes from the same person, whether by using multiple email addresses, devices, or other means, will be considered invalid and may result in disqualification of the associated finalist entry at Dubsado’s sole discretion.
Automated, fraudulent, or suspicious voting activity is strictly prohibited.
Dubsado reserves the right to audit votes, void any votes believed to be fraudulent or irregular, and disqualify any finalist who engages in or benefits from such activity. In the event of ties or unresolved voting irregularities, Dubsado will make the final determination of winners at its sole discretion.
6. Prizes
Each Grant recipient will receive:
$2,000 cash grant
2 free years of Dubsado’s Premier plan ($800 value)
Curated home office package
Specialist-contributed services donated by members of the Dubsado Certified Specialist community (approximate value $4000) to be claimed within 90 days
1 recipient will receive Dubsado setup with Taylor Hedden of Chanel & Lee
1 recipient will receive a Dubsado setup with Monica Walker of Hello Systems
1 recipient will receive a Dubsado setup with Heather Quill of HQ Virtual Solutions
All 3 recipients will receive a 6 month business consulting course and support with Jennifer Skinner of Day to Day Assist
Visibility in the Dubsado ecosystem — stories featured across Dubsado’s channels
Approximate total value of prize package: $7500.
Prizes are non-transferable and may not be substituted or exchanged for cash.
7. Winner obligations
By submitting an application, applicants grant Dubsado a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to use, edit, publish, and distribute their name, likeness, video submission, and any derivative assets created from that content across all marketing channels and media formats, both existing and those yet to be developed.
By accepting the Grant, winners further agree to:
Be featured in Dubsado marketing materials in perpetuity.
Participate in at least one follow-up interview or testimonial feature within 12 months of receiving the Grant.
Provide any necessary information for prize fulfillment (such as mailing address for physical items).
All taxes, fees, and other expenses not explicitly included in the prize description are the sole responsibility of the winners.
8. Release of liability
By participating, applicants agree to release and hold harmless Dubsado, Inc., its affiliates, and their respective officers, employees, and agents from any and all liability, claims, or actions of any kind arising from participation in the Grant, including but not limited to technical issues, lost/delayed entries, or acceptance/use of the prize.
9. Sponsor rights
Dubsado reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Grant if it becomes compromised by fraud, technical failures, or any other causes that affect the integrity of the program.
10. Governing law
This Grant is governed by the laws of the State of [insert state]. All disputes arising in connection with the Grant shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in [insert county, state].
11. Miscellaneous
No purchase necessary to apply.
Void where prohibited by law.
Entries that are incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant with these rules may be disqualified.
By applying, applicants agree to abide by these rules and the decisions of Dubsado, which are final and binding.
Dubsado reserves the right to select Finalists and Recipients on their sole discretion.
By submitting an application, you agree to receive email communications from Dubsado related to the Grant, as well as occasional promotional emails about Dubsado. You may unsubscribe from emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in those emails.
All other Dubsado terms of service apply.
12. Contact information
Questions about the Dubsado New Business Grant Official Rules or Terms of Service should be sent to us at hello@dubsado.com.