EmpowerHER Entrepreneurial Grant

The EmpowerHER Entrepreneurial Grant is an annually awarded grant dedicated to uplifting black women entrepreneurs in South Florida. Inspired by the legacy of Sandra M. Cameron, a Jamaican immigrant who moved to the area in the 1990s, built a successful mortgage brokerage, and later founded her own nonprofit to serve the community, this grant seeks to empower the next generation of black female business leaders.

Each year, two deserving entrepreneurs will receive a financial award, along with access to free business planning and consulting services from experienced business analysts. The grant not only provides financial support but also offers the tools and guidance necessary to help these entrepreneurs build and sustain thriving businesses, continuing Sandra Cameron’s mission of community empowerment and economic opportunity.

A woman with dark skin and black hair, sitting on a director's chair, wearing a bright green suit and black top, speaking on a phone and touching her chin with her left hand. Her right foot is in a black sandal with gold accents, and her left foot is in a matching sandal resting on the floor. She has a tattoo on her left forearm.
A woman with dark hair smiling, wearing a black uniform with green embroidered text, holding black clippers near her head, standing against a plain gray background.
A woman with dark hair in a bob style, wearing a green blazer and green pants, sitting on a black director's chair against a plain grey background. She is smiling, with her legs crossed, and is wearing black sandals with gold accents.
Smiling woman holding a large check with her right hand and making a peace sign with her left hand, standing against a plain gray background.

Introducing our latest grant winner

The Sandra M. Cameron Foundation is proud to celebrate our February EmpowerHER Grant winner, Janiyah, a dedicated nail technician from Delray Beach, Florida. Through this initiative, Janiyah received $1,000 toward growing her business and one full year of free business consulting. With this support, she was able to attend a professional certification school—an important step that has elevated both her skills and confidence as an entrepreneur. Janiyah’s passion for her craft and her commitment to excellence make her a standout in the beauty industry.

In addition to financial and consulting support, the foundation provided branding assistance to help her develop a professional image that reflects her creativity and professionalism. With continued business planning guidance, Janiyah is now preparing to rent her own space and expand her services independently. Her journey reflects the core mission of the EmpowerHER Grant: to equip Black women entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive. We encourage everyone to support her growing business—check out her Instagram to see her work and book an appointment. Janiyah’s success is just beginning, and we’re honored to be part of her story.

Instagram: Secrecy Kklaws

Website: Booking

Requirements & Specifics

Three applicants will be selected as winners of the EmpowerHER Entrepreneurial Grant to support their journey as Black women entrepreneurs in South florida. The top recipient, chosen as the main winner, will receive a grant of $500 to $1,000 in startup funds, along with a full year of free business planning and consulting services. This comprehensive support is designed to guide the winner through the crucial stages of launching and growing a successful business.

All winners will be personally selected by the SMCF Board, and the announcements will be made in early January, marking the beginning of a year filled with opportunity, empowerment, and growth.

Applicants must be:

  • A female of African descent.

  • Plan to do business or are currently doing business in South Florida.

  • Have a business idea or have been doing business up to 1 year or less.

  • Must donate at least to foundation using button below.