Who We Invest In
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
Opportunity grows where we invest.
Lift Women’s Foundation invests in women because when women gain access to education, capital, and opportunity, they build businesses, grow careers, support families, and strengthen their communities. The impact of investing in one woman rarely stops with one woman — it creates ripple effects that benefit many.
Communities across our country are full of untapped potential.
Often, that potential looks like a woman who is ready to start a business, return to school, change careers, or grow in leadership. Lift Women’s Foundation exists to help unlock that potential by investing in women at pivotal moments in their lives and careers.
We Invest in Women Building Businesses
Entrepreneurship creates independence, income, and opportunity. Many women have the skills, ideas, and determination to start or grow a business but lack access to capital, mentorship, or support.
Through microloans and business support, Lift Women’s Foundation invests in women entrepreneurs who are building businesses that support their families and contribute to local economies. When a woman grows a business, she often creates opportunity not only for herself, but for employees, customers, and her community.
Investing in women-owned businesses is investing in stronger local economies.
We Invest in Women Continuing Their Education
Education is one of the most powerful ways to unlock opportunity and economic mobility. However, many women take nontraditional paths. They may pause education while raising families, caring for loved ones, or navigating unexpected life changes. When they are ready to return to school or training, financial barriers often stand in the way.
Through scholarships and education programs like the Next Chapter Scholarship, Lift Women’s Foundation invests in women who are pursuing education to restart careers, change career paths, or advance in their current fields.
Investing in a woman’s education often changes the trajectory of an entire family.
We Invest in Women Strengthening Their Communities
Change often starts with small acts — a neighbor helping a neighbor, a volunteer giving their time, a woman stepping up to solve a problem in her community. These acts of kindness may seem small on their own, but together they create stronger, more connected communities.
Through programs like Kindness Collective, Lift Women’s Foundation invests in organizations and initiatives that support women and families. Individual acts of kindness, when combined, create collective impact — supporting nonprofits, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity for women.
When kindness turns into action and action turns into investment, real change happens.
Meet the Women of Lift
“Building a business can feel lonely, especially when you’re funding it yourself or facing personal challenges along the way. Programs like Lift Women’s Foundation exist because people believe in the power of women entrepreneurs. Sometimes the hardest part is simply believing that your story and your business deserve that support. Keep showing up for your dream, even when the path forward isn’t clear.”
Brittany Washington
My Beautiful Fluff
Loan Recipient and Business Coaching Graduate
“In 2020, during the pandemic, I was working from home and searching for a creative outlet to enjoy the situation with my family, which is how Isa Balloon was born. I took online and presential classes with the most recognized balloon artists in the world to improve my knowledge and skills. In 2022, the balloon boutique was opened in Downtown Davenport to share happiness with our clients and provide them with the most extraordinary customer service and high-quality balloon designs.”
Erike Arno
Isa Balloon Design & More
Loan Recipient and Business Coaching Graduate
“I-Lashmore, founded by Synesha, is a beauty and lash studio built through hard work, determination, and a commitment to growth. With support from Lift Women’s Foundation and the ACTIONCOACH Business Master Class, Synesha developed new business skills and strategies that helped her continue investing in her business and expanding her services. Businesses like I-Lashmore show how investing in women entrepreneurs creates opportunity, builds confidence, and strengthens local communities.”
Synesha Cole
I-Lashmore
Loan Recipient and Business Coaching Graduate
“We often talk about our loans, scholarships, and programs, but those are just the tools. The real work of Lift Women’s Foundation is investing in women — because when women build businesses, grow careers, and lead in their communities, everyone benefits.”
— Celena Anderson, Board Member