Small Business Dream Big Award - Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce

$2,500 Dream Big Award - Apply Now

This small business award will be presented twice a year giving a small business a financial boost & support entrepreneurism in the Heart of the Valley! Small businesses have a considerable economic impact on our community, they create jobs, spark innovation and provide opportunities for many people, including women and minorities, to achieve financial success and independence.

The current Award Cycle features a $2,500 grant presented at our Women you Should Know event on October 27 at Bridgewood Conference Center.

The Dream Big Awards are made possible by TDS & the Heart of the Valley Chamber. Together, we’ll continue to support small businesses throughout our communities and highlight their achievements and contributions to our local economic growth.

How the Award Can Be Used

The award will support a small business owner with funding to invest in:
• Essential supplies to launch or expand a new service
• Inventory needed to launch a new product line
• Equipment or tools that improve operations or increase capacity
• Office, storefront, or workspace improvements
• Professional development, leadership, or industry-specific training
• Signage, technology upgrades or building improvements
• Other investments that help grow or strengthen the business

Applications Due September 27, 2026 at 10pm

Helping Small Businesses Do Big Things

To be eligible to apply for the current round of the Small Business - Dream Big Award, an applicant must:

Be a woman owned/co-owned small business primarily doing business in the Heart of the Valley/Fox Valley area.
Be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the Heart of Valley/Fox Valley area.
Must be a current member of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce
Agree to all of the award rules, including attending the awards presentation at the Women You Should Know event on Oct. 27 at the Bridgewood Conference Center.
Priority will be given to businesses where the Dream Big Award can make the most substantial impact on the operations or growth of the business.

Application Timeline for the current Award Cycle

August 1 – Applications Open
September 27 – Applications Due at 10pm
October 1-5– Applications are reviewed by committee
October 6-8 – Winners notified
October 27 – Check presented at Women You Should Know event

*Award recipient will receive 2 tickets to Women you Should Know event on October 27 at the Bridgewood Conference Center and the award will be presented at the event.

Congratulations to Spring award recipient, Uptown Girl Beauty & Boutique.

Award Rules & Details

We are excited to offer a cash award designed to empower small businesses like yours by enhancing your product offerings, increasing your inventory, optimizing your workspace, or investing in essential skills and training. With this award, you get that little boost needed to elevate your business!

This program will offer two award cycles each year.

The Fall Award cycle will provide a local female business owner with a $2,500 cash award which will be presented in October at our Women You Should Know event.
The Winter/Spring Award cycle will provide a $2,500 cash award & is open to all small businesses that are members of the HOTV Chamber. The award will be presented in March at our Annual Awards event.

Award Rules

Grant funds cannot be used for debt consolidation or any debt service.
Must be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the Heart of Valley/Fox Valley area.
The award winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes that may be applicable.
Must provide a current W9.
Must attend the Women You Should Know event on Oct. 27. 2 Tickets will be provided.
Must provide a statement of what the grant was used for.
Must submit a photo or headshot and business logo.
Allow Heart of the Valley Chamber staff to conduct an interview to feature social media and newsletter.