Women entrepreneurs in Southwest Washington can apply for Heart Association grants

The American Heart Association is seeking women entrepreneurs in Southwest Washington and Oregon to apply for financial grants for business solutions to address social determinants of health.

People living in underserved communities have a higher risk of developing heart disease, according to a press release from the group. The mortality rate from cardiovascular disease and stroke is higher among Black Americans than for all other ethnicities.

Hispanic and Black Americans are also more likely to live with diabetes compared with white people, according to the release.

Applicants must be women older than 18, and they must provide proposed business solutions to specifically address and improve challenges presented by health inequities in area communities.

You can apply through July 16 at empoweredtoserve.org/oregon.

Finalists will be selected on Aug. 6 and will begin four weeks of intensive, online MBA-style training before presenting their proposed business solutions to a group of judges on Sept. 30.

The first-place finalist will receive a $75,000 grant; second place will be awarded $30,000; and a “fan favorite” will be voted on by the public to receive $15,000.

The first-place grant finalist will advance to the American Heart Association’s National Business Accelerator for a chance to receive additional funding.