Le Grand Courtâge Rolls Out ‘ELEVATE’ In An Effort To Give Back Through Annual Grant + Mentorship Program

Annual Grant & Mentorship Program and Awardee Announcement – July 2021

In March, in celebration of Women’s History Month and its Live Joyously Spring initiatives, Le Grand Courtâge (LGC) introduced ELEVATE, an annual grant and mentorship program created to support and give back to female entrepreneurs.  Spearheaded by proprietor Tawnya Falkner, ELEVATE will include a rotation of partners and projects throughout the year(s) to address the challenges and needs of women. To support, give back and encourage female entrepreneurs who deserve the equal opportunity to outshine their potential and change the world.

Le Grand Courtâge is a sponsor along with White House Black Market for the 2^nd annual Launch Program with Ladies Who Launch to support women entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19. Ladies Who Launch, a mission driven, 501(c)3 that empowers women entrepreneurs to thrive by providing access to educational resources and capital programs. The 6 month-long Launch Program provides a grant, mentorship, advisory support, and amplification for women entrepreneurs. Applicants will be awarded up to $25,000 each. Falkner will also be active in the 6-month mentorship program that is created for each awardee.

Le Grand Courtâge is an independent female owned and managed French wine brand launched by American entrepreneur Tawnya Falkner and is today the top selling French sparkling wine brand in the $15 – $19.99 category (Nielsen 52 wks 4.21). ‘Embrace Life.  Dream Big.  Accept all Invitations’ is the affirmation written on the back of each bottle Courtâge and serves as the brand motto.  At the core, LGC is about elevating and celebrating the every day, living joyously, and exploring possibilities.

“Since launching the brand, my goal has been to spread positivity through our wines, help elevate our community, and to find ways to give back each year,” explained Tawnya Falkner. “I personally know how difficult it can be for female entrepreneurs and the stats continue to show the unique challenges women face. By teaming up with similarly minded partners like Ladies Who Launch, and pooling our financial resources, intellectual capital, and networking communities, we will be able to provide meaningful immediate and long-term support.”

2021 Grant Recipient Announcement:

Over the past year, Ladies Who Launch has received thousands of applications to the Launch Program and in 2020 welcomed 11 founders into the first cohort. On July 14^th, we were excited to announce the 9 incredible new businesses into the 2021 second cohort.

From across the United States, the founders selected are inspiring leaders who have shown immense grit and determination to innovate throughout the pandemic. Ladies Who Launch will empower these women over the next 6 months with funding support, education, mentorship, and amplification.

1. Archel Bernard | Bombchel | Atlanta, GA
2. Jamela Acheampong | Kahmune | Atlanta, GA
3. Laura Moffit | Kirrin Finch | Brooklyn, NY
4. Michelle Pusateri | Nana Joe’s Granola | San Francisco, CA
5. Michelle Razavi & Nikki Elliot | ELAVI | Los Angeles, CA
6. Micki Krimmel | Superfit Hero | Los Angeles, CA
7. Noy Holcomb | Mama Noy’s Kitchen | Austin, TX
8. Rene Graham | Renzoe Box | Austin, TX
9. Sarah Ecolano | Copper River Fish Market | Cordova, AK

Le Grand Courtage created the Elevate initiative to address the imbalance that exists and help empower future business leaders and help ensure success.  Below are just a few of the key statistics highlighting the disparities.

• Females receive less than 3% of Capital $ in US despite owning 40% of businesses and controlling 85% of all consumer purchases.
• Only 7% of all women-owned firms achieve $1+ million in annual revenue.
• Women CEOs in the Fortune 1000 drive 3xs the returns as S&P 500 enterprises run predominantly by men. ​
• More than 25% of female owned business have gone under during Covid (Since March 2020).

*References

• Fundera: Women-Owned Businesses: Statistics and Overview (2021), Maddie Shepard 12/16/20
• American Express 2019 State of Women Owned Businesses Report
• Inc Magazine: “2 Reasons Women Still Get Less than 3 Percent of VC Funding” by Amanda Pressner Kreuser  2/20/20

        Fortune Magazine:  “Funding for female founders increased in 2019—but only to 2.7%” by Emma Hinchliffe 2/2/20

• NAWBO Women business-owner-statistics detailed on website