As entrepreneurs, we often wear the title “Chief Everything Officer.” We build, we dream, we fund, and—too frequently—we bootstrap every step of the way. But knowing how to apply for funding even if you don’t qualify is crucial, because while there’s power in resourcefulness, there’s also a dangerous myth that we must do everything alone.
One of the most transformative CEO practices I’ve built into my business is applying for funding opportunities every single month. It’s not always glamorous. It means filling out applications, writing statements, and sometimes hearing “no.” But it also means positioning myself—and my company—for when the answer is “yes.”
Today, I want to share not only why it’s so important to apply for grants and funding even when you think you don’t qualify, but also a real story that captures the ripple effect of saying yes to possibility.
Why Applying for Funding Matters—Even When You Think You’re Not Ready
The truth is, you don’t need to wait until your business feels “perfect” to apply for funding. Too often, we self-reject before an application even reaches the review committee. Maybe you’ve thought:
- “I don’t have enough followers yet.”
- “My revenue isn’t high enough.”
- “I’m still small compared to others.”
But here’s the thing—funders aren’t always looking for perfection. They’re looking for potential, purpose, and proof that you’re doing meaningful work.
Many entrepreneurs assume that because they’re early in their journey, they won’t be chosen. However, that assumption can limit growth, resources, and visibility. Applying consistently helps you refine your story, clarify your mission, and stay ready for when the right opportunity aligns.
The CEO Practice That Changed Everything
In my own business, I’ve made it a CEO ritual to apply for at least one grant or funding opportunity every month. I don’t win them all—and I don’t expect to. But I treat every application as an act of leadership and belief.
This mindset shift has helped me:
- Stay visible to organizations that support creators and entrepreneurs.
- Strengthen my ability to articulate the mission of Say Hola Wealth—empowering first-generation wealth builders.
- Expand access to resources that fuel impact beyond my own company.
And one of the most rewarding examples of this came through our recent experience with The Plutus Foundation.
The Plutus Foundation: Empowering Financial Creators and Educators
For those unfamiliar, The Plutus Foundation is a highly respected organization that provides financial support and community to content creators, educators, and advocates who are using their platforms to improve financial literacy and empowerment.
Their Content Creator Grant is a competitive program that helps projects focused on financial education, wellness, and inclusion. When we applied for their Spring 2025 cycle, we didn’t know what to expect.
We didn’t receive the full amount we requested—but we did receive a partial award that inspired something even more meaningful.
How We Chose to Pay It Forward
Rather than keeping the grant solely for our internal projects, we decided to use the funds to empower one of How We Chose to Pay It Forward.
When we applied for The Plutus Foundation’s Spring 2025 Content Creator Grant, it wasn’t just to support our own initiatives. We intentionally applied because we’ve witnessed the incredible transformation our members experience through the Say Hola Wealth Academy—and we wanted to expand that impact to those in our community who may not yet be financially ready to invest in themselves.
Rather than keeping the grant solely for our internal projects, we decided to use the funds to help one of our own community members.
I’m honored to announce that Alma Barocio—a nonprofit leader, mother, and long-time listener of the Say Hola Wealth podcast—has been selected as our 2025 Grant Recipient.
Alma joined the Say Hola Wealth Academy this fall. This 12-month group program delivers weekly coaching, interactive workshops, and culturally relevant financial planning tools across key areas like financial healing, money mindset, career growth, financial literacy, and investing.
Her leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to personal growth truly embody the mission of both The Plutus Foundation and Say Hola Wealth: to create ripple effects of financial empowerment in our communities.
What This Means for Entrepreneurs
This story isn’t just about a grant. It’s about what happens when you keep showing up.
When I applied for The Plutus Foundation’s grant, I didn’t know we’d be able to use those funds to support someone like Alma. But that’s the beauty of saying yes—you never know who will be impacted by your courage to apply.
So, if you’ve been waiting to feel “ready,” consider this your sign to take action.
- Research opportunities monthly. Make it a CEO habit. There are thousands of local, national, and industry-specific grants available for entrepreneurs, content creators, and small business owners.
- Keep a funding tracker. Note deadlines, eligibility, and application requirements.
- Apply even if you think your odds are small. Every application builds your muscle and your momentum.
Sometimes you’ll receive the full amount. Sometimes you’ll receive a small award. And sometimes—like us—you’ll find an even bigger story unfolding through community impact.
How to Apply for Funding: Practical Steps
If you’re new to the world of funding, here’s a simple approach to start:
- Clarify your mission. Funders love clarity. Why do you do what you do? Who does it serve?
- Gather your essentials. Create a folder with your bio, business description, photos, EIN, budget, and a few testimonials.
- Set a recurring reminder. Once a month, dedicate a few hours to research and apply.
- Use free resources. Websites like Hello Alice, Grants.gov, IFundWomen, and The Plutus Foundation list open opportunities.
- Celebrate every attempt. Remember: you’re building your visibility and confidence as much as your funding pipeline.
Final Thoughts: Opportunity Favors Action
Applying for funding isn’t just about money—it’s about believing your work deserves to be funded.
Each application is a declaration that your mission matters. And when you do receive support, whether large or small, you create ripples of change that reach far beyond yourself.
At Say Hola Wealth, we’ll continue our monthly CEO practice of seeking funding, not just to grow our business but to create pathways for women like Alma—leaders who are redefining what wealth and impact look like for our communities.
So next time you see a grant opportunity, don’t scroll past it. Take a deep breath, apply anyway, and trust that even a “small yes” can lead to a big transformation.
