BMO, in partnership with Deloitte, has announced the recipients of its 2025 BMO Celebrating Women grant program. The initiative aims to support small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States by awarding grants that help advance women in business.
This year, a total of $150,000 was distributed among 15 businesses. Each recipient received a $10,000 grant intended to support activities such as product launches, market expansion, and job creation.
"At BMO, we know the key to strong communities is a thriving small business sector, and entrepreneurs like these grant recipients are the backbone of that growth engine. BMO is proud to offer expert advice to fuel all of a business owners' growth aspirations – it's one way we support thriving economies wherever we do business," said Carolyn Booth, Head of U.S. Personal & Business Banking at BMO. "This year's outstanding recipients have detailed how they support the advancement of women and their plans for future success. We're honored to support them with capital, resources and mentorship to help translate those plans into long-term impact."
Kathy Scherer, Vice Chair and Chicago Managing Partner at Deloitte LLP added: "Deloitte is proud to support the BMO Celebrating Women grant program and the remarkable small business owners in the U.S. who are committed to promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth. By providing access to resources and support vital to entrepreneurship, this program empowers small businesses to create lasting impact for their communities. I am truly inspired by the exceptional caliber of businesses recognized this year. Congratulations to each participant and finalist on your outstanding achievements."
The list of 2025 recipients includes:
- Talia Boone (Postal Petals, Inc., California)
- Xochitl Carmona (Werk Mija LLC, Illinois)
- Eleanor Cheetham (Fort Greene Bar, Colorado)
- Melanie Flores (Propel Consulting LLC, Illinois)
- Olga Greeg (Cuteland Daycare LLC, Washington)
- Ieisha Justice (WeirdoNailz LLC, Missouri)
- Patricia Lowe (Chocolate Platinum Soul Line Dancers, California)
- Shannon Mack (Pretty Smack Cosmetics, California)
- Patricia Martinez (The Mind Body Consulting Center PLLC, Arizona)
- Anna Murray (CMT Services, California)
- Courtney Newell (Life Startup Essentials LLC, Arizona)
- Paulina Roe (The Mami Collective, Illinois)
- Noeli Serna (Serna Legal Services LLC, Illinois)
- Lanisha Thadison (Thadison Solutions, Illinois)
- TaKenya White (Expressive Arts Services LLC, Illinois)
In addition to financial awards, each recipient will receive an advisory package that includes coaching from a BMO business advisor; profile opportunities on bmo.com/women; access to workshops and events hosted by BMO; potential membership in organizations or advisory boards; and a one-year digital membership with Luminary for professional education and networking.
BMO’s ongoing commitment involves multi-year initiatives designed to increase access to credit and mentorship for small businesses. This includes partnerships with accelerators such as WMNfintech with 1871 as well as programs connecting founders with expertise needed for their development.
BMO Financial Group is among North America’s largest banks by assets—totaling $1.4 trillion as of July 31st 2025—and serves customers in Canada ,the United States ,and select global markets.
Deloitte provides audit ,consulting ,tax ,and advisory services worldwide—including nearly 90% of Fortune 500 companies—and operates across more than 150 countries.