Young Entrepreneurship Program
The Junior League of Tampa’s Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) presented by Valley Bank aims to grow the potential, leadership, and influence of female business owners in our region. Launched in 2014, the program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for one selected female entrepreneur.
*Applications received after the 2022 deadline of midnight on July 24, 2022 will be considered for 2023.
Apply
The Junior League of Tampa’s Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) presented by Valley Bank aims to grow the potential, leadership, and influence of female business owners in our region. Launched in 2014, the program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for one selected female entrepreneur.
Qualifications
This grant is open to women who meet the following qualifications:
- Over 21 to under 40 years of age at the time of Holiday Gift Market
- Majority owners of their business
- Sell a product that is a unique addition to the Holiday Gift Market selection
- Are not current members of The Junior League of Tampa
Award
The winner of the Young Entrepreneurship Program receives:
- A free booth at Holiday Gift Market to sell her products
- $3,000 grant from the Dorothea Adell Tinsley Family Foundation to grow her business
- Local media promotion to enhance brand recognition around the Tampa Bay Area
- Spotlight signage during Holiday Gift Market
The Incubator Program
In 2019, the Incubator program began as an expansion of the reach of YEP. There is only one YEP recipient, however the program received an abundance of applications from additional women owned businesses that could also benefit from a presence at Holiday Gift Market.
An inaugural class of 5 applicants were selected and provided free one day pop up booths at the 2019 Holiday Gift Market. These businesses were: Sustainable Marketplace, Vetue Boutique, Preston & Grace, Meg Britten art and illustration, and Nicole Macaroon.
In 2020, two incubator businesses, Wildly Free Jewelry and The Southern Stripe, were provided with complimentary virtual space at the online Holiday Gift Market and $500 stipends to further their growth.
In 2021, two businesses received subsidized booths at the Holiday Gift Market, Sweet Pea Lane and Marrin Costello.
The Incubator program will continue to evolve in 2022 and identify additional ways to support even more burgeoning local female owned businesses within the framework of the Holiday Gift Market.
Meet our Past Winners
Ocean-inspired resin artwork
2020 - Sustainable Market Place
Ethical accessories and jewelry from around the world
Custom gift boxes for every occasion
Children’s book publisher and toymaker
Lakeland based coffee roaster
2016 - Old City Calligraphy
Custom hand-letting and design
2015 - Southern Doe
Clothing brand for women who love the outdoors
All-natural Paleo snacks