Prime Highlights :
- Applications have opened for 2026 grants from the Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund for women entrepreneurs in Northern New York.
- The fund supports education, training and entrepreneurial development with awards typically ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Key Facts :
- The Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of late business leader Maxine Quigg.
- Since 2022, the fund has distributed $16,505 in grants to 16 women across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Background :
Professional women across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties can apply through May for 2026 grant support from the Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation. The fund supports women entrepreneurs in the tri-county region through financial assistance for education, training and entrepreneurship.
Established in July 2021 by Kimberley Horrill in memory of business leader Maxine Quigg, the fund seeks to promote mentorship, volunteerism, civic engagement and investment among women in business. Community Foundation officials said the initiative continues Quigg’s legacy of encouraging professional and personal growth for women pursuing business and leadership opportunities.
The fund offers grants to women who are starting or growing businesses in Northern New York. Support may be used for professional development, formal education, workforce training, entrepreneurship programs, financial literacy and leadership development. The award range is $500 to $1,000.
Since grant distributions began in 2022, the fund has awarded $16,505 to 16 women entrepreneurs across the region. Last year’s recipients used funding for business development and certification programs, including real estate membership support, arts education and autism specialist coursework.
Officials said applicants may request grant amounts based on their proposed development goals, though awards are intended for individual advancement rather than direct support to a business entity. Recipients must meet accountability requirements similar to those of other scholarship and grant programs administered by the foundation.
An advisory committee of the Community Foundation will review applications and select recipients through an objective process aligned with the fund’s charitable purpose. The initiative aims to expand financial independence and career opportunities for women while building a stronger local network of mentorship and civic engagement throughout Northern New York.
