News Releases
- 15 grants of $10,000 each help business owners achieve real financial progress across BMO's U.S. footprint
CHICAGO, Nov. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - BMO, in collaboration with Deloitte, today announced the 2025 recipients of its BMO Celebrating Women grant program—an initiative that empowers small business owners and entrepreneurs to make real financial progress.
This year, BMO awarded $150,000 in grants to 15 businesses supporting the advancement of women across its U.S. footprint, fueling 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, 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."
"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," said Kathy Scherer, Vice Chair and Chicago Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP. "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 2025 BMO Celebrating Women grant program U.S. recipients are:
- 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 $10,000 each, recipients receive a tailored advisory package that includes:
- Coaching from a BMO business advisor
- Profile opportunities on bmo.com/women
- Access to BMO-hosted workshops, seminars and events
- Potential membership in organizations and advisory boards
- 12-month digital membership to professional education and networking platform Luminary, including access to over 20 monthly events, workshops, 2,000+ hour content library, learning resources and support.
More information about the grant program can be found here. BMO's commitment to small businesses includes multi-year initiatives to expand access to credit and mentorship, partnerships with accelerators like the WMNfintech partnership with 1871, and programs designed to connect founders with expertise and advice to help them reach their business goals.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters for our people, clients, and communities. We bring together distinct talents, technologies, disciplines, and an ecosystem of alliances to help tackle today's most complex business challenges and drive long-term progress. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing 180 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.
SOURCE BMO US
