FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE FELLOWS PROGRAM?

The Tory Burch Foundation will select up to fifty (50) Fellows from applicants who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Each Fellow will participate in a one-year fellowship which includes:

• Year-long virtual education programming, workshops, and business guidance
• $5,000 grant for business education
• Access to private online peer community
• Opportunity to participate in the Fellows Lab, a mentorship event with industry leaders
• Trip to NYC for a 5-day workshop, networking and community-building *Pending CDC guidelines

HOW CAN I APPLY TO BE A TORY BURCH FOUNDATION FELLOW?

Applications can be submitted online only no later than November 12, 2021, at 11:59:59 ET. Incomplete applications are not valid.  Download our Help Guide for assistance with your application.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?

No. Applying to the program is free.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN?

You must have a business plan to apply. If you do not have a business plan, use our business plan builder, but please make sure to include answers to all the questions in the Business Plan section of the application.

WHAT IF I HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN, BUT HAVE NOT LAUNCHED MY BUSINESS?

You must already be in operation to apply. We focus on early-stage businesses – between one to five years in operation is preferred.

IS THE TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY PAID FOR?

Yes, we will provide a round trip-economy ticket, meals, hotel accommodations and local travel, as needed for the duration of our programming.

CAN I USE THE $5,000 GRANT FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN EDUCATION?

No, you must use the grant to further your business education; however, education-related expenses like textbooks and executive coaching are permitted.

CAN I USE THE $5,000 GRANT FOR A WORKSHOP OR CONFERENCE?

Yes.

WHAT IF I’M A PART OWNER IN A BUSINESS?

You must own the largest or equal stake in your business that is majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women.

CAN BOTH MY BUSINESS PARTNER, WHO IS ANOTHER WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR, AND I APPLY?

No, we only allow one entrepreneur per business to apply.

IF MY COMPANY DOES NOT OPERATE IN THE UNITED STATES CAN I APPLY TO BE A FELLOW?

No, your company must be registered and operated in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and United States territories.

CAN I SEND THE FOUNDATION SAMPLES OF MY PRODUCTS?

No, we will not accept products for consideration with the application. However, we encourage you to photograph your product and send it as part of the application.

I MISSED THE DEADLINE. WILL THERE BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY?

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship program opens applications each year in the fall. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the next application period begins and other events and resources for women entrepreneurs

CAN YOU GIVE ME FEEDBACK AS TO WHY I WASN’T SELECTED?

We are unable to discuss applications before, during or after the application period.

I’M HAVING TECHNICAL PROBLEMS SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

For technical support, please click here.