Grants for Moms Who are Inventors


Whirlpool Mother of Invention Grant CompetitionWhat do Stephanie Kwolek, Alice Parker and Beth House have in common?

They are just a handful of the hundreds of women inventors who have succeeded in making our lives easier.

  • Stephanie Kwolke invented a material 5 times stronger than steel called Kevlar which is used in bullet-proof vests.
  • Alice Parker invented an improved gas heating furnace which provides us with central heat.
  • Beth House was the 2007 Grand Prize Winner of the Whirlpool Mother of Invention Grant with her award-winning invention for bottle nipples that fit standard water and juice bottles you’ll find in the grocery aisle.

Today, May 11th (coincidentally Mother’s Day) Whirlpool, the appliance maker that brings us products that make our everyday lives easier, kicks off the 4th annual Mother of Invention Grant competition.

In the past three years Whirlpool has assisted 15 female inventors in bringing their ideas closer to market. Winners are awarded grant money and just as important, valuable advice and suggestions at the Whirlpool Business Boot Camp which discusses launching an idea, creating work/life balance, sales challenges and engaging investors.

Mothers are encouraged to submit their invention idea between May 11, 2008 and July 31, 2008. Visit the Whirlpool Mother of Invention microsite for information, an application, and details on past winners. As always, read the official rules carefully.

This is just another example of a powerhouse company reaching out to assist inventors and entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams. Hats off! Good luck to all mother inventors who participate.

12 Comments ▼


12 Reactions
  1. I’ll pass this on, thanks.

  2. What a fantastic way to honor mothers who are also entrepreneurs! = )

  3. Another great way to keep women involved in entrepreneurship. I am interested in the kind of green inventions that the women will enter.

  4. “Beth House was the 2007 Grand Prize Winner of the Whirlpool Mother of Invention Grant with her award-winning invention for bottle nipples that fit standard water and juice bottles you’ll find in the grocery aisle.”

    Necessity is the mother of invention. What a fantastic idea that was and I’m sure that many other creative ideas will be forthcoming. It’ll be really interesting to see what else comes of this years submissions.

  5. Martin Lindeskog

    Great initiative! Here is Sweden you have a couple of organizations that have women entrepreneurs.

  6. Thanks for posting this upcoming event. I was trying to see if Oprah was going to do another show for inventions but this one is excussively for Mothers; YEAH!

  7. Someone referred me to your website. I am seeking support from your business to begin a startup business around a unique product idea. I already have a team working on my behalh. I am in the product development stage and for their service to develop my idea they are asking a 7,000.00 payment due now. I was wondering if you can help me or guide me to obtain a small individual grant.

    Thank you waiting for your response.

    Rosa Rodriguez
    (860) 951-0203

    821 Capitol Avenue
    Hartford, CT. 06106

  8. I’ve been a nurse for 25years and have invented a product that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives if implemented. Looking for a grant to help me with the financing. I’m a mom of 4

    • Vannessa, did you ever figure out how to come up with the money for your product? I am currently in the same situation you were in a year and a half ago any help would be greatly appreciated.

      thanks

  9. My girlfriend & I have an invention that we want to launch but we are both jobless for over 2 years. ” The Design Studio” has contacted me & want to get it going but, no $$$ to do so. were seeking all dog lovers whom is tired of having to buy dog toys with rattles that thier dog has removed it & you lost $ on your toy. Well i have the solution to that. So lets talk…..

  10. I have a great invention that has to do with automobiles and childrens safety. I am a single mother of 2 small children and only work part time so I cant afford the fees required to finish my project I already have a design team just need help with he patent and to get my website up and running.

  11. Have anyone received help yet?