BMO's Grant Program Signals Continued Focus on U.S. Small Business Support
Event summary
- BMO's 'Celebrating Women' grant program is accepting applications for 2026, awarding 15 grants of $10,000 each.
- The program, launched in 2021, has provided $460,000 in funding to 46 U.S. small businesses.
- Applications are open April 2-23, 2026, with recipients selected based on growth plans and support for women's advancement.
- The initiative is a collaboration between BMO and Deloitte.
The big picture
BMO's grant program underscores the increasing pressure on financial institutions to demonstrate social responsibility and support small businesses, particularly those led by women. This initiative, coupled with BMO's broader Purpose-driven strategy, aims to strengthen community ties and enhance the bank's reputation within the U.S. market, where it holds $1.5 trillion in assets. The program's focus on women-led businesses aligns with broader trends toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and finance.
What we're watching
- Program Scale
- The limited number of grants (15) suggests BMO is prioritizing targeted impact over broad reach, which could influence the types of businesses they seek to support.
- Deloitte's Role
- The extent of Deloitte's involvement beyond collaboration remains unclear; deeper engagement could indicate a strategic partnership with broader implications for BMO's advisory services.
- Impact Measurement
- How BMO measures the 'advancement of women' and the overall impact of the grant program will be crucial to assess its long-term effectiveness and potential for expansion.
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