January 2026: A Practical Starting Point for January
Skim Time: 3 Minutes
Why, hello, Launcher!
Our focus for this year is consistency. Less overthinking, and more starting small. One step in front of the other, instead of an acrobatic, twisty, somersault-ey high-dive off a 30-foot platform.
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a few small (but powerful!) opportunities that you can act on this month to drive wins for your business. Here’s what we’ve got for you:
💰 3 grant applications you can start right now, including one for our blue-collar business owners!
💻 An invite to our first 2026 webinar, live on January 13th
🎥 A hands-on look at Canva’s newest AI tools, and how Launchers can use them to show up more confidently
🩵 A Launcher who reminds us of the true meaning of success
Pick one of these ideas, and give it a shot. Or try them all! We wouldn’t hate that either. 😉
In your corner,
The Ladies Who Launch team
P.S. We’ve got a special announcement coming in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on your inbox to be the first to know!
💰 GRANT DEADLINES
Ladies Who Launch maintains a free database of available grants for US-based businesses. For any questions about the below grants, including eligibility, please reach out to the granting organization directly.
[$1K] JUMPSTART JANUARY GALAXY GRANT. No application fee, and literally nothing to lose. Winners awarded weekly.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 30, 2026[$10K] AMBER GRANT: SKILLED TRADES. Calling all blue-collar business January’s Amber Grant category is the one for you.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 30, 2026[$20K] AMEX SHOP SMALL GRANT. Closing soon. AMEX will be awarding 500+ grants at $20K each so small businesses can better impact their local communities.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 16, 2026
💥 POWER PICKS
Power Picks is your monthly shortcut to better decisions: handpicked listens ( 🎧 🎥 ), curated reads ( 📚 ), and expert events ( 💻 🤝 ) that will level up your thinking and expand your skills.
💻 AUTHENTICITY SELLS: TURNING YOUR STORY INTO YOUR SUPERPOWER. Only a few days left to register for our January 13th live webinar with Author and Fortune 500 Speaker, Elena Miller!
🎥 CREATE A CAMPAIGN IN CANVA IN 20 MINUTES. Learn how (and why!) to build a brand kit, create assets at scale, and use Canva’s AI features to streamline your marketing efforts.
🎧 HOW TO BUILD A POWERFUL NETWORK. CEO and Serial Entrepreneur, Emma Grede, breaks down why a purposeful network matters and gives her tips for building one in this 33 minute podcast.
🩵 LAUNCHER SPOTLIGHT
Launcher Spotlight celebrates a woman-owned business in motion: the decisions they’re making, the challenges they’re navigating, and what other founders can learn along the way. Be sure to give them some love on IG!
TARA GODBY of @teakeasytea
Funded & Fearless Vendor and Attendee
My focus for 2026 is rooted in my words for the year, chutzpah and balance. These words remind me to have the courage to dream boldly and the wisdom to remain grounded. True success is not just what we build, but how we sustain ourselves and our relationships while building it.