October 2025: The October Playbook—Events, Grants & Your Next Move
October isn’t just spooky season… It's strategy season. This month, we’re giving you the ultimate playbook to finish the year strong: can’t-miss events (including one IRL in Austin, TX next week!), fresh grant opportunities, and a bold challenge to make your next money move. Let’s turn that Q4 pressure into momentum.
In this edition:
Upcoming in-person events that are sure to knock your socks off
Actionable tips on cash flow management
Useful advice from a Launcher with a growing lingerie brand
To your success,
The Ladies Who Launch team
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
Events marked with a computer emoji are virtual, and events marked with a handshake emoji are in-person. Not every event featured is produced by Ladies Who Launch.
🤝[OCTOBER 15, 2025] FUNDED & FEARLESS: AI-POWERED FUNDRAISING AND MARKETING FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Thanks to our amazing friends at Canva, we're bringing Funded & Fearless to Austin, TX! RSVP now for an incredible evening of connection with powerhouse women & non-binary founders, deeper education on the top AI tools used by small businesses, ideas & inspiration for finding your next source of funding, a whole lot of laughs, and much more.🤝 THE CANVA WORLD TOUR is bringing the tools to unlock imagination to everyone, everywhere. Join the movement and let learning take you to new places — whether you’re getting certified online through Design School, catching the Brandwagon in a town near you, or connecting with community at local events. Find an event near you at: https://www.canva.com/canva-world-tour
BONUS!
On November 20, OpenAI is planning to host a day-long, hands-on workshop where small business owners go from “0 to 1” in AI—learning the basics, building their first workflow, and getting support from OpenAI staff and free online tools. Limited in-person spots are available in San Francisco, New York, Houston, Detroit, and Miami, with a virtual option available for others. If you’re interested in this workshop, fill out this form, and we will connect you with the OpenAI team.
Find an event near you at: https://www.canva.com/canva-world-tour
🤑 GRANT DEADLINES (US-ONLY)
Ladies Who Launch maintains a free database of available grants for US-based businesses. If you are not based in the United States, please reach out to the funding organization directly to learn if your business qualifies.
[$3K] OUTTA EXCUSES GRANT
Apply by October 15th for a chance at $3,000 and 30 days of free strategic coaching to help you grow your business. Open to registered LLCs and 501(c)(3)s earning less than $500K annually. Entry fee: $15. DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2025[$1K] HUSTLER’S MICROGRANT
Apply by October 15 for a chance to win $1,000 to fuel your next big move. Open to small business owners across the U.S. Applications accepted monthly through HerSuiteSpot and WBLS. DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2025
BONUS!
APPLY TO PITCH FORUM VENTURES. This one is for the gals who are interested in going after venture investment. Investor Olivia O’Sullivan, Partner at Forum VC, is committed to backing 3 entrepreneurs in the month of October that she meets through her LinkedIn post, and in particular, is looking to back folks building in vertical SaaS or applied AI. The opportunity to get a VC check from a cold outreach is so rare! You’ve got nothing to lose by filling out the form.
🎧 HELPFUL LISTENS
CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT [18 min]
This episode breaks down why profit doesn’t always mean cash in the bank and how to forecast your cash flow so you never get caught short. Learn practical tips to tighten collections, manage expenses, and make smarter money moves that keep your business thriving year-round.MAXIMIZE YOUR Q4 MARKETING IMPACT [18 min]
Finish the year strong with Q4 strategies from Lindsay Pinchuk. From gratitude marketing and gift guides to flash sales and press pitching, this episode is packed with simple, high-impact ideas to boost visibility, drive conversions, and set your business up for a powerful start to the new year.
📚 INTERESTING READS
STORYTELLING VS TELLING STORIES
Storytelling makes great marketing, but telling stories can make your potential customers tune out. Understanding the difference between the two is key, and this Instagram Carousel explains it in a quick & effortless way.ENTREPRENEUR’S GUIDE: PROFIT VS. CASH FLOW
Continuing on our theme of cash flow management, this article breaks down the crucial difference between profit and cash flow, and why confusing the two can quietly sink your business. It offers clear, actionable tips on forecasting, managing receivables, and balancing growth so you stay profitable and liquid through every season.
🚀 OCTOBER CHALLENGE
This month, we’re challenging you to do one bold action that boosts your bottom line as we head into the holiday season. It could be:
Applying to a grant or pitch competition
Raising the price of one product or service
Following up on an unpaid invoice
Asking a client for a referral
Even one small move can create major cash flow momentum in the final few months of the year, so we invite you to go for it. Want extra accountability? Share it with us on IG using #lwlglobalchallenge. We’ll be cheering you on!
