In an exciting collaboration, Poker Power and IFundWomen (IFW) have announced the largest small business grant in IFW’s history — the “Power Play” Grant, designed to help women entrepreneurs go all-in on their business dreams.
With $100,000 in funding, strategic coaching, mentorship from industry leaders, and even poker training designed to sharpen business instincts, this initiative blends empowerment, skill-building, and opportunity like never before. For women ready to raise the stakes on their entrepreneurial journey, this is more than just a grant — it’s a movement.
The Grand Prize: Funding, Mentorship, and Strategic Skills
Ten finalists from across the United States will head to New York City on November 18, 2025, for an unforgettable pitch competition. There, they’ll compete for the grand prize, which includes:
-
♣️ $100,000 grant to invest directly in their business.
-
❤️ 6 months of IFundWomen Coaching for long-term business growth.
-
♠️ 4 mentorship sessions with Poker Power founder Jenny Just and her professional network.
-
♦️ 4-week online poker class to teach strategy, negotiation, and risk assessment skills.
This unique combination of funding, mentorship, and skill development makes the Power Play Grant one of the most holistic entrepreneurial support programs available today.
Why Poker and Business Go Hand in Hand
At first glance, poker might seem far removed from entrepreneurship. But Poker Power’s philosophy flips that notion on its head. The organization was founded on a simple but transformative idea — that the skills required to win at poker are the same skills that drive success in leadership and business.
As Erin Lydon, President of Poker Power, explained in a recent Forbes feature, "Poker Power is all about teaching women to make bold decisions, manage risk with confidence, and play to win — not just at the table, but in life and business."
The essential qualities taught at the poker table, which are vital for a company leader, include:
-
Strategic thinking and risk management
-
Reading emotions and negotiation tactics
-
Confidence in high-pressure decisions
-
Resilience after setbacks
"The poker table is a meritocracy," Lydon notes. "It rewards strategy, patience, and courage — qualities that every great entrepreneur needs."
A Movement Backed by IFundWomen
This collaboration marks a milestone partnership with IFundWomen, the leading funding marketplace for women-owned businesses. Since its inception, IFundWomen has connected thousands of women founders with millions in grants, coaching, and community support, aiming to close the funding gap for women who still receive less than of venture capital funding globally.
Through this initiative, IFW and Poker Power aim to provide not just financial capital, but also social and educational capital—the kind that builds confidence, competence, and a powerful network of female founders helping each other rise.
Poker Power's innovative approach to empowerment has also evolved into a B2B professional development platform, teaching poker-inspired leadership skills to teams at companies like Google, Morgan Stanley, and PepsiCo. They remain committed to individuals, offering free virtual poker lessons and an app for women and girls to develop these transformative skills.
How to Apply for the Power Play Grant
Applications for the Poker Power x IFundWomen Power Play Grant are now open. The process is straightforward:
-
Apply via the official IFundWomen platform.
-
Share your business story, mission, and goals.
-
Explain how the grant funding will help you scale your venture.
-
Be ready to showcase your leadership and innovation if selected as a finalist.
Ten finalists will be invited to New York City on November 18, 2025, for the live final round — an exciting opportunity to pitch in front of judges, media, and potential investors.
Apply now: https://www.pokerpower.com/blog/poker-empowers-women-and-girls-by-building-confidence-and-teaching-essential-leadership-skills
The Broader Impact: Changing the Funding Game
The Power Play Grant arrives at a critical time, as access to capital remains a persistent barrier for women-led startups. By blending the worlds of gaming, finance, and leadership, Poker Power and IFundWomen are not just offering a grant — they’re changing the narrative.
The initiative sends a clear message: confidence is capital.
The Poker Power x IFundWomen Power Play Grant isn’t just about money — it’s about momentum. It’s about giving women the tools, mentorship, and mindset to scale their businesses and own their success story.
If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, don’t fold — apply now and play your strongest hand yet.
In an exciting collaboration, Poker Power and IFundWomen (IFW) have announced the largest small business grant in IFW’s history — the “Power Play” Grant, designed to help women entrepreneurs go all-in on their business dreams.
With $100,000 in funding, strategic coaching, mentorship from industry leaders, and even poker training designed to sharpen business instincts, this initiative blends empowerment, skill-building, and opportunity like never before. For women ready to raise the stakes on their entrepreneurial journey, this is more than just a grant — it’s a movement.
The Grand Prize: Funding, Mentorship, and Strategic Skills
Ten finalists from across the United States will head to New York City on November 18, 2025, for an unforgettable pitch competition. There, they’ll compete for the grand prize, which includes:
-
♣️ $100,000 grant to invest directly in their business.
-
❤️ 6 months of IFundWomen Coaching for long-term business growth.
-
♠️ 4 mentorship sessions with Poker Power founder Jenny Just and her professional network.
-
♦️ 4-week online poker class to teach strategy, negotiation, and risk assessment skills.
This unique combination of funding, mentorship, and skill development makes the Power Play Grant one of the most holistic entrepreneurial support programs available today.
Why Poker and Business Go Hand in Hand
At first glance, poker might seem far removed from entrepreneurship. But Poker Power’s philosophy flips that notion on its head. The organization was founded on a simple but transformative idea — that the skills required to win at poker are the same skills that drive success in leadership and business.
As Erin Lydon, President of Poker Power, explained in a recent Forbes feature, "Poker Power is all about teaching women to make bold decisions, manage risk with confidence, and play to win — not just at the table, but in life and business."
The essential qualities taught at the poker table, which are vital for a company leader, include:
-
Strategic thinking and risk management
-
Reading emotions and negotiation tactics
-
Confidence in high-pressure decisions
-
Resilience after setbacks
"The poker table is a meritocracy," Lydon notes. "It rewards strategy, patience, and courage — qualities that every great entrepreneur needs."
A Movement Backed by IFundWomen
This collaboration marks a milestone partnership with IFundWomen, the leading funding marketplace for women-owned businesses. Since its inception, IFundWomen has connected thousands of women founders with millions in grants, coaching, and community support, aiming to close the funding gap for women who still receive less than of venture capital funding globally.
Through this initiative, IFW and Poker Power aim to provide not just financial capital, but also social and educational capital—the kind that builds confidence, competence, and a powerful network of female founders helping each other rise.
Poker Power's innovative approach to empowerment has also evolved into a B2B professional development platform, teaching poker-inspired leadership skills to teams at companies like Google, Morgan Stanley, and PepsiCo. They remain committed to individuals, offering free virtual poker lessons and an app for women and girls to develop these transformative skills.
How to Apply for the Power Play Grant
Applications for the Poker Power x IFundWomen Power Play Grant are now open. The process is straightforward:
-
Apply via the official IFundWomen platform.
-
Share your business story, mission, and goals.
-
Explain how the grant funding will help you scale your venture.
-
Be ready to showcase your leadership and innovation if selected as a finalist.
Ten finalists will be invited to New York City on November 18, 2025, for the live final round — an exciting opportunity to pitch in front of judges, media, and potential investors.
Apply now: https://www.pokerpower.com/blog/poker-empowers-women-and-girls-by-building-confidence-and-teaching-essential-leadership-skills
The Broader Impact: Changing the Funding Game
The Power Play Grant arrives at a critical time, as access to capital remains a persistent barrier for women-led startups. By blending the worlds of gaming, finance, and leadership, Poker Power and IFundWomen are not just offering a grant — they’re changing the narrative.
The initiative sends a clear message: confidence is capital.
The Poker Power x IFundWomen Power Play Grant isn’t just about money — it’s about momentum. It’s about giving women the tools, mentorship, and mindset to scale their businesses and own their success story.
If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, don’t fold — apply now and play your strongest hand yet.