MN LDEI $500.00-$1000.00 Microgrants for Women in Food, Beverage and Hospitality

2026 Applications Accepted: January 15-April 1, 2026

These one-time microgrants aim to provide support to women in food, beverage and hospitality fields including small business owners, food service employees and those interested in the field. We understand that small amounts of money provided at the right time can have a large impact. Microgrants can include but are not limited to:

• Business promotion (website, promotional events, social media)
• Equipment purchases
• Short-term classes including certification courses
• Industry conference fees
• Business expansion
• Professional development

Microgrants are competitively awarded by a committee assessing the applicant’s career goals, leadership qualities and perceived need. The amount of each grant may vary depending on the specific amount requested and the funds available.

Invoices and/or receipts must be submitted to Mnlesdames@gmail.com no later than September 15, 2026 to receive your reimbursement.

For further information please email us at mnlesdames@gmail.com.

Minnesota LDEI Scholarships

2026 Applications Accepted: January 15 – May 1, 2026

The Minnesota chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has provided Minnesota women with scholarships in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality for over 20 years. During that time, we have given over $63,000 in scholarships.

Our scholarships are given to qualified women applicants pursuing full-time or part-time academic coursework in the fields of culinary arts, hospitality, beverage, food science, nutrition, agriculture and/or related areas of study. The amount of each scholarship given is a minimum of $2,000 and can be more, based on need. Applicants are judged on their career and academic goals and performance, leadership qualities, financial need and community service.

The following criteria must be met by women applying for this scholarship:

• Applicants must be residents of the State of Minnesota
• Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited post-secondary program in the United States
• Applicants must submit the completed application along with the required Essay, Resume, Transcript and Two Letters of Recommendation

Click here to meet our past Scholarship Recipients

For further information please email us at mnlesdames@gmail.com.