The Fellows Program

Applicant Criteria:

• A woman entrepreneur who owns a majority stake in a qualifying business and manages it on a day-to-day basis
• 21 years or older as of application due date
• Proficient in English
• A legal resident of the United States

Business Criteria:

• For-profit, from any industry
• Early stage (one to five years of operations preferred)
• Generating revenues (minimum of $75,000 in the past 12-months)
• Formed under United States law and operating in the United States

Not Eligible for this Program:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Idea stage ventures
• Subsidiary businesses or franchisee

In accordance with the official rules, review committees will assess the submissions to determine up to 50 Fellows based on a variety of factors, including the following considerations:

• Personal Statement and Resume
• The Business Plan
• Social Responsibility
• Proposed Use of Education Grant

A group of 10 Fellows will be invited to participate in Pitch Day. Selection to pitch is at the discretion of the Tory Burch Foundation.

Up to 50 Fellows will receive:

• A five-day workshop series at the Tory Burch Offices
• One-year Fellowship with the Tory Burch Foundation
• $5,000 grant for business education
• A group of 10 Fellows will be invited to participate in Pitch Day. Selection is at the discretion of the Tory Burch Foundation.

Q: What is the Fellows Program?

A nation-wide application process will determine up to fifty (50) Tory Burch Foundation Fellows. Each Fellow will commit to a one-year fellowship which includes:

• • A $5,000 grant to further their business education.
  • A five day trip to our Tory Burch campus, located in Jersey City, NJ that will include participation in a series of experiential learning workshops on entrepreneurship and leadership development led by notable experts.
  • The five-day trip will culminate with a Pitch Day event. Ten (10) select Fellows will be invited to present their businesses.
  • Access to education programs and networking opportunities.

Q: How can I apply to be a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow?

Apply here. Applications can only be submitted online no later than November 19, 2019 at 11:59:59 ET. If any section is skipped or incomplete the application will be invalid. Download our Help Guide for assistance with your application.

Q: Is there an application fee?

No.

Q: I don’t see the “Public Vote” from past years?

We no longer select finalists for a “Public Vote”. All fifty (50) Fellows selected will receive a brief profile on ToryBurchFoundation.org/Fellows.

Q: I don’t see the “$100,000 grant investment” opportunity from past years?

We no longer have a competition for the $100,000 grant investment. Instead, we believe that more than one entrepreneur should have access to potential investment opportunities. Select entrepreneurs participating in the Fellowship will have the opportunity to pitch at our official Pitch Day in May 2020. Funding is not guaranteed.

Q: What is “Pitch Day”?

Pitch Day will feature a pre-selected group of entrepreneurs from the Fellowship who will be invited to present their businesses.  

Q: How can I get an invitation to pitch on Pitch Day?

Invitations to pitch day are extended at the discretion of the Tory Burch Foundation.

Q: What happens after the Fellows pitch their business?

Investments or business opportunities are not guaranteed.

Q: Is the trip to Tory Burch campus paid for?

Yes, we will provide a round trip-economy ticket, meals, hotel accommodations and local travel, as needed.

Q: Can I use the $5,000 grant for a purpose other than education?

No, you must use the grant to further your business education; however, education-related expenses like text books are permitted.

Q: Can I use the $5,000 grant for a workshop or conference?

Yes.

Q: What if I don’t have a business plan?

You must have a business plan to apply. If you do not have a business plan, use our business plan builder, but please make sure to include answers to all the questions in the Business Plan section of the application.

Q: What if I have a business plan, but have not launched my business?

You must already be in operation to apply. We focus on early-stage businesses – between one to five years in operation is preferred.

Q: What if I am a part-owner in a business?

You must own a majority stake in your business to qualify for the program.

Q: What if my partner is another woman entrepreneur and we own the business 50/50?

Clearly state this in your application in the Personal Statement essay.

Q: Can both my business partner, who is another woman entrepreneur, and I apply?

No, we only allow one entrepreneur per business to apply.

Q: If my company does not operate in the United States can I apply to be a Fellow?

No, your company must be registered and operated in the United States.

Q: Can I send the Foundation samples of my product?

No, we will not accept products for consideration with the application. However, we encourage you to photograph your product and send it as part of the application.

Q: I missed the deadline, will you hold another competition?

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of the next application period.

Q: Can you give me feedback as to why I wasn’t selected?

We are unable to discuss applications before, during or after the application period.

Q: What other programs do you have?

Please visit our Capital and Education pages to learn more.

Q: I’m having technical problems submitting the application.

For technical support, please click here.

2020 TORY BURCH FOUNDATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions apply for the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program (the “Program”) conducted by the Tory Burch Foundation, Inc. (the “Organizer”).

ENTRY PERIOD

The Program entry period commences on September 17, 2019 at 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time and ends on November 19, 2019, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time (the “Entry Period”).

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, log on to www.toryburchfoundation.org (the “Program Site”) during the Entry Period and click on Program banners, buttons and/or links to access the online application form for the Program (the “Application”). Applications will be accepted by online entry only. No other method of entry will be accepted. All entries must be received by the end of the Entry Period to be valid. Limit one (1) entry per person/e-mail address/business.

Applicants complete, submit, and upload their Application, including a photo and video, as applicable, as directed on the Program Site during the Entry Period. Applicants must fully complete and submit all data requested in the Application in order to be eligible. Photos must be in one of the following formats: .jpg, .gif or .png. Files that exceed two megabytes (2MB) in total file size will not be accepted. Videos must be no more than two (2) minutes in length. All entries must include a valid e-mail address for the applicant. Applicants must acknowledge their agreement to these Terms and Conditions by clicking in the relevant box to acknowledge such agreement. Applicants are solely responsible for Internet connectivity, software and/or hardware that may be required in order to create and/or submit their Application, including, if applicable, any photo or video. Applications, including photos or videos, that do not comply with these Terms and Conditions and/or are incomplete or inaccurate will be void, eliminated and not eligible for consideration.

By submitting an Application, the applicant represents that the materials submitted are original and have been created by the applicant and/or that all necessary rights have been secured and disclosed in the event they were developed by others.

ELIGIBILITY

The Program is open only to women entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

• Must own a majority stake in a “Qualifying Business” (defined below);
• Must manage the Qualifying Business on a day-to-day basis;
• Must be 21 years or older as of the Application due date, November 19, 2019.
• Must have generated a minimum of $75,000 in revenue in past 12-months
• Must be proficient in English; and
• Must be a legal resident of the United States.

A “Qualifying Business” is defined as a for–profit business, from any industry, in early stage growth (one to five years of operations preferred), generating minimum revenues of $75,000 per year, and which is formed under United States law and operating in the United States. Examples of non-qualifying businesses include: non-profit organizations, idea stage ventures, and subsidiary businesses.

Employees of Organizer, Tory Burch LLC, Tory Burch LLC’s affiliate entities, and/or their respective vendors, and members of their respective households and immediate families (spouses, parents, siblings, children, and each of their respective spouses) are not eligible for the Program.

PRIVACY

Applications become the sole property of Organizer. Except where prohibited by law, your participation in the Program constitutes your consent to Organizer’s use of your name, likeness, and other entry information from your Application, other than your business plan, for any purpose in any media without further payment or consideration.

When you enter the Program, you may be asked to consent to receive e-mails and other materials from Organizer. Consenting to receive such materials is optional and does not have to be agreed to in order to be eligible to enter the Program and does not improve your chances of being selected. In the event you do, such consent is subject to the Privacy Policy of Organizer, available at www.toryburchfoundation.org.

HOW FELLOWS ARE DETERMINED

Round 1: Eligible Applications will be reviewed by members of a committee consisting of employees of Organizer, Tory Burch LLC, and/or their affiliate entities (collectively, the “Program Entities”). Up to fifty (50) fellows (“Fellows”) will be selected from among all eligible applicants based on the following criteria:

 

• Personal Statement and Resume
• The Business Plan
• Proposed Use of Education Grant

We will take into consideration multiple factors including how your business creates positive and lasting impact, what unique factors differentiate your business, what problems you are trying to solve for, how your business reflects your passion, the substance and quality of your business plan, what obstacles you have overcome, and your investment opportunities.

If selected as a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, you will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone around early-April 2020. Required profiles and photographs of all Fellows will be posted on the Program Site for purposes of public announcement and promotion, and entry into the Program constitutes consent to such use.

The review committees may also consider other criteria, such as, for example, creating an overall diverse pool of Fellows with respect to business industry, stage of growth, geography, etc.

Participation on Pitch Day – Not all Fellows will participate in Pitch Day. A small group of Fellows will be invited to participate in Pitch Day. This group will be determined by an investment committee consisting of employees of Organizer, Tory Burch LLC, and/or their affiliate entities (collectively, the “Program Entities”)

Fellows invited to pitch will be contacted shortly following the announcement of all fifty Fellows.

All decisions of Organizer and the review committees with respect to Fellows, and all other matters pertaining to the Program are final and binding and cannot be appealed or challenged. Fellows may be subject to a criminal background check to confirm eligibility and to help ensure that the awarding of a fellowship to such person will not bring Organizer into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule or reflect unfavorably on the Program as determined by Organizer in its sole discretion. By entering the Program, applicants consent and agree to such background check and to sign a consent/release for same if requested to do so by Organizer. Potential Fellows will be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility/Release of Liability and a Fellowship and Grant Agreement and return same, properly executed, within five (5) days of receipt of same. If Organizer is unable to contact the potential Fellow within two (2) days from first notification attempt, if the potential Fellow fails to complete and return all requested forms by the specified date, or if the potential Fellow fails to comply with any of the requirements in these Terms and Conditions, the Fellowship (see below) will be forfeited and an alternate potential Fellow will be selected based on the criteria set forth above.

 FELLOWSHIP

Each Fellow will receive a fellowship with the Tory Burch Foundation (a “Fellowship”) consisting of the following:

• Workshop: The workshop will be a five-day experiential series of modules related to entrepreneurship and leadership development, and will be held at the Tory Burch LLC office located in Jersey City, NJ (the “Workshop”). By entering the Program, applicants agree that, if selected as a Fellow, they will be active participants in the Workshop and other Programing. In connection with the Workshop, Fellows will receive: (i) ground transportation or round-trip coach class airfare for Fellow to the New York Metro area from the major U.S. airport nearest Fellows’ residence within the United States; (ii) up to four (5) days/four (4) nights hotel accommodations; (iii) three (3) meals per day; and (iv) local transportation.
• Networking opportunities: During the course of the Fellowship, Fellows will be presented with opportunities within the Tory Burch Foundation community. The Fellowship brings together a group of high-potential women entrepreneurs to share and learn from each other both during the Workshop, and also throughout the year and beyond through our online community.

 

• Educational Grant: A $5,000 education grant to be used to further the Fellow’s business education (the “Education Grant”). By entering the Program, applicants agree that, if selected as a Fellow, they will use the Education Grant solely for the furtherance of business education, which shall include direct and indirect education educational expenses (e.g., school tuition, educational conference fees and expenses, text books, etc.) as determined and approved by Organizer in its sole discretion. Subject to the terms of a Fellowship and Grant Agreement, the Education Grant may be paid by Organizer in installments based on certain pre-defined milestones, and may expire after a pre-determined period of time in the event it is not used.
• Pitch Day: An opportunity to potentially pitch the Fellow’s business to industry influencers on (“Pitch Day”), which will take place on the last day of the Workshop. By entering the Program, applicants agree that, if selected as a Fellow and invited to participate in Pitch Day, the Fellow will promptly accept or decline within 5 business days of being notified of selection. Pitch Day is a by-invitation only, open event. Hosts and guests of the event may consist of investors, industry experts, potential mentors, Tory Burch staff members, and peer Fellows. Neither the Organizer nor any potential investor, influencer, or other guest is obligated to facilitate investment, business or other opportunities for the Fellow as a result of Pitch Day.

The Fellowship, including the Education Grant shall be subject to the terms and conditions of a Fellowship and Grant Agreement (the “Agreements”). By entering the Program, applicants agree that they will enter into the Agreements, and receipt of the Educational Grant is conditional on execution of the Agreements.

The specifics of all aforementioned elements of the Fellowship shall be solely determined by Organizer. All costs, taxes, fees, and expenses associated with any element of the Fellowship are the sole responsibility of the Fellows. All federal, state and local taxes on the Fellowship, including the Education Grant, are the Fellow’s sole and exclusive responsibility. Fellows may be issued a 1099 tax form for the actual value of the Fellowship, including the Education Grant. If any Fellow is unable to fulfill any portion of the Fellowship, Fellow forfeits the Fellowship in its entirety and an alternate Fellow may be selected.

For the five-day Workshop, Organizer will determine airline, flight itinerary and hotel and accommodations in its sole discretion. If in the judgment of Organizer air travel is not required due to Fellow’s proximity to destination, ground transportation will be substituted for round-trip air travel at Organizer’s sole and absolute discretion. The difference in value will not be awarded to the Fellow. No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any flight. Travel and accommodations are subject to availability. Travel is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Program, and those set forth by the Organizer’s airline carrier of choice as detailed in the passenger ticket contract. All travel dates will be determined by the Organizer, and once made may not be altered except by Organizer. Some restrictions may apply. Meals not described above, incidentals, tips, telephone calls, or any other personal expenses incurred during the trip are the responsibility of the Fellow. All other expenses not specifically identified as included in the Fellowship are the sole responsibility of the Fellow. Fellow is responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) at their option and hereby acknowledge that the Organizer has not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance.  Fellow is solely responsible for obtaining any identification documents necessary for domestic travel.

Any advice obtained in connection with the Programing, including during the Workshop or otherwise from Organizer or the Program Entities, is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing business, accounting, or legal advice. Opinions expressed by mentors or other presenters are the opinions of the individuals and may not reflect the opinions of Organizer.

The Fellowship is non-transferable and non-assignable. No cash or other prize substitution permitted except at Organizer’s discretion. If no Applications meet the minimum eligibility criteria, some or all of the Fellowships may not be awarded.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

Program Entities, their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent, advertising and promotion agencies, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, and any and all Internet servers and access provider(s) are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human error; technical malfunctions; failures, omission, interruption, deletion, or defect of any telephone network, computer online systems, computer equipment, server providers, or software, including any injury or damage to your or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Program; inability to access Organizer’s website; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries; transactions that are processed late or incorrectly or are incomplete or lost due to computer or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site; printing or human or other errors; and any Applications which are late, lost, incomplete, misdirected, stolen, or any combination thereof. Online submission is not considered proof of delivery or receipt. All Applications become the property of Organizer and will not be returned.

By entering, you agree to release, discharge, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Program Entities, and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, their respective representatives and agents, advertising and promotion agencies, promotion partners and prize suppliers, and all of their respective affiliated companies, employees, officers, directors and shareholders, from and against all claims and damages or liability arising in connection with your participation and/or entry in the Program and/or their receipt or use of the Fellowship, awarded in this Program or due to any injuries, damages or losses to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the Fellowship or participation in any Fellowship-related activity or participation in this Program.

You further understand and agree that all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California (“Section 1542”) and any similar law of any state or territory of the United States that may be applicable with respect to the foregoing release are hereby expressly and forever waived.  You acknowledge that Section 1542 provides that: “A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”  The releases hereunder are intended to apply to all claims not known or suspected to exist with the intent of waiving the effect of laws requiring the intent to release future unknown claims.

CONFIDENTIALITY 

By submitting an Application and participating in the Program, applicant acknowledges and agrees that if applicant is selected as a Finalist or a Fellow, applicant will not disclose to any person or third party the fact that applicant was selected until notified by Organizer that such disclosure is permitted.

Applicant shall not publicize to any person or third party any proposed or existing business relationship with any of the Program Entities without prior written approval of such Program Entities, which such authorization may be terminated at the sole discretion of the Program Entities at any time. Without limiting the foregoing, Applicant shall not use the name “Tory Burch Foundation,” “Tory Burch,” or any other trademarks or logos of the Program Entities without prior written approval of such Program Entities, which such authorization may be terminated at the sole discretion of the Program Entities at any time.

Organizer will coordinate all press announcements regarding the Program and will provide applicant with as much advance notice of such announcements as possible. Organizer may refuse any media opportunity in its sole discretion. Applicant agrees not to make any public announcement or promote or publish any information regarding the Program, including but not limited to sharing or otherwise disclosing any written information, photographs, or images associate with the Program, in any media, including all social media platforms, without prior written approval of Organizer, which such authorization may be terminated at the sole discretion of Organizer at any time.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By participating in the Program, each applicant (a) accepts and agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, including all eligibility requirements, Organizer’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and (b) gives express permission to be contacted by Organizer’s representatives for Program administration purposes. Except where prohibited by law, each applicant’s entry into the Program constitutes permission for the Program Entities to use said applicant’s name, voice, statements, photograph, image, likeness, and/or biographical information, or any other information contained in the Application in whole or in part, including applicant’s business name and logo, on a worldwide basis, in all forms of media or format whether now known or hereafter created, in perpetuity, for promotional, commercial, or any other purpose, without further compensation or consideration.

All applicable federal, state, territory, provincial and local laws and regulations apply. In the event that the Program is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority, Organizer reserves the right to discontinue or modify the Program, or to disqualify applicants residing in the affected geographic areas. In such event, the Program Entities shall have no liability to any applicants who are disqualified due to such an action. Failure by Organizer to enforce any term of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any applicant that in its sole judgment violates the letter or the spirit of the Program. All decisions regarding the Program’s Terms and Conditions, procedures, and processes are at the sole discretion of Organizer. By submitting an Application, applicants agree not to seek any financial damages from the Program Entities for any claim, dispute or cause of action in connection with or arising out of or the Program. If the Program is not capable of running as planned for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, cancellation of games, or any other causes which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Program, Organizer reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Program. Organizer may disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and, if terminated, to determine the Fellows, if any, from among all eligible, non-suspect Applications submitted up to the point of termination.

ORGANIZER

The Tory Burch Foundation, Inc., 11 West 19^th Street, New York, NY 10011.