Terms & Conditions

By submitting your application for the Girls Trip Society $10K Business Grant Pitch Competition and paying the $30 non-refundable administrative fee, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms. This program is administered by DWJ & Co. and Cooks Accounting Solutions LLC (collectively, the “Organizers”).



Eligibility
   •    Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
   •    Applications may be submitted on behalf of either for-profit or nonprofit businesses that are legally formed and in good standing. Proof of business formation (such as an EIN or formation certificate) may be required.
   •    Applicants and their businesses must be in good standing with the State of Texas (or their state of formation, if located outside Texas).
   •    Applicants must also be in compliance with all federal tax obligations. Proof of good standing or tax compliance may be requested as part of the eligibility review process.
   •    Applicants must disclose any active bankruptcies, tax liens, outstanding judgments, or other significant legal or financial obligations that could materially impact their ability to use grant funds as proposed.
   •    Only one application per individual or business will be accepted. Multiple entries may result in disqualification.
   •    This grant is open only to businesses legally formed and operating within the United States.



Eligibility Restrictions

To ensure fairness and transparency, the following individuals and entities are not eligible to apply for or receive this grant:
   •    Employees, officers, or contractors of DWJ & Co. or Cooks Accounting Solutions LLC.
   •    Immediate family members of employees, officers, or contractors. For this grant, “immediate family” includes spouses, domestic partners, parents, legal guardians, children (biological, adopted, step, or foster), siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, and anyone residing in the same household.
   •    Businesses or organizations owned, operated, or significantly controlled by any of the above individuals.



Administrative Fee
   •    A $30 administrative fee is required with each application.
   •    This fee helps cover the cost of managing the grant program, including processing applications, maintaining communication with applicants, and coordinating the judging panel.
   •    The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the application is incomplete, ineligible, or not selected.



Application Requirements
   •    Applicants must provide accurate and truthful information, including contact details, business name and structure, a business pitch or plan explaining how grant funds would be used, and links to relevant websites or social media.
   •    Incomplete, misleading, fraudulent, or non-compliant submissions may be disqualified at the Organizers’ sole discretion.



Selection Process
   •    Applications will be reviewed by the Organizers and an appointed panel of judges.
   •    Winners will be selected based on innovation, clarity of mission, potential for impact, and planned use of the grant.
   •    One applicant will receive a $10,000 USD business grant, which must be used to support and grow their business.
   •    All decisions of the judging panel are final and not subject to appeal.



Use of Grant Funds and Compliance
   •    Grant funds must be used for business development purposes such as marketing, operations, staffing, product development, or expansion. Funds may not be used to pay off personal debts or expenses unrelated to the business.
   •    Grant recipients are solely responsible for how the funds are used and for complying with all applicable laws.
   •    The Organizers are not responsible for any taxes, reporting, or compliance obligations related to receiving grant funds. Recipients must determine and satisfy all federal, state, and local tax liabilities.



Verification of Funds Use
   •    The Organizers reserve the right to request receipts, reports, or other documentation showing how grant funds were used.
   •    Failure to provide requested documentation may result in disqualification, forfeiture of funds, or legal action if fraud is determined.



Forfeiture Clause
   •    If a winner is found to have submitted false information, fails to comply with these Terms & Conditions, or does not respond to Organizers’ communication within 14 days, the grant may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate applicant.



Rights & Permissions
   •    By applying, applicants grant the Organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use their name, business name, likeness, submitted materials (excluding confidential financials), and story for judging, reporting, and promotional purposes if selected as a finalist or winner.
   •    The Organizers reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the grant program at any time due to funding limitations, fraud, technical issues, or legal/regulatory changes.



Liability Waiver
   •    By applying, applicants release and hold harmless DWJ & Co., Cooks Accounting Solutions LLC, their officers, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of participation in the program, the judging process, or the use of funds.

Privacy
   •    Applicant data will only be used to process applications, communicate updates, and promote finalists or winners.
   •    Data may be shared with secure payment processors, the judging panel, or legal/compliance partners as required by law.
   •    All data is stored securely, and payment information is processed by PCI-compliant providers.
   •    Applicant data may be retained for up to 24 months to verify eligibility and measure program impact. You may request deletion by emailing hello@girlstripsociety.com.
   •    The Organizers do not sell applicant data.



Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

By applying for this grant, applicants agree that any disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to the program, these Terms & Conditions, or the award of grant funds shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration.
   •    Arbitration shall be conducted in Dallas County, Texas, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
   •    Each party will bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees, unless otherwise required by law.
   •    The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
   •    By applying, applicants waive the right to participate in a lawsuit, jury trial, or class action related to this grant program.