The Lillie Knox Investment Award is a cash prize of up to $10,000 in 2026, exclusively available to WBCS Women's Business Enterprises, to help further business growth. Current members, in good standing, are welcome to apply annually for consideration.

Submission Deadline
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Application Process and Timeline
September 21 - October 4 ... Applications open
October 19 ... Top 10 selected and all applicants informed of status via email
October 30, morning ... Top 10 provide 2 minute pitch, live to judges only at our Harvesting Partnerships event in Hurst, TX
October 30, afternoon ... Recipients announced live to full audience at our Harvesting Partnerships event in Hurst, TX

Additional Considerations

• The application must be completed by the owner of the certified business.

• Applicant must be a current WBCS WBE in good standing. (Your length of membership does not matter.)

• If selected for the top 10, you agree to attend our Harvesting Partnerships event at the general admission rate of $100 on Friday, October 30 at Hurst Conference Center in Hurst, TX.

• WBEs who have received a Lillie Knox Award in the past are ineligible to submit an application for a period of two (2) years following receipt of the award.

• A selection committee will determine the recipient(s) and denomination of award(s). Recipients will be announced at the Harvesting Partnerships event, which will take place in Hurst, TX on Friday, October 30, 2026.

• Recipient(s) must agree that information from the application is available for use by WBCS in the presentation or publicity of the award.

• For a list of FAQs about the Lillie Knox Investment Award, go here.

• Suggestions to increase the strength of your application:
1) Ask for funding for a one-time expense with a long-term impact that will increase your company's competitive advantage, rather than something on-going like salary, rent, or education costs.
2) Demonstrate with quantitative data how funding your request will lead to business growth.
3) Provide context for your request clearly and concisely, assuming the reader isn't aware of what's going on in your business or marketplace.
4) Identify how you'll collaborate with fellow WBEs - either by hiring or partnering with them - as a result of the cash award.


If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Garner, Senior Director of Programs, at egarner@wbcsouthwest.org or (817) 299-0566.