Small Grants Program
he St. Louis Chapter of Les Dames d’ Escoffier proudly announces our Small Grants Program. $750 grants will be awarded to assist women in furthering their careers or small business in the fields of food, beverage, hospitality, agriculture, nutrition and related fields. Examples of qualified grants include reimbursement for professional development or continuing education classes, conference fees offered in related industries, training seminars, certification classes such as ServSafe, or for equipment or supplies needed to advance a business.
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A female resident of the St. Louis area
Actively pursuing a career or operating a business in the fields of food, beverage, hospitality, agriculture, nutrition and related fields
Agree to attend, if possible, an LDEI-STL Awards Event as our guest to be introduced to our membership and provide a brief report of the result of the grant
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Submit the on-line application form which includes contact information
Submit a needs statement
Describe your organization, business or career path
Submit one business reference letter and one personal reference letter
Grants will be awarded on a ‘first come, first served’ basis as applications are received. The Les Dames committee will review all completed applications submitted on our website and respond within 30 days.
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Les Dames d’Escoffier International is an organization of women leaders who are dedicated to provide a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, hospitality and agriculture professions. To do this, more than 2300 members in 40 chapters worldwide provide leadership, education, scholarships and enrichment opportunities in our communities.
Criteria
Previous Recipients
Zohra Zaimi
2024 GRANT RECIPIENT
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Zohra Zaimi is an entrepreneur who created her catering and baking business in 2022. She is originally from Morocco and moved to the United States in 2016. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Law and International Relations, a Diploma in Programming, and has worked as a cook’s assistant. She participated in the Winter Artisan Markets and will be a part of the Boulevard Market 2025 season. One of her specialties is coconut macaroons. Our $500 grant will be used to purchase a countertop display refrigerator for upcoming events. Zohra’s dream is to open a mobile shop where she can serve Moroccan cuisine.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Mawda Altayan
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Damascus Food LLC is a small catering business operated by Mawda Altayan who came to the United States with her family from Syria. She was “the mind behind the Unhoused Meals Program at Welcome Neighbor STL.” The Dames have been the recipients of Mawda’s traditional Syrian cuisine several times. The $500 grant will enable Mawda to purchase commercial kitchen equipment such as an electric mixer or food processor. She hopes to grow her business and enhance her marketing efforts.
2025 GRANT RECIPIENT
Michelle Rogers
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Michelle Rogers began baking at home and turned that simple pass-time into a passion. In 2020, she decided to turn her enthusiasm for baking into an in-home bakery. She believes that “every cookie should not only taste delicious, but also tell a story.
Her business is built on creativity, quality, and connection. The $500 grant will be used to expand her presence at farmers markets, offer custom order options, and build an on-line platform where customers can browse designs and place orders conveniently.
Maria De Las Rosas Barragan Arias
2025 GRANT RECIPIENT
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Pan Pa’Ti Bakery is a Venezuelan artisan bakery specializing in baked goods made without additives using traditional recipes and methods. Maria De Las Rosas Barragan Arias’ goal is to expand production, provide a full cultural experience, and create local job opportunities. The $500 grant will be used to invest in digital marketing and advertising. This support will allow her business to increase visibility, reach more local customers, and build lasting brand awareness.