Is this a nonprofit? No. The Crystal Hughes Micro-Grant is an independently administered professional development grant program. It is not currently a registered nonprofit.
Is there a fee to apply? Yes. There is a $15 application fee. This fee supports program administration and helps fund the micro-grant pool. Payment of the fee does not guarantee selection.
Does everyone who applies receive funding? No. This is a competitive grant program. One recipient is selected each quarter based on readiness, impact, and overall application strength.
How often are grants awarded? Grants are awarded quarterly.
How much funding is awarded? Selected recipients may receive up to $1,000, depending on need and proposed use of funds.
What can the grant funds be used for? Funds may be used for approved professional and business-development expenses, including: • Marketing and branding • Education and training • Professional tools and resources • Industry-related materials
All use of funds must align with the purpose stated in the application.
How are recipients selected? Recipients are selected based on: • Clarity of goals • Readiness to use funds effectively • Potential impact on professional growth • Overall strength of the application
When will applicants be notified? Selected recipients will be notified directly after the quarterly review period. Not all applicants will be contacted.
Can I apply again if I’m not selected? Yes. Applicants may reapply in future grant cycles.
Is this program affiliated with any schools or brands? At this time, the program is independently run. Partnerships may be added in the future.
Are application fees refundable? No. Application fees are non-refundable.
How do I apply? Click the Apply Now button and complete the online application form.
Who This Is For? ✔ Beauty students
✔ Newly licensed stylists
✔ Independent beauty professionals
✔ Entrepreneurs building a beauty brand
✔ Creatives investing in professional development
If you’re serious about your future in the beauty industry, this program was created for you.
- Why This Grant Exists Talent alone isn’t enough. Access, visibility, and resources matter.
This micro-grant was created to support beauty professionals at critical moments—when a small amount of funding can create real momentum.
- Who Should Apply? Business & Entrepreneurship • Funding & Finance • Branding & Marketing • Real Estate & Development • Beauty & Creative Businesses • E-commerce & Digital Business
If you are building, teaching, or leading in any of these areas, we want to hear from you.
What is a Crystal Hughes school visit? A school visit is a speaking engagement where Crystal Hughes talks with students about entrepreneurship, the beauty and business industries, real-world do’s and don’ts, and introduces the Crystal Hughes Micro-Grant Program and CROWN Summit.
Who can request a school visit? Beauty schools, barber schools, high schools, colleges, vocational programs, and community organizations can request a visit.
What topics are covered? Topics include building a business, avoiding common mistakes, branding, ownership, funding opportunities, and how students can apply for the Micro-Grant.
Is there a fee to book a school visit? Some visits are paid speaking engagements. Details and budgets can be discussed after you submit the request form.
How long is a typical visit? Most visits range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the format and the school’s needs.
How do we request a visit? Simply complete the School Visit Request Form on this website. Our team will review your request and follow up.
What is the CROWN Summit panel? The CROWN Summit panel is part of the annual business and grant awards event where selected entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders share insights and experience with attendees.
Who can apply to be a panelist? Entrepreneurs, beauty professionals, business owners, educators, and industry leaders can apply.
Is there a fee to participate as a panelist? Yes. Panelist participation packages help support event production and the Crystal Hughes Micro-Grant Program. Package details are listed on the panelist page.
Does paying guarantee a spot on the panel? No. All panelists must be approved. Submitting an application or purchasing a package does not guarantee selection.
What do panelists receive? Panelists receive stage time, visibility, promotion, networking opportunities, and inclusion in event content based on their selected package.
How do I apply to be a panelist? Complete the Panelist Application Form on this website. Our team will review applications and follow up with selected participants.