Bay FC donates $25,000 to local women entrepreneurs as it reaches the Goals for Grants milestone powered by PNC

The two organizations will honor women entrepreneurs at Santa Clara University's local Demo Day this afternoon as part of the “B Empowered” platform

San Francisco (October 11, 2024) – Bay FC, the professional soccer franchise that represents the Bay Area in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), and founding partner PNC Bank today announced Bay FC's donation of $25,000 in grants to the Bronco Ventures Accelerator (BVA) at Santa Clara University, which benefits five women entrepreneurs who participate in the program. The donation comes from Bay FC's “Goals for Grants” Powered by PNC, in which the team committed to donating $1,000 – up to $25,000 – for every Bay FC goal scored this season. Goals for Grants is part of the B Empowered platform sponsored by PNC Bank to help Bay Area entrepreneurs achieve their personal and professional financial goals.

“PNC Bank is an important partner for us in providing financial empowerment programs for our players and community and gives Bay Area women who own or manage businesses the opportunity to further their dreams through the Goals for Grants program to pursue,” said Brady, CEO of Bay FC Stewart. “The B Empowered partnership with PNC continues to make a difference in our community by empowering women to achieve financial success and support them as leaders.”

The five grant funding recipients include Claire Venezia (E-POPS), Julia Benner (Missedfits), Madeline Eiken (Intero Biosystems), Megan Welsh (Dropsite), and Sonia Hoshmand (Smart Apply). Each entrepreneur receives $5,000 to continue funding and research for their business. Recipients will participate in Santa Clara University's upcoming BVA Demo Day today, Friday, October 11, sponsored by PNC Bank. Bay FC co-founders, U.S. Women's National Team legends and Santa Clara University graduates Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Aly Wagner , and Danielle Slaton will also be honored as Women Entrepreneurs of the Year during the BVA Demo Day celebration.

“It was a great honor to be a part of Bay FC’s inaugural season and witness the team’s remarkable success on and off the field,” said Megan Schoettmer, PNC Northern California regional president. “PNC is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of women by supporting their financial growth, and we are proud to support women entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change in companies and their communities through Goals for Grants .”

Designed to support women financial decision-makers, the B Empowered platform includes grants, thought leadership, financial literacy training and more. Bay FC and PNC Bank will continue to expand their offerings in the 2025-26 season and beyond.

Bay FC hosts its first home season at PayPal Park in San Jose and tickets are available now at bayfc.com. Fans can also follow @wearebayfc on social channels for more exciting announcements.

About Bay Football Club

Bay Football Club (Bay FC) is the professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area and the 14th team to join the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Founded in April 2023, Bay FC was co-founded by USWNT legends Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton and Aly Wagner in collaboration with global investment firm Sixth Street and an investor group of leading technology, business and sports executives. Sixth Street's investment is the largest institutional investment to date in a professional women's sports franchise. Bay FC is changing the face of women's football as we know it. As we begin the 2024 season, we are building a squad that will play the beautiful game with strength, passion, energy and creativity. Bay FC tickets are available now at https://bayfc.com and fans can follow Bay FC's social channels (@wearebayfc) for the latest news, merchandise and events.