5 tips when applying for scholarships with Katie Hunt

Welcome! If you're listening today that means you're likely interested in applying for our Paper Camp scholarship! Giving back is one of our core values here at Proof to Product and we give back through our time, knowledge as well as financial scholarships. Since 2011, we've awarded over $250,000+ in scholarship funds to creative entrepreneurs who sell physical products to the wholesale market.These brands had big dreams of seeing their products on the shelves of their favorite stores and they have obtained huge results. Our scholarship recipients sell products to Starbucks, REI, Land of Nod, Barnes & Noble, Anthropologie and more. They've built profitable, sustainable companies. They've built businesses that serve the life they want to lead. And, they are active contributors to our Proof to Product community. These scholarships are a big deal and we treat them that way. Last round we reviewed 89 scholarship applications and it took my husband and I three days to all the videos, read the applications, review website and ultimately whittle it down to one full tuition scholarship winner. It's never an easy choice, but we do put a lot of care into our selections. And, today I want to share 5 ways that you can stand out when submitting your Paper Camp application:

1. Tell us WHY and HOW Paper Camp will positively impact your wholesale business. Be specific. Are there certain strategies or tactics that you need help implementing? Be open to sharing what's working and what's not working your business. We've been where you are and if we know where you're struggling, we can identify whether we can help.
2. Your story is important. Why do you do you the work you do, what inspires you when you're creating and what are your goals for the business. You only have 2 minutes in your video to talk about your products, your business needs and where you want to go next. Use that time wisely and connect the dots about how Paper Camp will help you reach those goals. Please do not use this time to tell us about financial or personal difficulties you are facing or have faced. Talk about your dreams & aspirations for the business. Be specific in how Paper Camp can help.
3. If you listen to the Proof to Product podcast, if you've utilized our free resource library, if you're a member of LABS, if you're friends with Paper Camp alumni… tell us! Particularly if you've utilized our podcast and free resources to make positive changes in your business. Our scholarship recipients are proactive, they are resourceful, they understand the value of our community and the educational resources available through Proof to Product. They understand that business growth takes time and hard work… show us you've utilized alll the incredible free resources we share to take forward action in your business
4. We want our scholarship recipient to understand the value of what they are winning. Meaning, the value of the education, coaching and community they receive by attending Paper Camp far exceeds the price tag of our tuition. We expect our scholarship winner to show up, ask questions, participate in live calls, connect with other members of our community, to pay it forward in different ways and take advantage of everything Paper Camp has to offer. If you can not be an active participant in Paper Camp, then please do not apply for scholarship.
5. Lastly, please follow instructions carefully. This includes answering all questions thoroughly and changing video settings so that anyone can watch it. If you submit an incomplete application or we can not view your video, we will not consider your application and its always a bummer when this happens.

To sum it up, we want to hear about your business. We want to know why you're building the business you are, where you need help in your business and how Paper Camp fits into your next steps. Easy enough, right? If you'd like to apply for our Paper Camp scholarship, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com/scholarships. Also, if you're listening when applications are closed, I strongly recommend joining our email list so that you're notified of upcoming scholarship opportunities and you'll get our emails each week with important strategies and tactics to grow your business. Sign up for that at www.prooftoproduct.com/newsletter That's all I have for you to day. Good luck and thanks for listening!