A new $2,500 grant is available to help a small business person on the Island improve or begin a new business.

The grant is offered by the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network as a way to give back to the community. Applying is easy; just explain your project in a short form available online at mvwomensnetwork.org. The network hopes to make it an annual grant with increasing funds.

Open to existing businesses as well as startups, the grant will go to a project consistent with the network’s mission to promote economic development on Martha’s Vineyard.

The grant is open to men and women, network members and nonmembers. For members there is no application fee; for nonmembers, the fee is $100 and includes a one-year membership in the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network. Checks may be made payable to MVWN and must be included with application.

All applications must be postmarked by April 16. All applicants will have the opportunity to meet with members of the award committee. The award will be announced n May 6. Send questions to info@mvwomensnetwork.org