If you’re an online service-based business owner, the topic of offering scholarships has probably passed through your mind, especially if you’re passionate about running an inclusive and accessible business. Offering scholarships is a fantastic way to support marginalised communities and show that you’re serious about inclusion. But let’s be real—scholarships can also bring up some serious concerns. So, let’s chat about the top five worries you might have and how to handle them when they pop up.
1. “I Can’t Afford It”
One of the biggest reasons why business owners avoid offering scholarships is they say they can’t afford to offer one. If you’ve said this to yourself, here are 3 ways to solve this problem.
a. Get Smart with Your Budget
First thing’s first—don’t jump into offering scholarships without a game plan. Sit down, crunch the numbers, and figure out how many scholarships you can realistically offer. Start small if you need to, like offering partial scholarships. You don’t have to break the bank to make a difference.
b. Let Your Community Chip In
Why not let your paying clients help out? Offer them the chance to contribute a little extra to sponsor someone else’s spot. Now this isn’t classed as a scholarship. It’s a sponsorship but the result is still a win-win-win—they get to feel good about supporting inclusivity, the recipient gets to participate, and you get some financial help. You can set this up as a “pay-it-forward” option at checkout.
c. Keep an Eye on What’s Working
Track how your scholarship program is going. Keep a simple spreadsheet to see how many people apply, how they’re doing, and what the impact is. That way, you can make tweaks as needed and show yourself (and others) that it’s worth the investment. I have a free Scholarship Program Tracker Spreadsheet Template available for you HERE if you’d like it.
2. “Will People Think It’s Just for Show?”
Worrying that other people think you’re being tokenistic or performative is a real concern for business owners. The thought of people thinking you’re doing something in an ingenuous way conflicts with your values so this thought can feel uncomfortable. Here are a few ways you can show that your scholarships are based in integrity and a genuine expression of inclusivity.
a. Be Real About Your Intentions
Make sure your audience knows why you’re offering scholarships. Share your commitment to inclusion and how this aligns with your values. Write a quick blog post or social media update explaining the “why” behind the scholarships. Transparency in your communication is key. If you need help with your wording, I’m more than happy to run my eyes over your blog or post and provide feedback. You can get in contact with me via DM on Facebook or Instagram.
b. Get Scholarship Recipients Involved
Make sure your scholarship recipients are part of the community, not just names on a list. Invite them to webinars, group chats, or community events. A welcome live stream, video or post within the community can be a great way to introduce them and make them feel like they’re valued.
c. Stay Flexible and Listen
Keep an ear to the ground—ask for feedback and be ready to make changes. Periodic surveys can give you a pulse on how things are going. It show that you’re committed to making a real impact, not just ticking a box.
3. “People Don’t Value Free Stuff”
I see this come up time and time again in online business community spaces. The truth is people don’t value free stuff if it’s not what they need or want. It’s a very different story when they really want to be at your event or complete your online course. Here are 3 ways to avoid awarding scholarships to people who don’t see the value in it.
a. Talk Up Your Services
You might be worried that offering scholarships could make your services seem less valuable. It’s not. You’re not offering scholarships because you need the numbers. You’re offering it because it’s how your business is actively inclusive and equitable. It’s how you ensure your business is accessible to the people who need what you’re offering, but aren’t able to afford it. Counter this by consistently talking up the value of what you offer. And make it clear that scholarship recipients get the same top-notch service as everyone else.
b. Create a Scholarship Application Process that Attracts Committed Applicants
To ensure that the scholarships attract people who genuinely want to be there and need the scholarship, design your application process to highlight the value of your offering and the commitment required. Here are a few tips:
- Ask Insightful Questions: Include questions in your application that help you understand why the applicant needs the scholarship and what they hope to gain from your program. This can give you a sense of their motivation and commitment.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline what’s expected of scholarship recipients, including any participation requirements or commitments. This helps ensure that only those who are truly interested will apply.
- Personalise the Experience: Tailor your application process to reflect the value of your services. For example, offer a brief preview or mini-session as part of the application process, so applicants get a taste of what they’re signing up for and can better assess if it’s the right fit for them.
c. Frame It as an Investment
Think of scholarships as an investment in your business and community. They’re not giveaways—they’re a strategic move to be equitable and build a diverse & engaged business community. You know the impact your scholarship program can have so share how it benefits everyone involved.
4. “This Is Going to Be a Huge Hassle”
I get it, creating, promoting and managing a scholarship process can feel like a big, overwhelming hassle. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to make it feel easy and achievable.
a. Simplify the Process
Managing scholarships doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Use online tools like Google Forms to make the application and selection process a breeze. Set up templates for everything so you can handle the admin work quickly and easily. I have a heap of downloadable templates for setting up and managing scholarships, contact me to find out what I’ve got for you.
b. Get Some Help
If you’re drowning in tasks, consider delegating or outsourcing the scholarship stuff. A virtual assistant can take care of the nitty-gritty details, freeing you up to focus on what you do best. Or if it’s in the scholarship planning or creation phase, you could hire someone like me who can walk you through the whole process in a fraction of the time. If you’d like to explore how I can help you, you can book a free 15min clarity call HERE.
c. Create a Go-To System
Develop a standard process for managing scholarships. Have a clear set of steps for reviewing applications, communicating with recipients, and tracking everything. The more organised you are, the less stress you’ll feel.
5. “What If They Don’t Show Up?”
It can be nerve-wracking to wonder whether scholarship recipients are going to show up. There are a few ways to increase the odds of your scholarship recipients showing up. They are:
a. Set Clear Expectations
Be upfront with scholarship recipients about what you expect. Send them all the info they need about the commitment involved and what they’ll get out of it. Send reminder emails a week, 1 day, and 1 hour before the event to keep your event at the top of their mind.
b. Follow Up
Don’t just leave them hanging—check in with scholarship recipients regularly. A quick follow-up email or message can go a long way in making sure they stay engaged and don’t ghost on you.
c. Build a Supportive Community
Make sure scholarship recipients feel welcome and supported. Host a pre-event meet-and-greet or offer mentorship to help them connect with the community. When they feel like they belong, they’re way more likely to show up and get involved.
Offering scholarships can be a game-changer for your business and for the communities you want to support. By tackling these common concerns head-on, you can create a scholarship program that’s not just effective but also aligns perfectly with your values. And remember, every little step you take toward being more inclusive counts!
Need Help with Your Scholarship Program?
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your scholarship program, I’ve got you covered! I’m offering a free 30-minute 1:1 Scholarship Inclusivity Review. We’ll jump on a Zoom call where you can tell me all about your program, and I’ll audit it, giving you feedback on what’s great and where you can improve.
To claim your free review, simply sign up for my mailing list below. Let’s work together to make your scholarship program as inclusive and impactful as possible!
[Click here to claim your free scholarship inclusivity review]
Scholarships are an incredible way for businesses to promote inclusion and equity while making opportunities accessible to those who need them most. Don’t let these 5 common concerns hold you back from creating a program that benefits so many people. You’ve got this! And if you need support, I’m here with solutions to ensure your scholarship program aligns with your values, your business, and is a big success.
Until next time, enjoy your scholarship offering journey!
