Bourbon Women is more than a community of bourbon enthusiasts. We’re dedicated to advancing new talent and creating professional opportunities, especially in the spirits industry. Our focus extends to enhancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring women play a pivotal role in shaping the industry.

Our organization values the annual SIPosium national conference not just for its fun atmosphere but as a prime networking and professional growth opportunity. It’s where meaningful connections are formed and strengthened.

Through the SIP Scholarship Program, we aim to provide access to this event and its myriad opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the spirits industry. For more details about the SIPosium conference, including the agenda, visit our SIPosium landing page.

We are excited to announce the return of the SIP Scholarship Program for 2024, focusing on empowering the next generation of female leaders and under-represented individuals in the bourbon and spirits industry. We invite individuals interested in starting or furthering their careers in the spirits industry to apply. Our goal is to promote diversity and inclusion within the bourbon community, ensuring it mirrors the wide range of voices and experiences in society.

What the SIP Scholarship Entails

Supported by the Bourbon Women Foundation, we’re offering fifteen scholarships for the SIPosium National Conference from August 15 – 18, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville. Scholarship benefits include:

• A mentoring program with Bourbon Women mentors attending SIPosium. Mentors include both people in the industry and members whose competencies support professional growth and leadership.
• A three-year Bourbon Women membership, connecting recipients to a supportive community.
• Possible financial support for conference tickets and accommodation.
• Access to the Angels Share reception, facilitating networking with industry leaders and peers.
• Virtual preparation sessions to help SIP scholars prepare for and make the most of their SIP experience.

We recognize that not all SIP Scholars have the same need for financial support. For some scholars, the need is for mentoring, for others, it’s assistance with the cost of registration and/or lodging. During the application process, please select the level of support that best fits your current needs.

Apply here.

Why Apply?

The SIP Scholarship is more than attendance at a conference; it’s a way to build and develop relationships in the bourbon industry and community. About 30% of the attendees at this consumer-focused conference are industry members. Recipients benefit from hands-on learning experiences at the conference, networking opportunities, and mentorship that can shape their careers.

Whether you’re exploring a career switch, seeking to deepen your industry knowledge, or aiming to expand your professional network, this scholarship offers the resources and community support to achieve those goals. It’s an invaluable opportunity for those ready to dive into the world of bourbon, learn from the best in the business, and make lasting connections that could propel their career forward.

About the Bourbon Women SIP Scholar Application Process

Applications for SIP Scholarships are open through April 26th at 12 midnight PST.  Once all applications are in, the Bourbon Women Foundation assists in selecting the top candidates based on the completeness of their application, their resonance with the Bourbon Women vision, mission and values, and their goals. We are limited in the number of scholarships we can provide, and strive to select the best candidates to support the change we wish to see in the industry.

Spread the Word

Know someone passionate about bourbon looking to break into or advance in the spirits industry? Share this application with them and encourage them to apply: Bourbon Women 2024 SIP Scholarship Program. Let’s help each other grow and succeed in this dynamic field.

If you’d like to write a recommendation, you can email it to heather.wibbels@bourbonwomen.org. Please include how you know them, your experience with them, and how you think they and the industry would benefit from a SIP scholarship. We welcome recommendations from anyone in the industry! Be sure to have them fill out an application as well. We are only able to consider individuals who fill out an application.

Let’s Shape the Future Together

The SIP Scholarship is a chance to join a movement toward a more inclusive bourbon industry. We’re searching for individuals eager to contribute to this community. If you’re ready to make an impact, share your story and how you plan to contribute to the evolving spirits industry. Apply now and help us distill the future of spirits, one scholarship at a time.

If you would like to support the Bourbon Women Foundation in its work to offer scholarships and mentoring experiences, you can donate here. Or, if your company would like to consider a tax-deductible gift to help sponsor these candidates, please reach out to foundation@bourbonwomen.org.