Small business grants provide money that, unlike loans, doesn’t typically have to be paid back. Business owners can use this money to take their companies to the next level. And if you’re a woman, you may qualify for woman-owned business grants that provide capital you can use to launch a venture or expand it to a new location.
Below, you’ll find a list of 30 small business grants for women. If you’re newer to the process or not ready to apply, we’ll also cover:
• What a small business grant is
• What you can do with a woman-owned business grant
• Tips on applying for small business grants for women
What Are Small Business Grants for Women?
Small business grants are lump sums of money you can use to do things like launch a business, buy equipment, hire staff, or grow your company. Unlike business loans, however, you do not have to pay back grants.
While there are small business grants for anyone who owns a business, some grants are specifically for woman-owned businesses. Why? Women sometimes don’t have the same opportunities that men do in the business world, so companies and government organizations want to provide them with a leg up.
There are many grants for women entrepreneurs. However, small business grants for women are frequently reserved for established businesses. So if you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to look for grants that are specifically for startups.
Remember: You aren’t restricted to woman-owned business grants. There are grants for small business owners, minorities, and veterans that may also be worth exploring.
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Small Business Grants for Women
After extensive research, we narrowed our list to 30 small business grants for women entrepreneurs. However, new ones pop up all the time, so this list is not exhaustive.
Here are our top small business grants for women.
1. Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant, provided by WomensNet, honors the memory of a young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19 before realizing her business dreams. The grant awards $10,000 to female entrepreneurs each month. One $25,000 winner will be selected from the monthly winners each year.
Qualifications:
• You must have a business or business idea. The Amber Grant is unique because it’s not limited to women who already have an established business. If you’re able to explain how you plan to start and grow a new business, you can apply for this grant.
• Requires a $15 application fee
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative offers female-owned business grants of either $30,000 or $100,000 to women looking to make a difference in the world. In addition to the funds, winners also receive business and financial coaching.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative currently offers two grants for women business owners:
The Science and Technology Pioneer Award: Awarded to women entrepreneurs who are leaders and innovators in science and technology. This grant is open to any woman in any sector and country. The winner will receive $100,000, and the two runners-up will each receive $30,000.
The qualifications for the Science and Technology Pioneer Award are as follows.
A woman must be the…
• primary leader at the company
• founder and majority shareholder of founder equity
The business must be…
• developing a new technology, process, or scientific discovery
• a for-profit business
• an early-stage business with a proof of concept or prototype that’s already in existence or currently in the works. The final product must not have been commercialized for more than five years.
• meeting at least one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
The applicant must…
• be at least 18 years of age by the application deadline
• have a good command of the English language; the grant requires Level B2 and above per the Common European Framework of Reference
• commit to participating in the fellowship program
Regional Awards: This small business grant is awarded to 21 women across the globe with early-stage companies that are generating revenue. Cartier is looking for women entrepreneurs who leverage an existing technology, model, or process in an innovative way. The seven winners will each receive $100,000 and 14 runners-up will receive $30,000.
The qualifications for the Regional Awards are:
A woman must be the…
• primary leader at the company
• founder and majority shareholder of founder equity
The business must…
• be for-profit
• be in the early stages with a proven business model, in operation between one and five years
• have generated revenue for at least one year
• not have raised more than $2 million in dilutive funding
• meet at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The applicant must…
• have a good command of the English language; the grant requires Level B2 and above per the Common European Framework of Reference
• be at least 18 years of age
• be able to commit to the fellowship program
3. Jane Walker First Women Grant Program
Jane Walker, a part of the Johnnie Walker whisky company, works with the First Women Campaign and IFundWomen to provide small business grants for women. The grant provides $10,000 and a year-long coaching membership through IFundWomen.
Qualifications:
• A person who identifies as a woman must have at least half ownership in the company
• The person applying must be at least 21 years
The business must:
• have been in operation for at least two years and make at least $25,000 in revenue annually
• be willing to push boundaries and fight for diversity
• be in one of the following categories:
◦ entertainment and film
◦ hospitality
◦ journalism
◦ music
◦ science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
◦ sports
4. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
This Fellows Program, sponsored by the Tory Burch Foundation, provides women running early-stage businesses with a one-year fellowship, a $5,000 grant, workshops at the Tory Burch offices, and the opportunity to pitch their businesses.
Qualifications:
The business must…
• be a for-profit organization in early stage (one to five years of operations preferred)
• generate revenues of at least $75,000 in the past 12 months
The applicant must…
• identify as a woman
• be 21 years of age or older and a legal resident of the U.S.
• own the biggest or equal stake in a business that is owned or controlled by women
• be proficient in English
5. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers government contracts to two types of businesses: Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs). This removes additional competition for contracts by limiting eligibility to a small but highly qualified group.
WOSB Qualifications:
• Be certified as a WOSB
• Meet SBA size standards
• At least 51% of the business is owned by U.S. citizens who are women
• Women manage daily operations and long-term decision making
EDWOSB Qualifications:
• Meet all WOSB qualifications
• Be run by one or more women who independently have net worths of less than $750,000
• Be run by one or more women with $350,000 or less in adjusted gross income over the past three years
• Be run by one or more women with no more than $6 million in personal assets
6. FoundHer Program
The FoundHer Program is specifically geared toward women-owned businesses in Hawaii. Resources include small business grants, weekly educational workshops, a network of business mentors, and monthly retreats.
Qualifications:
• For-profit business in its early stages
• Based in Hawaii
• 50% AANHPI women-led
7. SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
Created by the SoGal Foundation, the Black Founder Startup Grant provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to Black and multiracial women. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Qualifications:
• Identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur
• Have a registered business
8. Atomic Grant Program
The Atomic Grant program by Passion Collective gives four women entrepreneurs $1,500 cash and business coaching.
Qualifications:
• Identify as a woman
• 21 or older
• Passionate about making change happen
• Sign up to Passion Collective
9. Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship Grant gives one business owner $500 a month and the chance to earn $2,500 at the end of the year. Winners also receive constructive feedback on their businesses and a two-month membership to the Freed Fellowship community.
While there are no specific qualifications to apply, you will need to answer questions about your business regarding context, content, community, chemistry, and commerce (known as the 5C Framework).
10. AT&T She’s Connected
She’s Connected by AT&T is a $20,000 grant offered to women-owned small business owners. In addition to the grant, the winner will also receive one year free of AT&T service, plus a new device.
Qualifications:
• 18 years or older
• Sole or majority owner of a woman-owned small business
• 50 or fewer employees
11. Fearless Strivers
The Fearless Strivers Grant is designed for small businesses that are at least 51% Black women owned. Four small businesses will receive a $20,000 grant, mentorship, and digital tools to help them grow their businesses.
Qualifications:
• 18 years or older
• 51% Black woman owned
• Annual revenue of $50,000 or more
• Business formed and operating in the United States
12. Publish Her Business Impact Grant
The Publish Her Business Impact Grant is for women of color business owners who are making a difference in the lives of others. The grant is worth $5,000, and the top 10 entries are voted by the public to determine the winner.
Qualifications:
• 21 or older
• Legal resident of the U.S.
• Woman of color business owner
• Business must be 100% women-owned
• Must generate $50,000 or more in annual revenue
13. High Five Grant for Moms
If you’re an entrepreneur and a mom, check out the High Five Grant for Moms by The Mama Ladder. Judges determine the finalists based on your story and your business, and then the public votes on the top three winners. First place receives $10,000, second place $5,000, and third place $2,500.
Qualifications:
• Must be a mom, which includes mothers of adult children, first-time expecting moms, stepmoms, and foster moms
• Own a for-profit or service-based business with at least 51% ownership
• Must have earned revenue for at least one year
14. You Glow Girl Women Entrepreneur Grant
Eat Me Guilt Free offers a grant for women entrepreneurs called You Glow Girl. Launched in 2021, the grant offers a grand prize consisting of $10,000 to put toward your business, a one-year supply of Eat Me Guilt Free products, a physical health and wellness prize (past prizes include a Peloton bike and a one-year subscription to Class Pass), and a mentorship program.
15. Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition
The Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition offers 10 winners a $2,500 grant each. To enter, you must pitch your business at an in-person event. The next round opens in March 2024.
16. The Kitty Fund Mother-Led Business Grant
The Kitty Fund Mother-Led Business Grant is open to all entrepreneurs who identify as a mother. Founded in 2020, the grant awards 25 business owners a $1,000 grant.
Qualifications:
• Business owner must identify as a mother
• Annual revenue may not exceed $5 million
• Based in the U.S.
• Have between two and 50 employees
17. FedEx E-commerce Learning Lab
The FedEx E-commerce Learning Lab is designed for women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color looking to improve their e-commerce business. Created by Accion Opportunity Fund, the FedEx E-commerce Learning Lab is a five-month program consisting of courses and workshops, coaching, networking, online sales support, and a $5,000 grant to support your business’ growth plans.
Qualifications:
• Own at least 51% of a U.S.-based small business
• Have been in business at least six months
• Produce and sell a packaged product
• Earn less than $500,000 annually
18. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition allows women business owners to pitch their business in-person for a chance of receiving a grant worth $25,000.
Qualifications:
• Founder must be a woman, or business must be majority-owned by a woman
• Must be able to attend in-person event
• Must have raised no more than $750,000 in funding
• Based in the U.S.
19. Women of Color Grant Program
The Women of Color Grant Program was founded by the Tory Burch Foundation in partnership with the Fearless Fund. The program gives 75 women of color-owned businesses grants worth $10,000 and $20,000.
Qualifications:
• 51% women of color-owned
• For-profit business
• Ideally have been in business for one to five years
• Minimum annual revenue of $100,000 preferred
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20. Launch Program by Ladies Who Launch
Ladies Who Launch offers a Launch Program which consists of a $10,000 small business grant, a mentorship program, and six months of free education for women and non-binary small business owners. The program is open to women who sell consumer packaged goods, including food and beverages, apparel, household goods, and more.
Qualifications:
• Woman or non-binary founder
• Consumer packaged goods company
• Minimum annual revenue of $100,000 (not to exceed $499,000)
• U.S.-based
21. StartHER Grant
The StartHER Grant is offered by Texas Woman’s University and awards 25 $5,000 grants annually to women-owned businesses in Texas.
Qualifications:
• At least 51% women-owned
• Five or fewer employees
• Owned and operated in Texas
• For-profit
22. InnovateHER Challenge
Offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, InnovateHER is an annual competition between small business owners with a product or service that positively affects women’s lives. First place receives $40,000, second place $20,000, and third place $10,000.
Qualifications:
• 18 years old
• Product or service must have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families
• Must have potential for commercialization and fill a need in the marketplace
23. Equity Match Grant Program
The Equity Match Grant Program, offered by the Women’s Business Development Council, offers grants up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses located in Connecticut. The grant money must be put to a specific project that will help the business grow, and cannot be used for things like inventory or operating expenses.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must match at least 25% of awarded funds
• Business and business owner must be located in Connecticut
• Annual revenue greater than $25,000 but less than $2 million
• Be a for-profit business
24. Visa She’s Next Grant Program
The Visa She’s Next Grant Program, in collaboration with IFundWomen, gives women business owners throughout the world access to funding and education. Applications are currently closed, but check back regularly for upcoming programs.
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Additional Private Small Business Grants
In addition to the grants mentioned above, there are other private small business grants that women business owners can look into.
25. America’s Top Small Business Award
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce created America’s Top Small Business Award worth $25,000. The award is open to all small business owners, not just women.
Qualifications:
• In business for at least one year
• Fewer than 250 employees
• Gross revenue must not exceed $20 million for previous two years
26. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers a quarterly Growth Grant to four small businesses up to $4,000. To be eligible to apply, you must be a member of NASE and in good standing for at least three months.
27. Incfile Fresh Start Business Grant
Incfile offers a Fresh Start Business Grant to new and aspiring entrepreneurs. The winner receives $2,500 to use for startup costs for their business, plus free services from Incfile. Dates for 2024 haven’t been announced yet, so check back regularly for updates.
28. Fast Break for Small Businesses
Supported by LegalZoom and the National Basketball Association, Fast Break for Small Businesses seeks to help Black-owned businesses, women business owners, and low- to moderate-income small business owners gain access to funding. Businesses that are selected will receive a $10,000 grant.
Qualifications:
• Black-owned business
• U.S.-based
• In business at least six months
• Annual revenue cannot exceed $1 million
29. Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant is specifically for entrepreneurs in the silver jewelry industry. Applicants must submit their design portfolio and answer 15 business-related questions. The winner receives $7,500 to put toward their business and a $1,000 Halstead gift card.
30. Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE was created to help small businesses recover from COVID-19, and now focuses on helping businesses expand and grow. In 2023, 500 businesses in five cities received grants and other benefits from Comcast RISE. While Comcast focuses on diversity inclusion, the grant is available to all small businesses.
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What About Federal Grants for Women Business Owners?
According to the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, “Despite what the late-night infomercials want you to believe, the federal government does not provide grants for business expansion and growth. There is no ‘free’ money for you to start or grow a business.”
Though Grants.gov does exist, it’s simply a database. Additionally, it only focuses on government-funded programs, not personal business or projects.
However, some states, such as California, offer small business grants and other types of funding. You may also be able to find assistance through your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
4 Databases of Resources and Grants for Women Business Owners
We not only looked for individual grants but also for resource databases for female small business owners. Below are an additional four resources for finding funding.
• 37 Angels: While 37 Angels is an investment company, they have compiled a list of other funding and development options. This list includes bootcamps, venture capitalist firms, and other organizations assisting female entrepreneurs.
• GrantsforWomen.org: This site provides a database of grants and other types of funding for women, not just those in business but also those attending school or in need of funds for different reasons.
• IFundWomen: IFundWomen offers many crowdfunding resources, grants, coaching, and networking opportunities. They also provide unique opportunities within specific fields and AAPI-, Black-, Latinx and Hispanic-, and queer-owned businesses. In addition, they offer a universal application, so one 20-minute application qualifies you for most of their grants.
• National Women’s Business Council: The NWBC offers a list of resources female business owners may find helpful, including grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
What Can You Do With Small Business Grants for Women?
What you can do with a female-owned business grant is determined by the organization offering the grant.
Some grants may stipulate funds be used for specific projects or purposes. For example, a tech-focused grant provider may want the money to be used for research and development to solve a particular technology-related problem. Other grant providers allow you to use them for any business expenses, including:
• Adding a new product line
• Buying equipment like a computer, commercial mixer, or cash register
• Covering inventory
• Creating a product prototype
• Expanding into larger commercial real estate
• Hiring employees
• Investing in marketing
• Launching a business
Tips for Applying for a Female-Owned Business Grant
Grants are notoriously difficult to receive, primarily because there is so much competition for them. Here are five tips to get you started on your grant application journey.
1. Get Organized
When considering applying for grants, the first thing to do is get all your ducks in a row. Some best practices for this are:
• Read through all qualifications and deadlines upfront.
• Keep a spreadsheet of grants, requirements, and deadlines so you can stay on top of filling out applications on time.
• Allow plenty of time for research, putting together a budget, and filling out paperwork.
Note: Very few grant-giving organizations require an application fee. If the one you’re interested in is asking for such a fee, do some additional digging to ensure the grant is legitimate. For instance, Amber Grants for Women requires a small fee to help keep the grant active; however, you can contact them to ask about waiving your fee.
You may use some of this compiled information for future grant applications, so keep it handy in a folder to speed up subsequent applications.
2. Don’t Ignore Small Grants
Small grants can add up quickly. For instance, a $1,000 grant could allow you to get a new computer; $500 could fund a ticket to a networking event where you meet other business owners and investors; $250 is enough for an email marketing software subscription.
3. Write a Grant Proposal
While some grant applications are as simple as filling out an online form, much of the time, you need to create a full grant proposal. This isn’t necessarily an intuitive process and can take some time, so taking a grant writing class or hiring a grant writer may be advisable.
Generally, a grant-giving organization wants to see your business plan and understand what you will do with the funds to start or grow your business.
Often, your proposal should tell your business’ story, including the challenge you’re looking to overcome and why you’re so passionate about it.
Remember to tailor each grant proposal to the funding organization. While some of your information (such as your budget) may be reusable, parts of it may not. Read all the fine print before applying.
4. Share What’s Great About Your Business
This is your chance to show why your company shines and why it’s deserving of this grant.
It can be helpful to look at past grant winners to see what types of businesses have been awarded grants in the past.
5. Review Your Application for Perfection
Have at least one person proofread, whether you hire a grant writer or fill out the application yourself. When all other things are equal, would you choose a job applicant who had a typo over one who didn’t? It’s the same with grant applications!
Grants Can Provide Women Entrepreneurs With Necessary Capital
Having an influx of “free” cash could help you take your business to new heights.
Consider what limits you currently have in your business. For example, maybe you would like to invest in a new product. Or perhaps you have been doing everything in your business and know a second set of hands would let you better focus on running your business.
Whatever your dream, a small business grant for women can help you realize it.
Other Financing Options for Women Business Owners
If you don’t find the right small business grant for women, you still have other financing options. There are many small business loans for women that offer low interest rates and favorable terms to female entrepreneurs that qualify.
Keep in mind that sometimes applying for and getting a small business loan can take weeks or months to process. If you need funds faster, you could try a business credit card or an alternative loan with a quicker turnaround. Still, be aware those options may come with downsides, like higher interest rates.
If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi can help. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop top providers today to access the capital you need. Find a personalized business financing option today in minutes.
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