Starting and growing a business is exciting — but it often comes with one major challenge: funding. For many women entrepreneurs, finding financial support can be especially difficult. That’s where small business grants for women can make a real difference.
Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid. They’re designed to provide financial assistance to help women start, expand, or sustain their businesses. Whether you’re launching a new startup, developing a product, or scaling your company, there are several programs and organizations that offer funding specifically for women-owned businesses.
Here’s a complete guide to understanding small business grants for women, where to find them, and how to improve your chances of getting one.
Why Grants for Women-Owned Businesses Matter
Women entrepreneurs are a powerful force in today’s economy. They own nearly half of all small businesses in the U.S., contributing billions of dollars in revenue and creating millions of jobs.
However, access to funding has historically been more limited for women than for men. Many women business owners face barriers such as smaller networks, less access to investors, or limited collateral for loans.
Grants are designed to help bridge that gap. They encourage innovation, promote gender equality, and empower women to succeed in industries where they’ve been underrepresented.
Types of Grants Available for Women Entrepreneurs
There are several kinds of grants available to women business owners, depending on their goals, business stage, and location.
1. Federal Grants
These are provided by U.S. government agencies to support business development, research, and community growth. While not all federal grants are exclusive to women, many programs support women-owned businesses through partnerships or subgrants.
2. State and Local Grants
Many states and cities offer their own grant programs to promote small business development — especially for women, minorities, and underrepresented entrepreneurs. These grants often have smaller competition pools and are easier to access than national programs.
3. Private and Corporate Grants
Large corporations and nonprofits often sponsor grant programs for women-owned businesses. These are designed to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact.
4. Industry-Specific Grants
Certain grants target women in specific industries such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, fashion, or education. These grants often come with mentorship or networking opportunities as well.
Top Grants for Women-Owned Businesses
Here are some well-known and reputable grant programs that women entrepreneurs can explore.
1. Amber Grant Foundation
One of the most popular grant programs for women, the Amber Grant Foundation awards at least $10,000 each month to a woman-owned business. At the end of the year, one of the monthly winners receives an additional $25,000.
It’s open to women in the U.S. and Canada, and the application process is simple — just explain your business idea and what you’d use the funds for.
Website: ambergrantsforwomen.com
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
This global program supports women entrepreneurs who are driving social and environmental change. Winners receive funding, coaching, and networking opportunities with international business leaders.
Awards range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the level of achievement.
Website: cartierwomensinitiative.com3. IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen is a crowdfunding and grant platform specifically for women entrepreneurs. They partner with brands like Visa, American Express, and Unilever to offer grants to women-led startups.
You can apply once and be automatically considered for multiple grant opportunities.
Website: ifundwomen.com
4. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
This program provides women business owners with a $5,000 business education grant, a one-year fellowship, and access to networking and mentorship opportunities.
It’s ideal for women who want not just funding but also long-term business support and leadership development.
Website: toryburchfoundation.org
5. Grants.gov
This is the U.S. government’s central database for all federal grants. While not all are gender-specific, many agencies run programs that support women-owned businesses — especially in research, education, and innovation sectors.
You can search by category, eligibility, and keyword to find opportunities that fit your business.
Website: grants.gov
6. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Although not exclusively for women, many women entrepreneurs have won this annual contest. It awards up to $30,000 in grants and business services like printing and shipping support.
Applicants submit a business story, photos, and a short video to explain their mission and growth goals.
Website: fedex.com/small-business
7. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant
This program focuses on women-led businesses that promote environmental or social change. Selected winners receive funding and guidance to grow their impact-driven ventures.
Website: eileenfisher.com/grants
8. The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
Each year, this network provides cash grants and investor exposure to women entrepreneurs with scalable startups. Finalists pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors and business experts.
It’s a great opportunity for networking, mentorship, and funding combined.
Website: womenfoundersnetwork.org
How to Apply for a Small Business Grant
Getting a grant can be competitive, but with preparation and persistence, you can improve your chances of success.
1. Research Thoroughly
Focus on grants that fit your business type, location, and goals. Don’t waste time applying for opportunities that don’t match your eligibility.
2. Have a Strong Business Plan
Most grants require a detailed business plan explaining your product, market, financials, and growth strategy. This helps reviewers understand how their funding will make an impact.
3. Tell Your Story
Grant providers want to support passionate entrepreneurs with a vision. Be clear about your mission, what inspired you, and how your business benefits others.
4. Prepare All Documentation
You may need tax records, proof of business ownership, financial statements, or certifications (like women-owned business status from the Small Business Administration).
5. Follow Instructions Carefully
Each grant has specific guidelines. Missing documents or late submissions can disqualify your application immediately.
6. Keep Applying
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a grant right away. Many successful entrepreneurs applied multiple times before receiving funding. Persistence is key.
Other Funding Options for Women Entrepreneurs
If you’re not ready or eligible for grants yet, there are other funding sources to explore:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Especially the SBA 7(a) and Microloan programs, which support women and minority-owned businesses.
- Crowdfunding Platforms: Sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can help raise small amounts of capital from supporters.
- Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists: Some firms focus specifically on funding women-led startups.
- Local Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): Offer training, mentorship, and funding guidance across the U.S.
Final Thoughts
Grants for women-owned small businesses are more than just financial support — they’re a recognition of innovation, resilience, and leadership. They empower women to take control of their business journeys and turn their visions into reality.
While the application process can take effort, the rewards are worth it. With research, preparation, and persistence, you can find the right funding opportunity that helps your business grow stronger and more sustainable.
Remember, every successful entrepreneur started somewhere — and the right grant might just be the boost your business needs to take off.
