35 Best Grants for Women-Owned Businesses: Application Tips Inside

Looking for grants for a woman owned business? You're in the right place! This guide is packed with useful options, practical tips, and a sprinkle of humor to help you secure the funding you need. Let's dive in and see what each grant offers and how you can apply.

Key Takeaways

• The Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs offers a generous $30,000 monthly. The application process is a breeze—just hop online and get started. It's all about supporting women-owned businesses like yours.
• The SoGal Startup Grant is here to uplift Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It's designed to help you take your business to the next level.
• The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant dishes out up to $200,000 annually among recipients. It focuses on businesses making a social or environmental impact and even includes a three-day networking event in New York City. How cool is that?

Amber Grant Money for Women Entrepreneurs

The Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs was started back in 1998 by WomensNet to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who sadly passed away before she could see her business dreams come true. This grant program hands out at least $30,000 monthly to women-owned businesses, including a $10,000 monthly grant and an extra $25,000 year-end grant to a lucky recipient. Winners are announced by the 23rd of the next month after they apply.

Small business owners with big dreams can really benefit from these small business grants.

Application Process

Applying for the Amber Grant is as easy as pie. Just follow these steps:

1. Submit a detailed description of your business.
2. Explain how you plan to use the grant money.
3. Do it all online.
4. One application gets you in the running for all related grants.

This streamlined application process makes it a breeze for women entrepreneurs to access the funding they need.

SoGal Startup Grant for Black Women

The SoGal Startup Grant for Black Women provides vital financial support to U.S.-based Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This grant aims to help these entrepreneurs scale their businesses, recognizing the significant obstacles they often face.

The SoGal Foundation, in partnership with sponsors like Walmart.org and Winky Lux, is committed to empowering this fast-growing group of women entrepreneurs.

Application Process

Applicants eligible for the SoGal Startup Grant must meet the following criteria:

• Be Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs, including multiracial individuals within these categories
• Have a legally registered business
• Plan to seek investor capital
• Have a scalable business idea

These criteria, including the partner’s grant criteria, must be met in order to apply for the grant funding.

To increase chances of application success, it’s vital to meet all eligibility requirements and submit required documentation timely.

Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant program offers the following benefits:

• A total of $200,000 in grants annually, distributed among up to ten recipients
• Individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, providing significant financial support to women-owned businesses
• An invitation to a three-day gathering in New York City to connect with past recipients and the Eileen Fisher team

Application Process

Applicants for the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant must be existing companies, not startups, and either owned or led by women. They must also demonstrate a commitment to creating positive social and environmental impacts.

The application requires detailed submissions about the company’s operations and their initiatives to create impact.

Tory Burch Foundation Grants

The Tory Burch Foundation offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, including the Women of Color Grant Program and the Fellowship Program. These programs provide educational resources, financial aid, and networking opportunities to help women grow their businesses. To be eligible, a woman must own at least a 51% stake in her business.

Women of Color Grant Program

The Women of Color Grant Program, sponsored by the Tory Burch Foundation and the Fearless Fund, offers grants of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible women of color entrepreneurs. The program targets early-stage businesses that have been operational for one to five years and are generating at least $75,000 to $100,000 in annual revenue.

Fellowship Program

Each year, the Tory Burch Foundation selects 50 women entrepreneurs for a year-long fellowship program designed to help them grow their businesses. Fellows receive a $5,000 business education grant and access to 0% interest loans through Kiva. The program includes live workshops, specialized working groups, and a final company presentation in New York City.

Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers

The Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers, established in 2006, supports emerging silver jewelry artists. The grand prize winner receives $7,500 and a $1,000 Halstead Gift Card, while finalists receive $1,000 in cash and a $250 Halstead Gift Card, along with personalized feedback from the judges.

Application Process

Applicants for the Halstead Grant must submit a design portfolio and written essays. Applications are available online and must be submitted by May 1st, with a final deadline of August 1st. The judging process includes several rounds and guest judges, making it a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s talent and business acumen.

IFundWomen Grant Opportunities

IFundWomen is an online marketplace that connects women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities by partnering with brands like Visa and Unilever. The platform uses the Universal Grant Application Database to match businesses with relevant grants based on their information and the partner’s grant criteria.

Application Process

To apply for IFundWomen grants, entrepreneurs must register with grant-making bodies and complete the Universal Grant Application. Using a Grant Planner to prepare answers for multiple applications can streamline the process and increase the chances of securing funding.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers $4,000 grants to small business owners, including women entrepreneurs, to support various business needs such as marketing and hiring employees. Since 2006, NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to small business owners through this program.

Application Process

To apply for NASE Growth Grants, you must be a member of NASE. Immediate applications are available for Annual Members and Veteran Members, but Monthly Members will need to wait 90 days before applying. Applications must include:

• a statement of grant use
• a business plan
• a recent tax return or profit/loss statement
• a photo of the member or business

The grant applications are reviewed quarterly.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest offers a grand prize of up to $50,000, along with additional credits for shipping services worth up to $7,500.

In 2024, ten businesses owned by various entrepreneurs were awarded grants through this contest.

Application Process

To be eligible for the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, businesses must be U.S.-based, for-profit, and earn under $5 million in annual sales. Applications are accepted between March 1 and April 1, with winners announced on May 16.

Recipients could benefit from up to $50,000 in grants and shipping credits, providing substantial aid to business growth.

HerRise Micro-Grant for Women of Color

The HerRise Micro-Grant offers $1,000 monthly to innovative women of color entrepreneurs who face challenges in funding their community-impacting businesses. The micro-grants are awarded by the Yva Jourdan Foundation in partnership with HerSuiteSpot since 2017.

Winners are announced at the following month’s HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer.

Application Process

Eligible businesses for the HerRise Micro-Grant must be 51% owned by women of color, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue.

To be considered for the grant, applications must be lodged by 11:59 PM on the concluding day of the month.

Additional Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

Beyond grants, women entrepreneurs have access to additional resources such as business grants for women and:

• Women’s Business Centers, which provide business training, counseling, and financial assistance to help women-owned businesses thrive
• SCORE Mentoring, which offers guidance and support from experienced business professionals
• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which provide access to capital and financial services for underserved communities

These resources can be valuable in helping women entrepreneurs, including women owned small businesses and women business owners, succeed in their businesses.

Women's Business Centers

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are part of a national network, supported by the National Women’s Business Council, aimed at helping women develop and grow small businesses. They offer free to low-cost business training, counseling, and access to credit and capital.

WBCs offer specialized mentoring, training, and support designed for women entrepreneurs.

SCORE Mentoring

SCORE offers free, confidential business mentoring and training workshops for small business owners, including women entrepreneurs. SCORE mentors can assist women in finding and applying for grants, making it a valuable resource for securing funding.

CDFIs

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) focus on promoting economic development in underserved communities, including women-owned businesses. They provide flexible capital, grants, and loan aid to support women and minority business owners.

Tips for Applying to Business Grants

Applying for business grants can be a competitive process, but with the right approach, your chances of success can significantly increase. Start by thoroughly reviewing all eligibility criteria to ensure your business qualifies for the grant. Craft a strong business plan that clearly defines your project, desired outcomes, and timelines.

Prepare all necessary documentation, including business licenses, financial statements, and tax returns, well in advance to streamline the application process. Remember, submitting multiple grant applications can improve your odds of receiving funding.

Crafting a Strong Business Plan

For any grant application, a persuasive business plan is of paramount importance. Start with a concise executive summary that introduces your organization, project goals, and required funding. Include a detailed market analysis, business structure, and financial projections to demonstrate your business’s viability.

Clearly outline your business model, target audience, and growth strategy. Highlight the problem your business addresses and back it up with quantitative data to underscore the urgency and importance of your project.

Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Verifying that your business satisfies the grant’s specific eligibility requirements is an essential initial step. Each grant has unique criteria based on factors like industry, location, and ownership structure. Verify that your business aligns with the funder’s mission to improve your chances of receiving the grant.

Including all necessary legal, safety, and quality certifications in your grant proposal can also strengthen your application.

Preparing Necessary Documentation

Accurate documentation is integral to the success of a grant application. Commonly required documents include:

• Business licenses
• Financial statements
• Tax returns

Provide resumes of key personnel to demonstrate your organizational capabilities. Organizing all necessary documents ahead of time can streamline the application process and ensure nothing is missed.

Be prepared to include a written portion of up to 1,000 words, and consider adding photos or videos if requested.

Additional Grants for Women-Owned Businesses by Region

United States

1. Cartier Women's Initiative Awards
   • Offers $100,000 for first-place winners and $30,000 for second and third-place winners.
   • Focuses on women entrepreneurs leading early-stage, for-profit businesses.
2. Girlboss Foundation Grant
   • Provides $15,000 biannual grants to women entrepreneurs in the fields of design, fashion, music, and the arts.
3. The Halstead Grant
   • Awards $7,500 to emerging jewelry designers.
   • Includes additional resources like business plan reviews and industry exposure.
4. The InnovateHER Challenge
   • Offers up to $70,000 in prize money.
   • Aims to support products and services that impact the lives of women and families.

Canada

1. The Women Entrepreneurship Fund
   • Provides up to $100,000 to women-owned businesses for growth and expansion.
   • Part of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy by the Government of Canada.
2. BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Venture Fund
   • Invests $200 million in women-led technology companies.
   • Also offers mentorship and networking opportunities.
3. The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE)
   • Offers the E-Series program with a $10,000 grant.
   • Provides educational resources and mentorship.

Europe

1. European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator
   • Offers up to €2.5 million in grants for women-led innovative startups.
   • Focuses on high-risk, high-potential companies.
2. Women Who Tech Startup Grants
   • Provides $15,000 in equity-free grants.
   • Targets women-led startups in tech.
3. The Cartier Women’s Initiative
   • Offers up to $100,000 for first-place winners and $30,000 for second and third-place winners.
   • Open to women entrepreneurs from all over the world, including Europe.

Australia

1. Boosting Female Founders Initiative
   • Provides grants up to $480,000 to women-led startups.
   • Aims to help female founders overcome barriers to accessing finance.
2. Women in Business Grant Program
   • Offers up to $5,000 for women entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses.
   • Focuses on regional areas.
3. SheEO Radical Generosity
   • Provides interest-free loans up to $100,000.
   • Funds women-led ventures with a social impact.

Asia

1. The Cartier Women’s Initiative
   • Offers up to $100,000 for first-place winners and $30,000 for second and third-place winners.
   • Open to women entrepreneurs from all over the world, including Asia.
2. The Asia Foundation’s Lotus Circle
   • Provides grants to women-led businesses and social enterprises.
   • Focuses on empowering women and girls in Asia.
3. Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator
   • Offers training and funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
   • A collaboration between UN Women and the International Labour Organization.

Africa

1. The Anzisha Prize
   • Provides up to $25,000 for young female entrepreneurs.
   • Focuses on women aged 15-22 in Africa.
2. African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
   • Offers grants up to $50,000.
   • Supports women-led organizations working on women’s rights and empowerment.
3. She Leads Africa Accelerator
   • Provides $10,000 in funding and a three-month accelerator program.
   • Targets women-led startups in Africa.

Latin America

1. WeXchange Women Entrepreneurs
   • Provides grants and access to investors for women entrepreneurs in Latin America.
   • Focuses on tech startups.
2. Pro Mujer’s Impact Investment Fund
   • Offers funding and resources to women-led businesses.
   • Aims to empower women across Latin America.
3. IDB Lab’s Women Entrepreneurship Program
   • Provides grants and technical assistance to women entrepreneurs.
   • Focuses on innovative and high-impact businesses.

Middle East

1. Womena Accelerator Program
   • Provides funding and mentorship for women-led startups.
   • Focuses on tech and innovation in the Middle East.
2. The Cartier Women’s Initiative
   • Offers up to $100,000 for first-place winners and $30,000 for second and third-place winners.
   • Open to women entrepreneurs from all over the world, including the Middle East.
3. Oasis500 Women Entrepreneurship Fund
   • Provides seed funding and mentorship for women-led startups.
   • Focuses on tech and creative industries in the Middle East.

These grants provide a wide range of opportunities for women entrepreneurs across different regions, helping them to secure the funding they need to grow and succeed in their businesses.

Alternatives to Business Grants for Women Owned Businesses

Although business grants for women are a valuable funding source, they aren’t the sole option for women entrepreneurs. Business loans, venture capital funding, and crowdfunding are viable alternatives that can provide the necessary capital to grow your business. Considering that each option comes with its unique benefits and considerations, it is imperative to discern which is most aligned with your business’s needs and goals.

Business Loans

Business loans offer a lump sum of capital that must be repaid with interest over a specified period. SBA loans, backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, range from $30,000 to $5 million and offer various interest rates. SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000 for small businesses with limited financial records.

Business lines of credit allow entrepreneurs to access funds as needed and only pay interest on the amount used. Asset-based financing and merchant cash advances are additional options that can cater to different business needs.

Venture Capital Funding

Venture capital can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to achieve rapid growth and significant market impact.

VCs Focused on Female Startups

Several venture capital firms are dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs. Some of these include:

• Female Founders Fund: Focuses on early-stage investments in female-led startups across various sectors.
• BBG Ventures: Invests in consumer tech startups with at least one female founder.
• Forerunner Ventures: Although not exclusively female-focused, they have a strong track record of investing in female-founded companies.
• Golden Seeds: Focuses on high-potential, women-led businesses in the early stages of growth.
• Rethink Impact: The largest U.S.-based impact venture capital firm investing in female leaders using technology to solve the world's biggest problems.

These VCs not only provide funding but also offer mentorship and strategic guidance to help female entrepreneurs succeed.

Summary

In conclusion, numerous grant opportunities are available to support women-owned businesses at various stages of their growth:

• The Amber Grant’s substantial monthly awards
• The SoGal Startup Grant’s focus on Black women entrepreneurs
• These programs provide crucial financial assistance and resources

Additionally, resources like:

• Women’s Business Centers
• SCORE Mentoring
• CDFIs

These resources offer valuable support beyond financial aid. By carefully preparing your applications and considering alternative funding options such as:

• Business loans
• Venture capital

You can significantly enhance your chances of securing the funding needed to grow your business. Take action today and explore these opportunities to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.