Grants for Women Owned Businesses: 34 Opportunities

Securing funding is a necessary step for many women entrepreneurs looking to launch, grow, or scale their businesses. Fortunately, there are numerous grants specifically designed to support women-owned businesses, providing financial resources without the need for repayment. These grants offer women entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to access capital, build their ventures, and come up with innovation. In this article, we’ll explore various grant opportunities available to women-owned businesses and how they can help boost your enterprise to the next level.

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FAQ

Understanding grants for women-owned businesses

Grants can help women entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. These programs offer money that doesn’t need to be paid back, unlike loans.

Defining women-owned businesses

A women-owned business is at least 51% owned and run by one or more women. This means women make key decisions and handle daily operations. Some grants require official certification as a women-owned business. To get certified, you’ll need to prove women own and control the company.

Women-owned businesses face unique challenges. They often have less access to funding than other companies. Grants aim to level the playing field and boost women’s role in the economy.

Different types of grants

Grants for women-owned businesses come in many forms. You can find options tailored to specific industries, business stages, and goals. Here are some common types:

• Government grants: These are funded by federal, state, or local agencies. They often focus on specific sectors like technology or rural development.
• Corporate grants: Many big companies offer grants to support women entrepreneurs. These may come with mentorship or training programs too.
• Nonprofit grants: Organizations dedicated to women’s empowerment frequently provide funding. They might target certain groups, like minority women business owners.
• Competition-based grants: Some grants are awarded through pitch contests. You present your business idea to judges for a chance to win funding.

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Choosing the right type of grant for your business

Picking a grant that fits your business needs is key. You’ll want to look at what each grant offers and what they ask for in return. Some grants give money for specific things like buying equipment or training staff. Others let you use the funds how you want. Think about how much money you need. Grants can range from a few thousand dollars to over a million.

Check if you meet the basic requirements. Many grants have rules about:

• Business size
• Years in operation
• Industry type
• Location

Look at application deadlines and how often the grant is given out. Some are yearly, others are ongoing.

Consider what you’ll need to apply. Common items include:

• Business plan
• Financial statements
• Description of how you’ll use the funds

34 grants for women owned businesses

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at 34 grants created to support women-owned businesses. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, these grants provide essential funding and resources. Each grant will be discussed in detail to help you identify the best fit for your business goals.

1. Amber Grant for women

The Amber Grant helps women business owners get money to grow their companies. WomensNet runs this grant program. They give out three $10,000 grants each month to women-owned businesses.

You can apply for the Amber Grant if you’re a woman who owns a business. It doesn’t matter what type of business you have. Even nonprofits can apply.

At the end of the year, WomensNet picks three winners from that year’s grantees. These lucky businesses get an extra $25,000 each.

The Amber Grant is easy to apply for. You just need to tell them about your business and how you’d use the money.

If you win, you can use the grant money however you want for your business. This freedom is great for women entrepreneurs who know exactly what their company needs.

2. Girlboss Foundation Grant

The Girlboss Foundation helps creative women entrepreneurs. They give out grants to support new business ideas.

The foundation offers $15,000 grants to women, non-binary, and trans creative business owners. This money can help you grow your company.

You can use the grant for different business needs. It might cover startup costs, new equipment, or marketing expenses.

To apply, you need to have a creative business. The foundation looks for unique ideas that stand out. They want to support businesses that can make a real impact.

The Girlboss Foundation Grant is best for creative startups. If you have a fresh idea and need funding to get started, this grant could be perfect for you.

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3. Eileen Fisher women-owned business grant

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program supports female entrepreneurs. Each year, the program awards grants to women-owned businesses that focus on social consciousness, sustainability, and innovation.

The program gives out $200,000 in total funding annually. It selects multiple recipients, with individual grant sizes varying. This money can help women business owners take their companies to the next stage of growth.

To qualify, your business must be 100% women-owned. You need to show how your company makes a positive impact on people and the environment. The program looks for businesses ready to expand and develop further.

You can apply for this grant if you want to grow your socially conscious business. It’s a good fit if you’re passionate about making a positive change in your community or industry.

4. Cartier women’s initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global program that supports women entrepreneurs. It offers grants and mentorship to female-led businesses with social or environmental impact.

You can apply if you’re a woman who owns or runs a business in any country or sector. Your company should aim to make positive changes in society or the environment.

The program gives out millions of dollars in grants each year. Winners get money to grow their businesses and help from experts in their fields.

Cartier looks for new ideas that can solve big problems. They want to help women leaders make a difference in the world.

If you win, you’ll join a network of successful women from many countries. You can learn from each other and get advice to improve your business.

The application process is tough, but it’s a chance to show off your hard work. You’ll need to explain your business plan and how you’ll use the grant money.

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5. InnovateHER women’s business challenge

The InnovateHER Challenge is a yearly contest run by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It aims to support women-owned businesses that create products or services to help women and families.

You can win big prizes if your business idea stands out. The top three finalists get cash awards of $40,000, $20,000, and $10,000. This money can give your business a boost.

To join, you need a product or service that makes life better for women. Your idea should be new and ready to sell. You also have to show how it can grow and make money.

The challenge happens in two stages. First, you compete at local events. If you win there, you move on to the national finals. At the finals, you present your idea to the judges.

This contest is great for women with fresh ideas. It gives you a chance to get funding and attention for your business. You can also meet other women entrepreneurs and learn from them.

6. Visa She’s Next grant

Visa’s She’s Next grant program supports women-owned small businesses. The program gives grants and coaching to help these businesses grow.

You can get a $10,000 grant if you’re picked. This money can help you buy things for your business or pay for services you need.

The program also gives you coaching. This means you can learn from experts about running your business better.

Visa has given grants to 50 women-owned businesses in Canada. They’ve given out $500,000 in total. You can apply for the grant if you own a small business and you’re a woman. The program is open to businesses in many different fields.

Visa wants to help women business owners succeed. They know that women often face more challenges when starting and running businesses.

7. Ladies Who Launch grant

Ladies Who Launch helps women and non-binary business owners succeed. They give out grants to small businesses owned by women and non-binary people.

The group has given $650,000 in grants since 2020. They’ve helped 60 businesses so far. You can get a $10,000 grant if you’re picked. You also get 6 months of business training.

Ladies Who Launch wants to build a community. Grant winners can connect with each other and share tips.

The program is open to U.S.-based small businesses. You must be a woman or non-binary person to apply.

8. The Halstead grant for female entrepreneurs

The Halstead Grant helps women who make and sell jewelry. It’s for new business owners who want to grow their companies.

You can win $7,500 in cash if you get this grant. You also get $1,000 to buy jewelry supplies from Halstead.

To apply, you need to show your jewelry and answer questions about your business plan. This helps you think about how to make your company better.

The grant is good for women who are just starting out in the jewelry business. It gives you money and helps you learn how to run your company.

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9. The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program helps women entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Each year, the program picks 50 women to take part in a year-long program.

The program gives women business owners many tools to succeed. These include workshops, coaching, and networking chances. Fellows also get $5,000 to use for their business.

To apply, you must be a woman who owns at least half of your business. You need to be 21 or older and live in the United States. The program looks for women with growing companies who want to take their business to the next level.

The program starts in September and ends in November of the next year. If you want to apply, make sure to check the Tory Burch Foundation website for exact dates and details.

10. Fearless Fund grant

The Fearless Fund offers grants to support Black women-owned businesses. This program aims to address the funding gap faced by these entrepreneurs.

You might like that this grant targets an underserved group. It provides both financial support and access to education.

A downside is that the program has faced legal challenges. This led to the suspension of the grant contest during an ongoing lawsuit.

The Fearless Fund chose this focus because Black women receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. They want to change this statistic.

This grant works best for Black women who own small businesses. It’s ideal if you’re seeking early-stage funding to grow your company.

11. Comcast RISE Investment Fund

Comcast RISE helps small businesses owned by women. The program gives money, marketing help, and tech support to these businesses.

The Investment Fund is part of Comcast RISE. It gives cash grants to small businesses. These grants can be up to $10,000 each.

You might like that the fund focuses on diverse owners. It supports businesses run by Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American people. The program also helps women-owned companies.

One downside is that grants are only given in certain cities. Not all small businesses can apply. Comcast RISE picked this fund to encourage local economies. It aims to help businesses that often face more challenges.

This program works well for small companies needing extra cash. It’s great if you own a business in one of the chosen cities.

12. Strivers Grant Contest

The Strivers Grant Contest, created by Mastercard, provides financial support to Black women-owned businesses. It aims to help address the systemic funding barriers these entrepreneurs often encounter.

You might appreciate that this grant not only offers direct financial aid but also access to mentorship and resources, helping recipients grow their businesses long-term.

A limitation is that competition for the grant is high, with many applicants vying for a limited number of spots.

Mastercard launched this initiative to combat the fact that Black women receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding. By offering this grant, they hope to bridge that gap.

The Strivers Grant Contest is ideal for Black women entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses while gaining industry-specific guidance and support.

13. IFundWomen universal grant

IFundWomen offers a funding marketplace for women-owned businesses. Their Universal Grant Application opens doors to many grant opportunities.

The application lets you apply for multiple grants at once. This saves time and effort for busy entrepreneurs.

IFundWomen has given over $170 million in grants to women-owned businesses. They work with big companies like Visa to create grant programs.

You can apply for grants in the US and other countries like India. The amounts vary based on the specific program.

To apply, fill out the Universal Grant Application on their website. This puts you in the running for future grants as they become available.

14. Women Founders Network FastPitch

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch program gives cash grants to women-led businesses. It’s a yearly contest where female entrepreneurs can win money for their companies.

To join, your business must be started by a woman. You can’t have raised more than $750,000 in outside funding. You need to go to the event in person at UCLA on October 29.

The contest gives out $55,000 in total grants. Two $25,000 grants are given to the top businesses. This money can help you grow your company and reach new goals.

Fast Pitch also offers chances to connect with other business owners. You can meet people who might help your company grow. The program wants to support women in business and help them succeed.

15. NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development

The NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development is a nonprofit educational foundation. It offers programs to support women business owners at all stages of growth.

You can find many resources through the NAWBO Institute. They provide education, connections, and support groups for women entrepreneurs.

One key program is NAWBO $1 Million+. This year-long program is for NAWBO Premier Members with businesses earning $1 million or more yearly. It helps you build connections with other successful women business owners.

The Institute aims to help women grow their businesses. They offer tools to increase your economic, social, and political influence.

You’ll find programs tailored to different business sizes and stages. Whether you’re just starting out or running a large company, NAWBO has resources for you.

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16. Bei Tech women’s business accelerator

The BEI Tech Women’s Business Accelerator helps women-owned tech startups grow. It offers funding, mentorship, and resources to boost your company’s success.

You get access to expert advisors who guide you through challenges. The program provides workshops on key business topics like marketing and finance.

Funding opportunities are available to qualified participants. This can help you scale your operations and reach new markets.

Networking events connect you with other women entrepreneurs and potential investors. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships.

The accelerator focuses on tech-driven businesses across various sectors. It aims to increase diversity in the male-dominated tech industry.

You’ll gain skills to pitch your business effectively to investors. The program also helps refine your product strategy and business model.

17. The BGV pitch competition

Black Girl Ventures (BGV) offers a unique pitch competition for women business owners. This program helps entrepreneurs get funding and support for their companies.

The BGV pitch event is different from typical pitch contests. It uses crowdfunding to award money to the winners. This lets more people help fund new businesses.

During the competition, founders present their ideas to judges and the audience. Everyone votes for their favorite pitches. The top vote-getters win grant money for their companies.

BGV provides coaching to help founders prepare. They teach you how to explain your business clearly and answer questions well. This improves your chances of success.

Winners can get up to $30,000 in grant funding. The exact amount depends on the event. BGV also connects you with mentors and resources to grow your business.

18. Do you fellowship

The Do You Fellowship supports women business owners. It offers grants and training to help them grow their companies. The program aims to increase women’s success in business.

You can apply for this fellowship if you run a for-profit business. Your company must be at least 51% owned by women. The fellowship looks for businesses that show promise and need help to expand.

Winners get a $5,000 grant to use for their business. They also join a group of other women entrepreneurs. This group meets online to share ideas and learn from each other.

The fellowship wants to see how you’ll use the money. You should have a clear plan for growing your business. They like to fund projects that will have a big impact.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a form online. You’ll share details about your business and goals. The judges look at your plan and how well you can carry it out.

19. #Girlbossxwix competition

The GIRLBOSSXWIX Competition is a grant program for women entrepreneurs. It’s a team-up between Girlboss and Wix. The goal is to help women start and grow their businesses online.

You can win up to $10,000 in grant money. You also get a free Wix website and business tools. This can help you build your brand and reach more customers.

To enter, you need to be a woman-owned business in the U.S. You must be over 18 and have a clear business plan. The judges look for creativity, passion, and potential for growth.

Winners get more than just money. You join a network of successful women entrepreneurs. This can lead to mentorship and new business contacts.

20. Loreal Women of Worth Award

The Loreal Women of Worth Award is a chance for women making a difference to get support for their work. Each year, Loreal Paris picks 10 women to honor. These women get $25,000 for their causes.

The award is open to women running nonprofits or volunteer projects in the U.S. You can apply or nominate someone else. Loreal looks for women who are working hard to help others.

Winners get more than just money. They also get advice from Loreal’s network. This can help them grow their projects. Loreal also shares their stories with the public.

The award has been running for almost 20 years. It has helped many women expand their good work. If you know a woman doing great things, you could nominate her for next year’s award.

21. Women in Retail’s annual big show grant

The Women in Retail Leadership Circle hosts a yearly event called the Big Show. This gathering brings together female leaders in the retail industry. As part of the event, they offer a grant program for women-owned retail businesses.

The grant aims to support women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. It provides funding to help grow and develop their businesses. Winners receive financial assistance and exposure to industry leaders.

You can apply for this grant if you own a retail business and identify as a woman. The application process involves submitting details about your company and its goals. A panel of judges reviews the entries and selects the recipients.

The grant amount varies each year. It typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per winner. Along with the money, winners get a chance to attend the Big Show event.

This opportunity can give your retail business an increase. It offers both funding and valuable networking chances.

22. Dream big awards – US Chamber of Commerce

The Dream Big Awards celebrate small businesses across America. Each year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honors companies that contribute to economic growth. The awards highlight achievements in different categories.

You can apply for these awards if you own a small business. The winner of the Small Business of the Year award gets $25,000. They also receive a one-year Chamber membership and a promotional video.

The awards cover many areas. These include community excellence, emerging business, and sustainability. There are also categories for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

Hundreds of small business owners apply each year. Only a small number become finalists. The Chamber chooses winners based on their impact and success.

Winning a Dream Big Award can grow your business. It gives you recognition and publicity. You also join a network of successful entrepreneurs.

23. Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative

Walmart launched its Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative in 2011. This program aimed to increase sourcing from women-owned businesses and support female entrepreneurs globally.

The initiative set an ambitious goal to source $20 billion worth of products and services from women-owned companies by 2017. Walmart exceeded this target, spending nearly $30 billion with women-owned businesses over seven years.

Beyond sourcing, the program focused on empowering women in Walmart’s global supply chain. It provided training and career advancement opportunities for female associates within the company.

The Walmart Foundation also created a Market Access program in 2017. This program helps build capacity for Farmer Producer Organizations in India, Mexico, and Central America. It aims to help smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, improve their livelihoods.

Walmart’s efforts have earned recognition. The company was named one of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises. This highlights Walmart’s commitment to supporting and growing women-owned businesses.

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24. The InnovateHER prize challenge

The InnovateHER Challenge is a yearly competition hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It aims to support women-owned businesses that create products or services to improve women’s lives.

The challenge offers big cash prizes for the top three winners. The first place gets $40,000, the second place receives $20,000, and the third place earns $10,000. This money can help you grow your business and bring your ideas to life.

To join, you need to win a local InnovateHER contest first. These happen all over the country. You can find host locations on the SBA website. If you win locally, you move on to the national semifinal round.

The InnovateHER Challenge is a great chance for you to showcase your business idea and win funding. It’s open to women entrepreneurs across the U.S. who want to make a positive impact.

25. Sema loan fund by Women’s World Banking

Women’s World Banking created the Sema Loan Fund to help women-owned businesses get money. This fund gives loans to women who want to start or grow their companies.

You can get a loan from Sema if you’re a woman business owner. The fund looks at your business plan and goals before deciding. They want to make sure you have a good chance of success.

Sema offers different loan amounts to fit your needs. You can use the money for things like buying equipment or hiring staff. The fund also gives advice to help your business do well.

One good thing about Sema is that it focuses on women. They understand the challenges you might face as a female entrepreneur. They try to make the loan process easy and fair.

26. Small business innovation research (SBIR) program

The SBIR program helps women-owned businesses get money for research and new ideas. It’s part of America’s Seed Fund. This program gives you money to work on your tech ideas without giving up any control of your company.

SBIR aims to increase participation from women-owned and disadvantaged small businesses. You can use the funds to develop your technology and plan how to sell it. This is great for women entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.

To apply, you need a small business that does research. Your company must be based in the U.S. and owned by U.S. citizens. The program has three phases. In phase one, you can get up to $250,000 to test your idea.

SBIR is a good fit for women-owned tech startups. It gives you a chance to turn your ideas into real products. The program also offers mentoring and training to help you succeed.

27. HerRise MicroGrant

The HerRise MicroGrant, created by HerSuiteSpot in partnership with the Yva Jourdan Foundation, aims to support women of color entrepreneurs who face challenges in securing funds for their businesses. Each month, a $1,000 grant is awarded to women-owned businesses to help with essential expenses like purchasing equipment, marketing, product development, or website creation.

Applicants must explain how the grant will aid their business growth. The initiative also connects winners to HerSuiteSpot’s community, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them thrive. Winners are announced during the First Friday Mixer event each month.

28. Galaxy Grant

The Galaxy Grant, sponsored by Hidden Star, offers $2,250 in funding to support women and minority entrepreneurs across the United States. It is designed to help small business owners who need financial assistance to start or expand their ventures. The application process is simple and quick, taking only about 30 seconds to complete.

Each month, winners are selected, and announcements are made soon after. Besides funding, the grant connects recipients to the Galaxy of Stars community, offering networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources aimed at helping underserved business owners succeed.

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29. Giving Joy Grants

Giving Joy Grants offers financial support to women entrepreneurs and leaders around the world, providing micro-grants ranging from $250 to $500. Founded to help women bring their ideas to life, these grants can be used for starting new ventures, expanding existing businesses, or developing nonprofit projects. The program prioritizes initiatives that have a clear social impact and benefit the community.

Applications are open twice a year, with a focus on funding projects that can create broader positive changes. Grant recipients also gain access to mentorship and networking opportunities through the program.

30. EmpowHER grants

EmpowHER Grants, offered by the Boundless Futures Foundation, provide funding of up to $25,000 to support female entrepreneurs who are building businesses addressing key social issues. These grants are designed for early-stage, for-profit businesses that are registered in the United States and are no more than three years old.

Applicants must demonstrate how their business addresses issues such as poverty, environmental sustainability, or community development. Grants are awarded quarterly, giving entrepreneurs multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply for funding.

31. The Tory Burch Capital Program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship is a year-long program designed to support women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. Each year, 50 women are selected to receive benefits including a $5,000 grant for business education, access to workshops, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities. The fellowship culminates in a three-day workshop at the Tory Burch Headquarters in New York City, where participants can connect with industry leaders and receive hands-on training. Fellows also get the chance to pitch their business ideas, with one winner receiving an additional $100,000 grant to invest in their company.

Applications open annually, and the program prioritizes early-stage, for-profit businesses that are majority women-owned and have demonstrated growth potential.

32. Waves of Change Grant

The Waves of Change Grant is a unique opportunity designed to support women of color entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses. This program focuses on helping recipients relaunch their businesses with a strong foundation by providing services rather than direct cash funding. The grant includes assistance with branding, marketing, website design, and other key areas, guaranteeing that businesses have the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, the program offers a stipend to cover operating costs for up to one year.

Eligible applicants must be women of color, at least 18 years old, and based in the United States. Businesses must be early-stage and have less than $50,000 in annual revenue. Applications typically open once a year, and selected recipients benefit from personalized support and resources to help grow their businesses.

33. Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Challenge

The Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Challenge, sponsored by BankUnited, is an annual competition that provides women entrepreneurs with the opportunity to win cash prizes to grow their businesses. The challenge is open to women-owned, for-profit businesses based in Florida, New York, or Texas, with no more than 20 full-time employees and annual revenues under $3 million. Participants are required to submit a three-minute pitch video detailing how the grand prize would benefit their business.

The competition awards a $15,000 grand prize to the top winner, with $5,000 and $2,500 going to the first and second runners-up, respectively. The summit also features networking opportunities, panel discussions, and inspirational talks from successful women business leaders.

34. StartHer grant

The StartHER grant, offered by Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs, provides financial support to women-owned businesses in Texas. Each year, the program awards $5,000 grants to 10 selected businesses, helping them launch new initiatives or grow their existing ventures.

Eligible businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, based in Texas, and have five or fewer employees. Recipients can use the grant for a variety of business needs, including equipment, inventory, marketing, or property improvements. Additionally, awardees are required to complete a small business training course and receive advising sessions to enhance their business skills.

Conclusion

Grants for women-owned businesses provide a powerful resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow their enterprises without taking on debt. By tapping into these funding opportunities, women can access the financial support needed to innovate, expand, and make a lasting impact in their industries. As more organizations and government programs continue to encourage women entrepreneurs, the possibilities for success are greater than ever. With the right grant, women business owners can confidently take their ventures to new heights while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive economy.

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