5 Grants for Women-Owned Small Businesses

Starting and growing a small business takes more than a good idea.

You need time, customers, a solid plan, and enough money to keep things moving. For many women entrepreneurs, finding that extra funding can be one of the hardest parts of building a business.

One option worth exploring is a small business grant.

Unlike a traditional business loan, a grant is generally money that does not need to be repaid, provided you meet the program’s requirements. There are organizations across the United States that offer funding opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses.

The challenge is knowing where to look and understanding what each program actually offers.

Below are five grant programs highlighted in the source, followed by practical ways to find more opportunities and prepare a strong application.

What Grants Are Available for Women-Owned Small Businesses?

There are many funding programs for women entrepreneurs, and each one has its own eligibility rules, deadlines, award amounts, and application process.

The five programs below are a useful starting point:

These programs are not identical. Some focus mainly on funding, while others combine money with training, mentoring, networking, or business resources.

How Does the WomensNet Amber Grant Work?

WomensNet offers several programs for women entrepreneurs, including its well-known Amber Grant.

The source explains that the Amber Grant was created in memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young entrepreneur who died at age 19 before she could pursue her business dreams. The program was established in her honor.

One of the reasons the program stands out is that one application can put a business in consideration for several WomensNet grants.

The source lists programs such as:

• Monthly Amber Grant: One winner receives $10,000 each month, while four finalists receive $1,000 each.
• Annual Amber Grant: One monthly Amber Grant winner can receive an additional $25,000 award at the end of the year.
• Marketing Grant: Two women receive hands-on marketing assistance each year.
• Non-Profit Grant: A nonprofit business or organization receives $10,000 each quarter.
• Business Category Grant: One entrepreneur in a selected category receives $10,000 each month, with an additional annual $25,000 award for one monthly winner.
• Mini-Grants: Smaller awards are distributed throughout the year.

The source also notes that applicants can continue applying in future months if they are not selected.

What Does IFundWomen Offer?

IFundWomen is a funding platform focused on helping women entrepreneurs access capital and other business resources.

The source highlights two programs in particular.

The IFundWomen Entrepreneur of the Year Grant is described as the organization’s largest annual funding program. According to the source, the grand-prize winner receives a $100,000 equity investment, along with a year of educational services. Six additional winners receive $5,000 grants and a year of educational support.

The source also mentions the Vista x IFundWomen ReferHer Program, which provides selected women with experiences and resources such as an exclusive dinner, access to coworking resources, and a chance to receive a monetary grant.

One useful thing about IFundWomen is that its partnerships can change over time. The source recommends checking the platform regularly for newly launched opportunities.

What Is the Cartier Women’s Initiative?

The Cartier Women’s Initiative supports businesses owned or run by women through its Regional Awards program.

The source explains that three winners are selected from each of 10 regions. The awards include financial support as well as human and social capital.

The funding amounts listed in the source are:

• First place: $100,000
• Second place: $60,000
• Third place: $30,000

The source says the application period typically runs from mid-May through the end of June.

For founders, the appeal is not only the cash award. A program like this can also provide exposure, connections, and access to a broader entrepreneurial community.

What Is the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program?

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is designed to help women entrepreneurs grow and scale early-stage businesses.

According to the source, fellows receive a one-year program experience, access to an online community of founders, and a $5,000 grant that can be used to support business education. Participants also receive an invitation to an end-of-year networking event in New York City.

The source includes program impact figures showing that some participants went on to exceed $1 million in sales, raise venture capital, or continue operating their businesses.

Applications are described as typically opening around the end of September and closing in mid-November.

This type of program may be particularly useful for founders who want education, connections, and guidance in addition to financial support.

How Does the Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition Work?

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition takes a different approach.

Instead of submitting a traditional grant application alone, women founders, co-founders, and CEOs pitch their businesses to a panel of judges.

The source says the first-place winner in each application track receives a $25,000 grant, while one Junior Judge winner receives $5,000.

The source describes two tracks in one competition cycle:

• Technology and technology-enabled businesses
• Consumer products, consumer packaged goods, and other business types

The top 10 finalists can also receive additional support, including one-on-one coaching, a financial mentor, pitch feedback, and invitations to special events.

The application period is described as typically running from mid-April through the end of May.

Where Can Women Find More Small Business Grants?

These five programs are only a starting point.

There are other grant opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels, and finding them often requires a bit of research.

How Can Women’s Business Centers Help?

The SBA-sponsored Women’s Business Centers can be a useful resource for women entrepreneurs.

The source explains that these centers help women start and grow businesses and can provide guidance on grants, business training, counseling, access to credit, and federal contracting opportunities.

A local center may also know about regional programs that are easy to miss when you only search online.

What Is the Economic Development Administration?

The U.S. Economic Development Administration, or EDA, supports regional economic development and has offices across the country.

The source recommends using the EDA’s directory to find a nearby office and explore regional resources.

Can Grants.gov Help Find Funding?

Grants.gov is a federal database that can be used to search for government grant programs.

Instead of browsing randomly, use the site’s filters to narrow results based on the type of business, funding opportunity, or other relevant criteria.

Where Can You Find State and Local Grants?

State and local government websites are another useful place to look.

A grant may be designed around a particular regional goal, industry, or economic development initiative. That means opportunities can vary considerably from one state or city to another.

For a small business owner, checking local programs can be worth the effort because some opportunities may be less competitive than large national programs.

Can Search Engines Help Find Grants?

Search engines can also uncover grant programs from private organizations, foundations, corporations, and community groups.

The key is to verify the program carefully before sharing personal or financial information or paying an application fee.

How Do You Apply for a Women-Owned Small Business Grant?

Finding a grant is only the beginning. The application itself needs attention.

A simple process can help keep things organized.

How Do You Find the Right Grant?

Start by checking whether the grant actually fits your business.

Look at the eligibility rules, award amount, application requirements, deadline, and intended use of the funding.

There is no point spending hours on an application if your business does not meet the basic requirements.

How Should You Track Grant Deadlines?

Grant deadlines can be easy to lose track of, particularly when you are managing a business at the same time.

The source recommends creating a spreadsheet that keeps track of details such as:

A simple tracking system can save a lot of last-minute stress.

What Information Goes Into a Grant Application?

Every grant has its own requirements, but applications commonly ask about you, your business, and how you would use the funding.

The source gives the Amber Grant as an example. Applicants may need to provide their name, email, business name, website, a description of the business or idea, and an explanation of how they would spend the grant money.

Take time to make your answers specific.

Explain what your business does, what problem it solves, what you have accomplished so far, and exactly how additional funding would help.

Should You Apply for Several Grants at Once?

You can explore multiple opportunities, but applying for grants takes time.

It may be more effective to focus on programs that genuinely match your business rather than submitting rushed applications to every grant you find.

Consider the amount of funding, eligibility requirements, deadline, competition, and application effort before deciding where to spend your time.

Do Small Business Grants Have Application Fees?

Some programs may charge an application fee, while others do not.

The source specifically recommends paying attention to fees because they can add up quickly.

Before paying anything, confirm that the program is legitimate and that the opportunity makes sense for your business.

Be cautious of organizations that make unrealistic promises or demand large upfront payments simply to “guarantee” funding.

What Should You Do After Receiving a Grant?

Winning a grant is an exciting step, but it is not the end of the journey.

Keep good records of how the money is used and follow the program’s requirements. More importantly, use the funding for the purpose described in your application.

The additional capital may help you invest in equipment, marketing, employees, technology, inventory, or other business needs, depending on the grant’s rules.

As the business grows, you also need to think about protecting what you have built.

Why Does Business Protection Matter as Your Company Grows?

More sales and more customers can also mean more responsibilities.

The source recommends considering small business insurance as the company grows so that the business has protection against certain risks.

Grant funding can help a business move forward, but protecting the business is just as important as finding capital in the first place.

What Should Women Entrepreneurs Remember About Grants?

Grants can be helpful, but they should be treated as one part of a larger funding strategy.

Not every applicant will receive funding, and some programs are highly competitive. A strong business still needs a clear plan, sustainable revenue, and careful financial management.

The best approach is to keep looking for suitable opportunities while continuing to build the business itself.

Conclusion

Grants can give women-owned small businesses a valuable opportunity to access funding without taking on traditional loan repayments.

Programs such as Women’s Net, iFundWomen, Cartier Women’s Initiative, the Tory Burch Foundation, and Women Founders Network offer different combinations of grants, education, mentoring, networking, and business support.

There are also plenty of places to look beyond these five programs, including Women’s Business Centers, Grants.gov, the Economic Development Administration, and state and local government websites.

The most important thing is to approach grant applications strategically. Find programs that fit your business, track deadlines carefully, prepare clear answers, and explain exactly how the funding would help you move forward.

Grant money is never guaranteed, but a well-prepared application can put your business in a much better position to take advantage of the opportunities that are available.

FAQ

How does the Amber Grant help women entrepreneurs?

Women’s Net’s Amber Grant offers monthly funding, with the source describing a $10,000 monthly award plus smaller awards for finalists and additional annual grant opportunities.

How much money can women receive from IFundWomen grants?

The source highlights a $100,000 equity investment for the IFundWomen Entrepreneur of the Year grand-prize winner, while other selected winners can receive smaller grants and educational support.

What is the Cartier Women’s Initiative grant?

The Cartier Women’s Initiative provides awards to women-led businesses through its regional program. The source lists $100,000 for first place, $60,000 for second place, and $30,000 for third place.

How much does the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program provide?

According to the source, participants receive a $5,000 grant to support business education, along with a year-long fellowship, founder community access, and networking opportunities.

What is the Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition?

It is a competition where women founders, co-founders, and CEOs pitch their businesses to judges. The source says first-place winners in each track can receive a $25,000 grant.

Where can women find more small business grants?

Women entrepreneurs can search through SBA-sponsored Women’s Business Centers, the Economic Development Administration, Grants.gov, state and local government websites, and reputable online searches.

Do I need to pay to apply for a small business grant?

Some grant programs may charge application fees, while others do not. The source recommends checking fees carefully and focusing on opportunities that are a good fit for your business.

What information is usually required for a grant application?

Applications may ask for your name and contact details, business information, website, a description of your company or idea, and an explanation of how you would use the funding.

How can I keep track of grant deadlines?

A simple spreadsheet can help you organize grant names, award amounts, eligibility requirements, fees, and application opening and closing dates.

Can startups owned by women apply for grants?

Yes, some grant programs are designed for women entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. However, eligibility differs from one program to another, so check each grant’s requirements before applying.

What can a small business grant be used for?

The permitted use depends on the grant. Some programs may support business growth, education, marketing, equipment, or other specific expenses outlined by the grant provider.

Are grants better than business loans?

Grants generally do not need to be repaid when their conditions are met, while loans must usually be repaid. The right funding option depends on your business needs and eligibility.

Are women-owned business grants guaranteed?

No. Grant programs can be competitive, and receiving funding depends on the provider’s eligibility rules and selection process.