Grants for women entrepreneurs are a great way to grow your business without worrying about paying the money back, unlike loans or other types of funding. The catch? They’re super competitive and take time and effort to land.
If you’re up for it, though, grants can be an awesome way to fund your business, whether you’re just starting out or already up and running. Here’s where women business owners can find grants and other free financial resources.
Private small-business grants for women
1. Amber Grant
WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants every month to women-owned businesses. Categories include startups, specific industries (e.g., education, childcare), and general small businesses. Yearly, three recipients win an additional $25,000 grant. The application is simple—just explain your business, how you’d use the funds, and pay a $15 fee. Open to businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
2. IFundWomen Universal Grant Database
Submit one application, and IFundWomen matches you with grants from their partners, like Visa and Neutrogena. If you’re a match, you’ll be invited to apply.
3. HerRise Microgrant
The Yva Jourdan Foundation awards $1,000 monthly to businesses that are at least 51% women of color-owned and have under $1M in revenue.
4. Galaxy Grant
Hidden Star offers $2,750 grants to women and minority-owned businesses. Applications close Sept. 30, 2024.
5. Giving Joy Grants
Women 18+ can apply for $250-$500 microgrants to launch or grow a business. Applications are open Jan.–April and June–Sept.
6. EmpowHER Grants
Boundless Futures Foundation offers grants of up to $25,000 as reimbursement for business expenses. Open to businesses under three years old. Applications are quarterly, next due Sept. 2024.
7. Her Village Grant
Boundless Futures also offers $5,000-$30,000 grants to nonprofits supporting women entrepreneurs. Applications open July–Sept. 2024.
8. FoundHer Accelerator Program
For Hawaii-based, early-stage businesses owned by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander women. Includes $20,000 grants and a $4,000 care stipend. Apply by Sept. 30, 2024.
9. Texas Job Creators Grant
Founders First CDC awards $5,000 grants to 10 B2B or B2G businesses in Texas. Applications open Aug. 2024.
10. Ignite: A WBDC Grant
Connecticut-based, women-owned businesses can apply for $2,500-$10,000 for growth projects. Next round: Aug.–Sept. 2024.
11. High Five Grant for Moms
The Mama Ladder awards grants to mompreneurs, including $10,000 for first place. Applications open Sept. 2024.
12. StartHER Grant
Texas Woman’s University awards $5,000 to 10 women-owned businesses in Texas. Apply Sept.–Oct. 2024.
13. Olga Loizon Foundation Grant
Michigan-based women business owners can apply for up to $10,000. A business plan and financial need statement are required.
14. Southern California Job Creators Grant
Founders First CDC offers $5,000 grants to 10 businesses in Southern California. Pre-registration is open; applications launch Oct. 2024.
15. Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant
Grants between $10,000 and $25,000 for Black women-owned beauty and wellness businesses. Applications open fall 2024.
16. Publish Her Business Impact Grant
For women of color-owned businesses with at least $50,000 in revenue. One $5,000 grant available.
17. Women of Color Grant Program
Tory Burch Foundation and Fearless Foundation award $10,000-$20,000 grants to 75 businesses annually.
18. DWEN US Dream Tech Contest
Dell awards up to $40,000 in Rewards Points to winners. Must join Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network to apply.
19. Tory Burch Fellowship
This year-long program includes a $5,000 grant and access to 0% Kiva loans. Applications reopen in 2024.
20. Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition
Pitch your business in person for a chance to win $15,000 (grand prize) or $10,000 (runner-up).
21. Fund Her Future
H&R Block awards $50,000 to one business and $12,500 each to four others. Applications closed May 2024.
22. Dream Makers Founders Grant
$25,000 grants for women-owned businesses generating $100,000–$1M in revenue.
23. BMO Celebrating Women Grant
$10,000 grants for women-owned businesses in select states. Applications reopen in 2025.
24. Stacy’s Rise Project
$25,000 for women-owned food and beverage businesses, plus a mentorship program.
25. Waves of Change Grant
For early-stage women of color-owned businesses, with revenue under $50,000. Includes services and a stipend.
26. Veteran Woman Grant
Texas Woman’s University awards $5,000 grants to veteran-owned businesses annually.
27. The Kitty Fund
$1,000 grants for mother-led businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $5M in revenue.
28. She’s Connected by AT&T
Grand prize: $50,000 grant plus free service for a year. Four runner-ups get $5,000.
29. Texas Rural Woman Grant
$5,000 grants for rural women-owned businesses in Texas.
30. Women in Business Challenge
BankUnited awards $15,000 to one winner and $5,000 to the runner-up.
31. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch
Women founders pitch their businesses for a chance to win $25,000.
32. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
Global grants of up to $100,000 for women tackling social, economic, or environmental issues.
Additional Private Business Grant Opportunities
These business grants are not specifically targeted toward women but offer excellent opportunities for any entrepreneur.
33. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant
The NASE awards up to $4,000 quarterly to small businesses. These funds can cover various business needs, such as marketing, advertising, or hiring employees.
Eligibility:
- Must be a NASE member for at least three months before applying.
- Annual members can apply anytime.
34. The Freed Fellowship Grant
This grant awards $500 monthly to a small business owner, with recipients also eligible for an annual $2,500 grant. Applications are accepted year-round.
Encouraged Applicants: Women and minority entrepreneurs are welcome to apply.
35. CO – 100
Offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, this annual grant is open to small businesses.
Awards:
- One grand prize of $25,000.
- Ten additional businesses receive $2,000 each.
Eligibility: - Operate for at least one year.
- Fewer than 250 employees.
- Gross revenue under $20 million for both 2022 and 2023.
36. Fast Break for Small Business
This grant program, supported by Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, and the WNBA, awards $10,000 to 150 small businesses.
Eligibility:
- Operating for at least three months.
- Annual revenue under $1 million.
Deadline: Applications are open from Feb. 15 – Sept. 13, 2024.
37. Halstead Grant
This annual grant is tailored for entrepreneurs in the silver jewelry industry.
Awards:
- $7,500 startup grant and $1,000 in jewelry merchandise for the winner.
- Finalists receive $250–$500.
Eligibility: Open to both men- and women-owned businesses. Applicants must answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio.
38. Amazon Business Small Business Grant Contest
Amazon Business provides various grant levels in its annual contest.
Awards:
- Grand prize: $25,000.
- Four finalists: $20,000 each.
- Ten semi-finalists: $15,000 each.
Eligibility: - Must have an Amazon Business account.
- Annual revenue of $1 million or less.
39. eBay Up & Running Grant
This program awards $10,000 to 50 eBay business sellers.
Eligibility:
- Must have been an eBay seller since at least Dec. 1, 2023, with a rating of “Above Standard” or “Top Rated.”
40. Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant
Previously known as the Incfile Fresh Start Business Grant, this program supports entrepreneurs starting their businesses.
Awards: $2,500 and free business formation services from Bizee.
Frequency: Grants are awarded three times a year.
41. FedEx Small Business Grant
FedEx’s annual program supports small businesses with substantial funding.
Awards:
- One grand prize: $50,000.
- Nine additional businesses: $20,000 each.
Eligibility: - Must operate a for-profit business with fewer than 99 employees.
- At least six months of operational history.
42. Backing Small Businesses
A collaboration between American Express and Main Street America, this grant program supports small businesses nationwide.
Awards:
- $10,000 grants to 500 businesses.
- 25 businesses will receive an additional $30,000 Enhancement Grant.
Federal Government Small-Business Grants
Federal grants are often designated for specific purposes, such as research or rural business development.
43. Grants.gov
Grants.gov hosts a database of federally sponsored grants, including options for small businesses.
How to Apply:
- Obtain a Unique Entity ID for your business.
- Register with the System for Award Management.
- Create a Grants.gov account.
Tip: Use the “eligibility” filter to find grants tailored to small businesses.
44. SBIR and STTR Programs
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer competitive grants for businesses contributing to federal research and development.
Eligibility:
- For-profit businesses with no more than 500 employees.
45. Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)
The SBA’s PRIME program provides grants to organizations offering training, assistance, and coaching to disadvantaged business owners.
Note: These grants are awarded to nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribal organizations that support small businesses.