31 Small business grants women entrepreneurs can apply for

Access to capital is a critical concern for businesses, whether they are just starting out or expanding. Entrepreneurs need to fund new products, research goals, and fluctuating inventories. While large companies that have fared well on the open market for several years can rely solely on profits to reinvest, new businesses need to be resourceful. There are start-up costs like furniture and equipment, business insurance, and inventory. Then they may need financing to get through the first few slow quarters.

This is especially true for small businesses. While it can be difficult for startup companies to become profitable, small businesses led by women are at a disadvantage.

📢 Related: How to get certified as a woman-owned small business

Women entrepreneurs face funding challenges

📌 Data suggests that female entrepreneurs are less likely to receive conventional business loans than their male counterparts. This trend also pertains to women who apply for the government-supported loans of the Small Business Administration.

On average, women who manage to secure a loan also receive smaller sums than male borrowers. Economists, sociologists, and market analysts have examined many factors to learn why women entrepreneurs struggle to obtain credit. Some researchers believe that women may be more averse to financial risks than men, and others state that women simply apply for fewer loans. These are important topics to consider, but the lower loan amounts for women clearly show that bias is a critical factor.

As a way to try to level the playing field, many organizations offer grants to female entrepreneurs. They are attempting to reduce gender inequality and build the economy with these 31 small business grants and funding opportunities for women.

Grants for women-owned small businesses

These grants are offered by organizations to specifically aid female (and sometimes minority) entrepreneurs, in any industry.

1. Amber Grant

The Amber Grant for Women provides at least $30,000 per month to female entrepreneurs. Each month, the organization awards a $10,000 Amber Grant, for any type of women-owned business, a $10,000 Start Up Grant, for businesses that are in the ‘idea phase,’ and a $10,000 Business Category Grant for a business in specific category. The category changes each month – for example, in January 2024 it was skilled trades, in February it is health and fitness, in March it is food and beverage. Check the website to see when your business is eligible. Finally, there are three year-end grants of $25,000 each, one for one of the twelve monthly winners in each of the three grant types.  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and awards are made at the end of each month, with grantees selected from those who applied that month. The Amber Grant application is simple and can be completed quickly, so applying for this grant is a no-brainer.  

2. The Papaya Grant

The Papaya Grant awards $10,000 to one female entrepreneur to start or expand her business. The application period for this year’s grant has ended but follow the website for information on future grants.  

3. Giving Joy

Giving Joy provides grants of $250 to $500 to U.S. women to help fund their dreams. Women aged 18 and up can apply for a Giving Joy grant to start a new business or expand an existing one. You don’t need to have a business already to apply. Grants can also be used to start or expand a non-profit, a charity, a non-government organization or even a project or activity.  

The Giving Joy website provides a very clear explanation of how to apply for a grant and what criteria they use to judge grant applications. It’s worth a read, even if you don’t apply for this grant, as it will give you a good overview of the process most organizations use to select grant recipients.  

Applications for Giving Joy grants will be accepted until April 30, 2024 and the grants will be awarded in August 2024.  

4. EmpowHer Grant

Boundless Futures Foundation awards EmpowHer grants of up to $25,000 to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are 22 years old or older. Grantees also receive access to a network of business advisors to help with long-range planning.  

To apply, you must have been operating a U.S. business for three years or less, and your business must address a social issue, either directly or through your business model. The grants are awarded as reimbursement for business expenses, and your application must include a business plan and a budget.  

📢 Related: Need business capital? Here’s how to apply for a grant

5. Ladies Who Launch

The Launch Program, funded by Ladies Who Launch, provides $10,000 grants plus mentoring and education to women and non-binary small business owners. Applications for the 2024 awards open in February 2024.  

6. Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant

The Kitty Fund makes micro-grants of $1,000 each to 25 mother-owned businesses across the country. To qualify, your business must have at least two but no more than 100 employees and must have been in business for at least a year. Your annual revenue must be less than $5 million. Applications for 2024 grants open in March 2024, but you can pre-register now.  

7. She’s Connected by AT&T

She’s Connected by AT&T awards a grand prize of $20,000, a year of AT&T service and a new device, plus involvement in an episode of #ShesConnected. To be eligible, you need to be the sole or majority owner of a female-owned business with 50 or fewer employees. Submissions for 2023 are closed and the 2024 program dates have not yet been announced.  

8. Enthuse Foundation  

The Enthuse Foundation provides grants, education, and networking events to women entrepreneurs across the country. Grants of $2,500 each are awarded to 10 female entrepreneurs each year. Details on the 2024 grant program will be available in March 2024.  

The foundation hosts an annual pitch competition each November, at which the five finalists – selected from hundreds of entries – meet in New York to pitch their businesses to a panel of industry experts. Winners are awarded cash and prizes, and all finalists develop invaluable connections.  

9. Women Founders Network

Women Founders Network hosts a Fast Pitch Competition for women founders of two categories of companies: tech or tech-enabled B2B or B2C; and consumer, consumer packaged goods, or other non-tech businesses. Finalists in the Fast Pitch Competition receive a pitch coach, a financial mentor, networking support, and more. Fast Pitch finalists compete for a total of $55,000 in cash grants.  

To be eligible, the business must be majority owned by a woman, or have a woman founder, co-founder or CEO, and be based in the U.S. You must have raised $750,000 or less in outside funding, including your personal investment of cash. The 2024 application period opens on April 1, and applications are due on May 31.  

10. Cartier Women’s Initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative provides grants for women-owned businesses worldwide. Awards are given in nine regions of the world. In each region, the first-place awardee receives a $100,000 grant, the second place awardee receives a $60,000 grant, and the third place awardee receives a $30,000 grant. The program also provides business training, expert advice and peer learning, and networking sessions. In addition to the regional awards, there is a Science and Technology Award and a Diversity and Inclusion Award (open to all genders).

The application deadline for the 2024 awards has passed, and the awards will be presented in May 2024. Check the website for upcoming information about next year’s awards.  

11. Galaxy Grant

The Galaxy Grant is sponsored by Hidden Star and is open to women and minority business owners. The grant is a $2,750 grant, and it takes just a few minutes to apply. This year’s deadline is March 31, 2024.  

12. High Five Grant for Moms

High Five Grant for Moms is a semi-annual grant of $5,000 to business owners who are also mothers. The program also provides networking support, training, and mentorship to women who are balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. Grants for 2023 have been awarded, so the next grant cycle will be for 2025. Check the website for details on when applications will open.  

Grants for Black or Latina women  

Women of color face even more economic challenges when it comes to funding. Some grants are available specifically to women of color to help them get the capital they need to support their businesses.  

13. Women of Color Grant Program

The Tory Burch Foundation sponsors the Women of Color Grant Program, which awards grants of $10,000 or $20,000 to 75 businesses owned by women of color. Businesses that have been in business for one to five years and have generated at least $100,000 in revenue are preferred. The 2023 program has concluded but watch the website for details on the 2024 program.  

14. Publish Her Business Impact Grant  

The Business Impact Grant (BIG) awards a $5,000 grant to a woman of color who is making a difference in the lives of others through her business. To be eligible, you must be at least 21, a U.S. resident and a woman of color business owner. Your business must be at least a year old and have annual revenue of $50,000 or more. Applications open in June, so watch the website or follow @publishher on Instagram and Facebook for updates.  

15. Sage Invest in Progress Grant

The Sage Invest in Progress Grant is a partnership between Sage and the BOSS network which will provide 25 grants of $10,000 each to Black women entrepreneurs. Applicants must have been in business no longer than five years. Grant recipients will also receive a 12-month program of education and mentorship, providing coaching and connections and removing barriers to capital.  

16. Waves of Change

Waves of Change is a little different from most business grants. The grant program looks for existing businesses that need to be relaunched with a strong foundation. Those who are selected for this award receive a stipend to cover the business’s operating costs for a year. They also receive design and copy services, assistance with marketing and offers, operations support, plus six optional benefits that range from packaging design to email marketing setup to project management setup and more.  

The Waves of Change grant program is open to women of color who have an early-stage business, including a product or service they are actively trying to sell. Applications are currently closed but you can sign up on the website to be notified when they open again.  

Location-specific grants for women entrepreneurs

Some grants are offered for women-owned businesses in specific locations.  

17. Vanguard Accelerator

The Vanguard Accelerator provides grants and forgivable loans to businesses owned by Latinas and/or Black women in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. The program awards 10 $5,000 business grants and program scholarships, as well as access to forgivable loans of $25,000 to $250,000.  

To apply, your business must be Latina or Black women-owned, have a B2B business model, be located in the Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota area, have three or more employees, and have been in business for at least three years with annual revenue between $75,000 and $3,000,000. The application deadline for 2024 grants was February 21, 2024 but check the website for information on next year’s grants.  

18. Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation

Olgal Loizon founded Olga’s Kitchen in Metro Detroit, and the foundation created in her memory now awards grants of up to $10,000 for entrepreneurs who identify as women, and live and operate a business in Michigan. Applicants must write a personal statement demonstrating financial need and submit a business plan.  

📢 Related: How to write a brilliant business plan: 8 Steps to success

19. StartHER Grant

Twenty-five Texas businesses will each receive a $5,000 grant from the StartHER grant program through the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Women’s University. To qualify, your business must be soon-to-be-formed or already in existence, at least 51% owned by one or more women, located in Texas, and operated for profit. Grant funds can be used to purchase machinery, equipment or technology, new inventory or raw materials, or fixtures, for property improvements, or for marketing campaigns.  

The 2024 StartHER grant application opens on September 3, 2024 and closes on October 4, 2024. The process for the 2023 application is outlined in detail on the website, so check that out if you want to get a head start on this year’s application.  

20. The FoundHer Accelerator Program

Women-founded for-profit businesses in Hawaii can apply for the FoundHer accelerator program as long as they are in their early stages and have proof of business concept. The seven companies selected for the accelerator will receive a $20,000 grant, a $4,000 care stipend, a network of mentors and advisors, educational workshops, and monthly retreats for learning and networking. Watch the website for information on the 2024 program.  

21. The Ignite Grant

The Ignite Grant offers grants to women-owned businesses in Connecticut through the Women’s Business Development Council. Grant amounts will vary between $2,500 and $10,000 and must be used for projects that are clearly defined and will have a measurable impact on the business. Applications for this year’s program opened on February 1, 2024.  

Grant databases

There are several databases that keep track of grants for business owners, and some are geared to women in particular. These databases provide an easy way to stay on top of upcoming grant opportunities, and, in some cases, to apply for multiple grants with a single application.  

22. iFundWomen

iFundWomen is a database of grants from multiple sources you can apply for by filling out a single universal application. The database includes grants from American Express, Visa, Unilever, adidas, and more. There’s also a handy grant planner you can use to keep track of the grants you apply for.  

23. Hello Alice

Hello Alice is a free platform that provides a single application for multiple grants, as well as knowledge, networking, and connections for entrepreneurs. New grants are constantly being added, so be sure to sign up to be notified when new opportunities arise.  

Grants for Everyone

These grant opportunities are not specific to women-owned businesses, so anyone who meets the criteria can apply.

24. Freed Fellowship Grant

Every month, the Freed Fellowship awards a $500 grant to the owner of an existing U.S. business, and monthly recipients are also eligible to receive one of two year-end grants of $2,500. Note that you must be a member of the Freed Studio which supports business owners, but there is a cost for membership after the initial two-month trial.  

25. SheaMoisture Fund

The SheaMoisture Fund offers grants and purpose programs to small, Black-owned businesses, including The Next Black Millionaires program. This program awards $100,000 grants, along with business development services, and retail distribution support. To be eligible, your business must have been in business for at least two years and have annual revenue of at least $25,000.  

26. Stacy’s Rise Project    

Sponsored by Stacy’s Pita Chips, Stacy’s Rise Project provides $25,000 in grants as well as four months of mentorship by PepsiCo executives, networking with other entrepreneurs, and a feature on the FoundedByHer.org business directory, where consumers can find female-founded businesses.  

Grant winners from 2023 will be announced in March. Applications for 2024 grants will open in the fall, so watch the website for details. This grant is administered by Hello Alice.  

27. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) awards four Growth Grants of up to $4,000 each, four times per year. To apply, your business must be a member of NASE for 90 days, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Any business that is a NASE member can apply.  

28. Halstead Grant

The Halstead Grant is awarded annually to silver jewelry artists. One winner receives a $7,500 cash grant, and finalists receive $1,000 cash grants. To apply, submit an application, including answering questions about your business, and a portfolio of your design work. The deadline to submit applications is May 1st.  

29. Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant

The Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant is a $2,500 award that can be used for startup costs for a business that is starting out or starting over. Any U.S. entrepreneur who is 21 or older and is starting a new business or significantly growing an existing business can apply.  

30. FedEx Small Business Grant

The FedEx Small Business Grants Program awards one $50,000 grant and nine $20,000 grants to small businesses. Winners also receive consulting on packaging and technology, an invitation to join the Small Business Strategic Insight Forum, an article about their business on the FedEx Small Business Center, and more.  

The application period opens on March 1 and closes on April 1, 2024.  

31. America’s Top Small Business

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce created the America’s Top Small Business award in 2023, after reimagining its Dream Big Awards. Businesses applied to be named one of 10 honorees in each of seven U.S. regions. From those honorees, one business from each region was selected as a finalist, and one finalist was named America’s Top Small Business, receiving a cash grant of $25,000. Applications are now closed but check the website for information on upcoming grant programs.  

📌 Many grantors require that you have business insurance as a condition of applying for or receiving a grant. This ensures that the grant money they give you goes to improving your business, not to settling claims or lawsuits. Part of your grant application process should include confirming that you have enough of the right kind of insurance for your business. Hiscox can tell you just what you need – simply answer some questions about your business and get a quote.  

💡✍ If your business qualifies for any of these grant opportunities, there’s no reason not to apply. A carefully crafted grant application takes some time to create, but the return on that investment could be thousands of dollars of capital for your business. 

Originally published in 2017 but updated in February 2024 to include current grant opportunities and links to current websites.