Small Business Grants for Women

Starting and growing a business can be a challenging task, particularly for women entrepreneurs who often face additional obstacles in accessing funding and resources. Fortunately, there are a variety of small business grants and other resources available specifically for businesses owned by women. Furthermore, there are additional grant programs which are offered only to Black women business owners.

An Overview of Grants Available for Women-Owned Businesses

When it comes to grants for women-owned small businesses, it’s important to understand the different types of grants available. These grants can vary in terms of eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application processes. Some grants may be targeted towards specific industries or stages of business development, while others may be open to a wide range of applicants. Additionally, there are also grants available for non-profit organizations that are led by women. These are the main types of grants that are available to women who run a small business:

• Federal grants: These grants are provided by the government and can include programs such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) grants and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grants.
• State grants: Many states have their own grant programs for small businesses, which can include funding for women-owned businesses.
• Local grants: Cities and counties may also have grant programs for small businesses, including those owned by women.
• Industry-specific grants: Some grants are targeted towards specific industries, such as technology, agriculture, or manufacturing.
• Non-profit grants: Some grants are specifically for non-profit organizations that are led by women.

List of Small Business Grants for Women

Amber Grant

The Amber Grant Foundation offers a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs with its monthly grant program. Every month, the foundation awards two $10,000 grants to different women-owned businesses. At the end of each year, two of the 24 monthly grant winners are then awarded an additional $25,000. The foundation also offers a variety of additional grants throughout the year. The application process is relatively simple, requiring applicants to explain their business, describe how they would use the grant money, and pay a $15 application fee. The foundation’s advisory board chooses the winners, looking for women with passion and a compelling story. And because there’s no time in business requirement, this is a great option for those looking for startup business grants for women. Businesses operating in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply.

Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award program is an annual initiative that aims to support early-stage women-owned businesses that are focused on social, economic, and environmental development. Three grants are awarded to businesses in nine different regions around the world. The first-place business is awarded a $100,000 grant, second place receives $60,000 and third place gets $30,000. Winners also receive executive coaching and the opportunity to participate in a variety of training workshops.

Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs

The Small Business Administration (SBA) facilitates these two competitive programs, which provide grants to small businesses that contribute to federal research and development. Eleven federal agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Health and Human Services, post business grant opportunities on their websites. Entrepreneurs can search current grant opportunities on the SBIR website. To qualify, the business must operate as a for-profit enterprise with no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.

Through the Small Business Innovation Research program, companies can apply for a $150,000 grant to establish research and development goals, with the potential to receive up to $1 million in funding over two years.

For the Small Business Technology Transfer program, eligible companies can receive up to $250,000 during the startup phase and an additional $750,000 if research results are positive.

FedEx Small Business Grant

The FedEx Small Business Grant is an annual program that awards up to $50,000 to 10 small businesses. In 2022, the contest provided a total prize pool of over $300,000. In addition to the financial award, winners also receive money to use toward FedEx Office print and business services. The application process requires an explanation of the business, how the grant money would be used, photos of the business and an optional short video explaining the business. To be eligible, the business must be a for-profit enterprise with fewer than 99 employees and at least six months of operating history.

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

This grant program is offered by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), a nonprofit trade association. The association awards $4,000 per month in growth grants to small businesses that can be used for a variety of business needs, including marketing, advertising and hiring employees. To apply for this grant, the business must be a NASE member in good standing for at least three months. Annual members can apply at any time.

Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition is an annual event open to early-stage, women-owned businesses with high growth potential. The business must have a founder/co-founder/CEO who is a woman or be majority-owned by a woman, be based in the United States and have no more than $750k in outside funding. The top five finalists pitch their companies to Angel and VC investors for the chance to win over $55,000 in cash prizes and over $100,000 in professional services.

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database

IFundWomen is a grant marketplace that specializes in funding and coaching for women-owned businesses. With its universal grant application, entrepreneurs can submit one application and be matched with various enterprise partners’ grants that align with their business. When a match is made, entrepreneurs will receive a notification and invitation to apply. Previous grant partners have included companies such as Visa, Neutrogena, and American Express, making this a great resource for businesses looking for funding from a variety of sources.

Halstead Grant

The Halstead Grant is an annual award for entrepreneurs looking to break into the silver jewelry industry. The winner receives a $7,500 startup grant, as well as $1,000 in jewelry merchandise. Five finalists and semi-finalists also receive $250 or $500 and help with promoting their businesses. Both men and women-owned businesses are eligible for this small-business grant. To apply, the entrepreneur must answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio. Applications are due August 1st each year.

Fast Break for Small Businesses

The Fast Break for Small Businesses is a grant program that awards $10,000 grants twice a year, funded by LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League and managed by the Accion Opportunity Fund. In addition to the financial award, winners also receive LegalZoom services worth up to $500. Entrepreneurs can sign up on LegalZoom’s website to be notified when applications open. The program is designed to help small businesses with the funding they need to grow and succeed. The program is open to businesses of all types and sizes, and is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for funding and resources to take their business to the next level. It’s important to note that the availability of grants can change over time, so it’s important to research and apply for grants on a regular basis. Additionally, many grants have deadlines, so it’s important to keep track of application deadlines and plan accordingly.

The Red Backpack Fund

The Red Backpack Fund is backed by Sara Blakely, who founded Spanx. Her foundation has been dedicated to elevating and supporting women through entrepreneurship. The foundation donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs in the wake of COVID-19 and has teamed up with GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving is providing at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help alleviate the impact of the crisis.

Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)

The SBA typically does not offer grant funding directly to small businesses. However, with the PRIME program, the SBA provides federal grants to microenterprise development organizations so that they can offer training, technical assistance and coaching to disadvantaged small-business owners. These grants are available to nonprofit, private, state, local or tribal-run organizations, including those that focus on working with women-owned small businesses. For example, the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation was awarded a $200,000 grant in 2022. This program provides an excellent opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for resources and training to grow their business and overcome obstacles.

Women’s Business Centers

The Small Business Administration (SBA) sponsors over 100 Women’s Business Centers throughout the country, which are designed to assist women entrepreneurs with business development and access to capital. These centers offer a range of services, such as business counseling, training programs, and networking opportunities. Some centers, such as the California Capital Financial Development Corp., lend money directly, while others help entrepreneurs find small-business grants and loans that they may qualify for.

Economic Development Administration

Every state and many cities have economic development resources focused on promoting strong local economies. These resources can provide assistance to local businesses, such as help with accessing state and federal funding. For example, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development helps small businesses apply for federal and state grants.

Small Business Development Centers

There are hundreds of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) around the country, typically housed at colleges and universities. SBDCs offer free, one-on-one business consulting, such as help with developing a business plan, researching markets and finding financing - including grants, business loans and crowdfunding. Some SBDCs offer training on certification programs like the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certifications. These programs can help businesses level the playing field when competing in the public and private sector.

Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO)

The Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) is an organization within the Small Business Administration (SBA) that helps women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. These