As more women entrepreneurs continue to break barriers and build thriving businesses, securing funding can play a pivotal role in turning their visions into reality. Fortunately, there are numerous grants specifically designed to support women-owned businesses. These grants can provide the capital needed for growth, innovation, and sustainability without the burden of repayment.
In this article, we will highlight the top grants for women-owned businesses, providing an overview of each grant, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an established business, these funding opportunities can help propel your business forward.
1. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is one of the most well-known and accessible grants for women-owned businesses. It was established in 1998 by WomensNet to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who passed away before realizing her entrepreneurial dreams. Each month, one female entrepreneur is awarded a $10,000 grant, and at the end of the year, one of the monthly winners is awarded an additional $25,000.
Grant Amount:
- $10,000 monthly
- $25,000 annual
Eligibility:
- Must be a woman-owned business.
- Open to businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
- No specific industry restrictions.
How to Apply:
- Complete an online application detailing your business and how the funds will be used.
- A $15 application fee is required.
Application Tips:
- Be genuine and passionate in your application. The Amber Grant committee is looking for women with a clear vision and passion for their business.
- Provide detailed examples of how the grant money will make an impact.
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an international grant program designed to support women entrepreneurs who are making a social or environmental impact. This prestigious grant offers significant financial support and personalized business coaching to women-owned businesses around the globe.
Grant Amount:
- $100,000 (1st place)
- $60,000 (2nd and 3rd places)
- Business coaching and networking opportunities.
Eligibility:
- Open to women-owned and women-led businesses globally.
- Businesses must have a social or environmental impact.
- Early-stage businesses (between one to five years old).
How to Apply:
- Submit an application through the Cartier Women’s Initiative website, including business details, impact stories, and financials.
Application Tips:
- Focus on how your business is addressing a pressing social or environmental issue.
- Provide clear evidence of your business model and the measurable impact of your work.
3. Girlboss Foundation Grant
The Girlboss Foundation Grant was created by Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Girlboss, to support women entrepreneurs in creative fields such as fashion, design, music, and the arts. The foundation awards biannual grants to female entrepreneurs with innovative projects.
Grant Amount:
- $15,000
Eligibility:
- Open to U.S.-based women entrepreneurs.
- Businesses must be in creative fields (art, fashion, music, or design).
- Must demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a strong business vision.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application, including a business plan, a portfolio showcasing your work, and a description of how the funds will be used.
Application Tips:
- Highlight your creativity and innovation. This grant values out-of-the-box thinking and originality.
- Provide specific examples of your past work and future goals.
4. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program provides financial support and access to networking and educational resources for women entrepreneurs. The program selects 50 women each year and provides them with a fellowship that includes grant funding, business education, and mentorship opportunities.
Grant Amount:
- $5,000 for business education.
- Access to workshops, networking, and mentorship.
Eligibility:
- Open to women-owned businesses in the U.S.
- Must be an early-stage business (one to five years old).
- Applicants must demonstrate a need for funding to grow their business.
How to Apply:
- Submit an application detailing your business model, mission, and how the fellowship will help you grow your business.
Application Tips:
- Emphasize your business’s growth potential and how access to educational resources and funding will drive your success.
- Showcase your leadership abilities and your vision for the future of your business.
5. IFundWomen Universal Grant
IFundWomen is a funding platform dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs get access to capital, coaching, and networking opportunities. They offer the IFundWomen Universal Grant Application, which serves as a common application for multiple grant programs throughout the year. When you apply, you’re considered for all relevant grants based on your business profile.
Grant Amount:
- Varies depending on the grant.
Eligibility:
- Open to women-owned businesses globally.
- Must demonstrate a need for funding to scale or grow.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Universal Grant Application on the IFundWomen website, providing details about your business, financials, and funding needs.
Application Tips:
- The more detail you provide in your application, the better your chances of being selected for a grant.
- Stay engaged with the IFundWomen community, as they offer additional opportunities for mentorship and resources.
6. Women Who Tech Startup Grants Program
The Women Who Tech grant program supports women in the tech industry by offering grants to female entrepreneurs building innovative, scalable startups. This program aims to close the funding gap for women in technology and help them scale their businesses.
Grant Amount:
- $15,000 (1st place)
- $5,000 (People’s Choice Award)
Eligibility:
- Open to women-led tech startups globally.
- Startups must be in the early or growth stage and show high potential for scalability.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application detailing your tech startup’s business model, financials, and growth potential.
Application Tips:
- Highlight the innovation of your technology and the problem it solves.
- Provide data that demonstrates your startup’s scalability and market potential.
7. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The NASE Growth Grants are available to small businesses, including those that are women-owned. The grant provides funding to help businesses grow through marketing, hiring employees, purchasing equipment, or expanding facilities.
Grant Amount:
- Up to $4,000
Eligibility:
- Open to NASE members, including women-owned businesses.
- Must demonstrate a need for funding to grow the business.
How to Apply:
- Become a member of NASE and submit a grant application outlining how the funds will be used to grow your business.
Application Tips:
- Provide a clear and detailed plan for how the grant will help your business expand.
- Include measurable outcomes and how the funds will make a tangible impact on your growth.
8. FedEx Small Business Grant
The FedEx Small Business Grant program awards grants to small businesses in the U.S., including women-owned businesses. The grant is designed to help businesses with marketing, shipping, and scaling their operations.
Grant Amount:
- Up to $50,000
Eligibility:
- Open to U.S.-based small businesses, including women-owned businesses.
- Must demonstrate growth potential and need for funding.
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application and submit a business profile, including details about your company and how the grant will be used.
Application Tips:
- Highlight your business’s growth potential and how the grant will help scale your operations.
- Use storytelling to demonstrate your business’s mission and values.
Conclusion
These grant programs offer women entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure funding and resources that can help them take their businesses to the next level. From creative fields to tech startups, women-owned businesses in various industries can benefit from the grants listed above.
If you’re ready to apply, make sure to follow the guidelines closely, present a compelling business case, and demonstrate how the grant will make a tangible impact on your business.
