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The Best Business Grants for Women in 2025
Business grants are often an excellent avenue for funding. Here are some of the best business grants for women.
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Women business owners face unique challenges when seeking funding – they receive disproportionately less venture capital and often encounter barriers in traditional lending. Grants provide a critical alternative by offering non-repayable capital that allows female entrepreneurs to grow without taking on debt or giving up equity. Beyond financial support, many grants offer mentorship, networking opportunities and business development resources that help women entrepreneurs build sustainable, successful enterprises. However, competition can be fierce among applicants, so it’s important to understand which are most relevant to you and your brand.
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Federal grants and SBA programs
The federal government offers several pathways for women entrepreneurs to access contracts and business development support, primarily through Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program helps level the playing field for women business owners by reserving certain federal contracts exclusively for certified participants. The federal government aims to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year.
To be eligible for the WOSB program, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, qualify as a small business according to SBA size standards and have women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. Businesses can apply for free certification through MySBA Certifications.
A subset of the WOSB program is the Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) designation. To qualify as an EDWOSB, business owners must meet all WOSB requirements plus have a personal net worth less than $850,000, adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less averaged over three years and personal assets of $6.5 million or less.
8(a) Business Development program
The 8(a) Business Development program is a nine-year federal program that helps eligible small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including women. The program provides training, technical assistance and access to federal contracting opportunities.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov serves as the central database for federal grant opportunities. While federal agencies do not typically publish grants for individual business funding, organizations and entities supporting the development and management of government-funded programs can find opportunities here. Women entrepreneurs should note that most federal “grants” for businesses come in the form of contract set-asides and business development programs rather than direct cash grants.
Private and nonprofit grants for women-owned businesses
Small business grants intended specifically for women can help them launch startups, create products, purchase buildings and more. Here are some of the best grants for women in business. (Note: Some application deadlines may have already closed; check the grants’ websites for announcements on next year’s dates.)
The Amber Grant
The Amber Grant was created in 1998 by WomensNet to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who died before she could achieve her entrepreneurial dreams. The grant awards $10,000 to three female business owners each month of the year; one of the monthly winners is awarded an additional $25,000 at the end of the year. Visit The Amber Grant online to learn more:
- Who is eligible: Any female entrepreneur.
- How to apply: Fill out an Amber Grant application and pay a $15 application fee.
Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative, which was founded by Cartier in 2006, is an annual program open to women-run and women-owned businesses from any country. Businesses must have a sustainable social and/or environmental impact. Winners will receive financial, social and human capital support to thrive:
- Who is eligible: Women business owners in the early stages (one to three years) of developing their business.
- How to apply: Visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative online and follow the application instruction
IFundWomen
IFundWomen is a crowdfunded grant platform for female entrepreneurs. In addition to business coaching and an online community, it offers general grants and grants funded by partners with specific requirements. Visit the IFundWomen website to learn more:
- Who is eligible: Any business founded by a woman.
- How to apply: Complete the IFundWomen online application.
Tory Burch Foundation
The Tory Burch Foundation started in 2009 to empower women and provide them with capital, education and networking resources for their businesses. Through its Fellows Program, women can receive a $5,000 grant toward their business education, access to zero-interest loans through Kiva, a trip to the Tory Burch offices for workshops with founders and business experts and an opportunity to pitch their business to investors. Visit the Tory Burch Foundation online to learn more:
- Who is eligible: Women entrepreneurs with a for-profit business under five years old.
- How to apply: Visit The Fellows Program online and follow the application instructions.
37 Angels
37 Angels is a group of angel investors actively seeking to close the gender gap in startup investing. You can receive a potential investment of up to $200,000, as well as education and ongoing support. Eight applicants are chosen every two months to pitch their businesses to the network. Visit 37 Angels online to learn more:
- Who is eligible: Any female startup business owner.
- How to apply: Submit an application through the Gust platform.
The Papaya Grant
A husband and wife team launched Papaya back in 2019, offering sustainable alternative cleaning products. Rena — co-founder of the company and mother of two — recognized quickly the struggle of being a female business owner. To help women entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, she and her husband launched The Papaya Grant, which offers $10,000 to one woman entrepreneur.
- Who is eligible: Women business owners looking to launch or expand their business.
- How to apply: Visit the Papaya website and fill out the application when it’s open.
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant
The Kitty Fund is specifically designed to help entrepreneurs who double as mothers, created in memory of Founder’s First CEO Kim Folsom‘s mother, Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, who passed away in 2020. The microgrants ($1,000 each) will be awarded to 25 mom business owners:
- Who is eligible: Business founders, owners, CEOs or presidents who identify as mothers and have an active United States-based business with between two to 100 employees. Annual revenue must not exceed $5 million and the company must have a minimum of one year in business.
- How to apply: Visit the grant application page to fill out the form.
EmpowHer Grant
The Boundless Futures Foundation seeks to empower and elevate female entrepreneurs through funding opportunities like the EmpowHer Grant, which supports women who require early-stage business capital and a network of business advisors. When applying, you can request up to $25,000 in business support and business-related expenses:
- Who is eligible: Female entrepreneurs 22 years of age and older with a U.S.-based business that makes a social impact, is earning revenue and is no more than three years old.
- How to apply: Visit the application page at the beginning of a quarter.
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
The SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant is specifically for Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs, offering several $5,000 and $10,000 cash grants to eligible winners on a rolling basis. To make this a reality, the SoGal Foundation has partnered with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio and other sponsors:
- Who is eligible: Women business owners who self-identify as a Black woman or nonbinary entrepreneur.
- How to apply: Complete the SoGal Foundation grant’s online application.
Enthuse Foundation
Enthuse Foundation is made up of a group of women entrepreneurs interested in developing the next generation of female business leaders. You can apply for a variety of grants and support through the foundation. In 2025, the foundation offered eight grants to eight women entrepreneurs, totaling $37,000:
- Who is eligible: Full-time entrepreneurs who identify as women with an established consumer packaged goods (CPG) business.
- How to apply: Visit the Enthuse Foundation’s grant page, browse the available grants and apply to the one(s) that best suit your needs.
HerRise MicroGrant
The HerRise MicroGrant is specifically designed to help women who are looking to give back to their communities through entrepreneurship but are unable to secure funding for their small businesses. The microgrants – offered by the Yva Jourdan Foundation – are $1,000 and are especially catered toward women of color. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis, closing on the last day of each month:
- Who is eligible: U.S.-based, women-owned businesses with less than $1 million in gross revenue.
- How to apply: Fill out the HerRise MicroGrant Application online and pay a $15 administrative fee.
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business
With a focus on women-, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods, the Santander’s Cultivate Small Business program aims to help businesses within the food industry. Qualifying applicants can receive training, mentors and capital – up to $20,000 in grants:
- Who is eligible: Entrepreneurs located in low-to-moderate income areas with gross/net revenues of $25,000 to $1 million and a minimum of one year in operation. Businesses must have between one and 10 full-time equivalent employees and be in a food-related industry.
- How to apply: You can fill out the online application here.
The Big Idea Grant
The Big Idea Grant by YippityDoo seeks to financially support and offer mentorship and guidance to women entrepreneurs. The grant is awarded monthly and provides expert coaching and $1,000 to invest in your business:
- Who is eligible: U.S.-based women business owners over the age of 18.
- How to apply: Apply on YippityDoo’s website and pay a $15 application fee.
State and local small business grants for women
State and local governments offer grant programs and resources specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs, though availability and eligibility requirements vary significantly by location.
While comprehensive state-specific grant databases are limited, women business owners should explore resources through their state’s economic development office and local Women’s Business Centers. Many states partner with the SBA to administer grants and contract opportunities for women-owned businesses through programs like the State Trade Expansion Program, which helps local small businesses investing in export development.
For example, Texas maintains resources for women-owned businesses through the Office of the Texas Governor, which provides customized lists of business resources to assist in starting or growing a business. State-level programs typically offer less funding than federal grants but face less competition and focus on improving local communities.
Women entrepreneurs should investigate opportunities in their specific state and municipality by contacting their local SBA district office, visiting state economic development websites and connecting with regional Women’s Business Centers for the most current information on available grants and programs.
Tips for applying for women’s business grants
Getting approved for a grant is challenging, so prepare for a lot of time and work if you decide to apply. Most grants have strict requirements or highly specific qualifications, so the hardest part is often finding grants that are well-suited to you.
While the process differs according to the grant, follow these general tips to increase your approval chances.
Research suitable grants.
There are thousands of grants out there, each with specific requirements and qualifications. Investigating as many as possible is the best way to increase your chances of receiving a grant. “Be intentional,” Ayanna Alexander-Laine, co-founder and managing partner of Freedom Trail Capital, told us. “Instead of applying to every grant out there, focus on the ones that align with your industry, stage and mission.”
Consider visiting online grant directories, such as GuideStar, GrantStation, Grant Gopher, Terra Viva and Grants.gov. Alexander-Laine also recommended following grant organizations on social media, as they often will announce their openings there.
Additionally, get more specific in your grant search, depending on your business type. “Your organization type will help you determine which database to use to identify funding opportunities (business vs. nonprofit),” said Sydney Bass, owner of Grant Funding Solutions. “Regardless of the database or search engine you use, you’ll want to be very specific in your searches. Two great searches could be ‘funding opportunities for arts nonprofit in Atlanta, Georgia’ and ‘funding opportunity for brick-and-mortar small business owner in West Palm Beach, Florida.’”
Ensure you qualify for the grant.
Before undertaking the arduous process of applying for a grant, make sure you meet all of the requirements. Grants are known for being extremely specific about their recipients and money usage, so it’s worth your time to understand the requirements. “Note the eligibility requirements, geographical location, deadlines, award range, page limits and any attachments that need to be included (business incorporation documents, budget),” Bass recommended.
Know how you’ll use the grant money.
Before applying for a grant, you must know precisely how you plan to use the funds and why you think you deserve the award. “Outline specific plans for how you would use the grant funds and the measurable impact they would have on your business,” said Robin Berlinsky, CEO of The Abundant Nonprofit. “Include how your mission transforms the community.”
Be prepared to submit charts, graphs, projection sheets or other documents to illustrate your intentions clearly.
Get personal in your application.
There are countless incredible women-owned businesses out there, so it’s important you find ways to stand out in your application. To do so, Alexander-Laine recommended telling a compelling story that showcases why you’re different and deserving of the extra financial support. “Your application should clearly explain what your business does, how the grant will help and why it matters,” she said. “Be specific – numbers and real-life examples go a long way.”
Additionally, just as you would tailor a job application to a specific company, you should do the same with your grant application. “Focus on clearly communicating how your business makes an impact, your vision for growth and why you’re an ideal candidate for the grant,” Berlinsky said. “The more personalized your pitch, the better. Remember that humans read these, so you want to capture their hearts with your story.”
Consider hiring a grant writer.
The grant application process can be so challenging to get through that there’s an entire profession devoted to it. A grant writer can help ensure you meet all requirements and package your application well.
Apply regularly.
While you might feel discouraged after being turned down by different organizations, don’t fret – continue applying. “Don’t give up or get discouraged if you are not awarded a grant,” said Bass. “The industry average for grant wins is 10 to 30 percent. Additionally, most funders only fund a small portion of the applications they receive.”
“With the chance to win multiple times a year, applying for multiple rounds increases your odds of securing funding,” Berlinsky added. “Remember, a ‘no’ is really just a ‘not now.’”
Alternatives to grants for women entrepreneurs
While grants offer non-repayable funding, they’re highly competitive and time-consuming to secure. Women entrepreneurs should consider several alternative financing options that may be more accessible or provide faster access to capital.
SBA loans
SBA loans are government-backed loans that typically offer more favorable terms than traditional bank loans, including flexible limits, longer repayment periods and lower interest rates. The SBA works with approved lenders to provide various loan programs tailored to small businesses. Women entrepreneurs can access SBA 7(a) loans for general business purposes, SBA 504 loans for real estate and equipment purchases and SBA Microloans for smaller funding needs up to $50,000.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding has emerged as a particularly effective financing option for women entrepreneurs. Platforms like Kickstarter, Wefunder and GoFundMe allow female entrepreneurs to raise funds directly from the public. Crowdfunding not only provides capital but also helps validate your business idea through community support and can serve as a marketing tool to build an initial customer base.
Women-focused venture capital funding
While women founders historically receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding, several VC firms specifically prioritize investing in female entrepreneurs. Research shows that VC firms with at least one female partner are 2.3 times more likely to invest in female founders, and firms with 30 percent or more female partners invest 4.7 times more in female founders than all-male firms.
Notable women-led and women-focused venture capital funds include Forerunner Ventures, Female Founders Fund, BBG Ventures, Cowboy Ventures and Rethink Impact, among others. These firms not only provide capital but often offer mentorship, networking opportunities and strategic guidance to help female founders scale their businesses.
Quick comparison table – top grants for women-owned businesses
Grant Name | Award Amount | Eligibility | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
The Amber Grant | $10,000 monthly; $25,000 year-end | Any female entrepreneur | Monthly |
Cartier Women’s Initiative | Varies | Women-owned businesses (one to three years old) with social/environmental impact | Annual |
IFundWomen | Varies by grant | Any woman-founded business | Ongoing |
Tory Burch Foundation | $5,000 (plus resources) | Women with for-profit business under five years old | Annual |
37 Angels | Up to $200,000 | Female startup business owners | Every two months |
The Papaya Grant | $10,000 | Women business owners | Annual |
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Grant | $1,000 | Mother entrepreneurs with U.S. business, two to 100 employees | Annual |
EmpowHer Grant | Up to $25,000 | Female entrepreneurs 22+, U.S.-based social impact business 3+ years old | Quarterly |
SoGal Black Founder Grant | $5,000-$10,000 | Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs | Rolling |
Enthuse Foundation | Varies | Women with established CPG business | Annual |
HerRise MicroGrant | $1,000 | U.S.-based women-owned businesses, especially women of color | Monthly |
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business | Up to $20,000 | Women/minority-owned food businesses in low-to-moderate income areas | Annual |
The Big Idea Grant | $1,000 (plus coaching) | U.S.-based women business owners 18+ | Monthly |
FAQs about business grants for women
Kiely Kuligowski and Jennifer Dublino contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version.
