There is a possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your small business as well. Small businesses owned by women can apply for a variety of business grants. The following information and resources can help women-owned small businesses grow and thrive in the United States.
Regardless of the type of business women-owned, US small business funds are available to them. According to the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, roughly 13 million businesses in the US are owned by women.
2024 Business Grants For Women
Women entrepreneurs can grow their businesses with business grants offered by organizations and special-interest groups. Once awarded, they are not loans, and you are not required to repay them.
Even though grants are almost free, they require a lengthy application and administration. When applying for small business funding, you must explain how the funds will help you build a successful company. Various grant funding options are available to female entrepreneurs through non-profits, local governments, and foundations.
Residents of the United States will be able to access a variety of grants for women-owned businesses in 2024. Here are some options to consider:
Amber Grant
Her business dreams weren't realized when Amber Wigdahl passed away at 19. WomensNet founded the Amber Grant program in 1998 in honor of the aspiring entrepreneur. In partnership with WomensNet, Amber Grant Foundation awards women-owned businesses monthly grants.
Amber Grant applicants may own and operate a wide range of businesses. Every month, qualified applicants can apply for Amber Grants worth $10,000. Consider applying if you're interested in becoming one of their 12 monthly winners. Applicants who meet their eligibility criteria receive $25,000 each month. An overall grant of $35,000 can be awarded to the recipient over 12 months.
You can submit applications for Amber Grants through their online platform. Your business and you will be eligible to receive all grants through a single application. Applications are reviewed by the organization monthly, and new grant winners are announced by the 23rd of the following month. Applicants must pay $15 to cover the foundation's administrative costs and fund future grants.
Cartier Women's Initiative
Women-owned businesses earning a profit after being established for one to three years are eligible for seven $100,000 grants and one-on-one business mentoring through Cartier Women's Initiative. Additionally, second-and third-place grants are available for $60,000 and $30,000, respectively.
Application materials are examined for quality and clarity, as well as for the level of innovation demonstrated by the business concept, financial viability, and impact on society and the environment. Cartier Women's Initiative application instructions can be found on its website.
The Eileen Fisher Women in Environmental Justice Grants
Eileen Fisher, a women's clothing brand founded over three decades ago, annually awards women-owned businesses $200,000 in grants. Each grant ranges between $10,000 and $40,000.
Funding may be considered for women entrepreneurs who work in the following fields.
- Participating in decision-making processes (especially those that have a positive impact on the environment)
- Participation of women in sustainable economic development
- Women and girls are educated on climate change adaptation and how to affect current climate policies positively.
Specifically addressing environmental justice in some way, this grant is funded by the popular women's clothing retailer. In the past, Eileen Fisher has granted grants to for-profit women's ventures in addition to providing resources for non-profit organizations. You might want to look at available opportunities, especially if your venture has a social or environmental goal.
The Boston Women's Fund Grants
The organization offers grants through a variety of partners that range in amount from $10,000 to $50,000. These grants support grassroots efforts led by women+, girls+, or anyone who identifies as such. You can apply for the Boston Women's Fund Grants through their partners.
The Chicago Foundation for Women Grants
Funded by the Chicago Foundation for Women, these programs and organizations address three key issues: economic security, violence prevention, and access to health care. An average grant amount is $15,000, while a maximum grant amount is $150,000. Learn more and apply here.
Foundation Grants
This grant program targets "game-changing organizations combating reproductive health issues, setting up affordable child care with living wages, and preventing gender-based violence." Visit the Ms. Foundation website to apply.
Women Founders Network
Fast Pitch Competitions are held annually by the Women Founders Network. The opportunity for female entrepreneurs to pitch to investors for cash prizes is available. A pitching coach, financial mentor, a connection to a potential investor, and feedback will still be available to finalists. The application process for 2022 will begin in April.
GrantsforWomen.org
It provides information on grants and funding opportunities for women, although GrantsforWomen.org does not offer grants. Women in business, finance, and leadership receive information about financial resource opportunities through Grants For Women. It is a great one-stop website where women seeking grants, scholarships, and other business opportunities for women can be found.
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
Black women entrepreneurs face a funding disparity in startup capital, and the SoGal Startup Grant aims to help you overcome that. It is estimated that less than 0.5% of venture capital funding is allocated to Black women founders (at any point in recorded history).
The SoGal Foundation is offering a $5,000 and $10,000 cash grant in partnership with several other organizations for Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. The SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams also provide lifetime "ask me anything" access to awardees regarding future fundraising challenges.
The program is open to Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs (including multiracial Black women and nonbinary individuals). To seek investor funding, your business must also be legally registered. The SoGal Foundation website has an application form that can be filled out; once you apply, you won't have to fill it out again.
The Girlboss Foundation Grant
Female entrepreneurs can apply for grants from the Girlboss Foundation. Women-owned arts, design, music, and fashion companies can apply for the semi-annual grant. A $15,000 grant is awarded to the winners of the grant. Girlboss.com's newsletter and social media features can also benefit from marketing benefits. In 2014, Girlboss began awarding grants to creative women business owners twice a year. Since then, the organization has given out $130,000 in grants to women entrepreneurs.
IFundWomen
Through its entrepreneur of the Year award and monthly Pay-It-Forward crowdfunding grants, IFundWomen supports women-owned businesses. As well as grant applications from its partners, such as Comcast, Visa, Neutrogena, American Express, Gusto, and Adidas, the website has links to other grant applications it's affiliated with. It is possible to apply for some of these grants outside the United States.
Aside from crowdfunding projects, IFundWomen also provides coaching and mentoring to women-owned businesses. IFundWomen offers grants and crowdfunding opportunities on its website.
SBA Women's Business Centers
As part of its Women's Business Centers (WBC) program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with the Office of Women's Business Ownership to operate offices nationwide. Women entrepreneurs are helped to launch new businesses and compete in the market, while it does not directly offer grants to them.
Providing training and funding opportunities to women-owned businesses is a key mission of the SBA Women's Business Centers. Throughout the development of your business, it can be a great resource for you. Business owners who receive assistance from WBCs are more likely to succeed than those who do not.
American Association of University Women
Through community action grants, businesses can receive grants from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of up to $10,000. Women and girls in the community can apply for grants that address their needs. If your business idea promotes equality for women and girls, you may be eligible for grants that aren't specifically geared toward business ownership and entrepreneurship.
There will be an application opening on August 1, 2022, and a deadline of December 1, 2022. There is more information on the AAUW website concerning qualifications, eligibility, and application processes. Applicants should expect to spend more time applying for this grant because of the complexity of the information needed. Keep the instructions in mind and begin as early as possible.
Halstead Grant
Your jewelry-making business may qualify for the Halstead Grant if you are a woman-owned business. A $7,500 grand prize, a $1000 merchandise award, and industry recognition are awarded. Halstead also recognizes five semifinalists with 250 or $500 and helps promote their businesses. Applicants must submit their applications by August 1. Students or professionals pursuing a full-time jewelry design career with less than three years of experience are eligible to apply.
You must answer questions about your business plan as part of the Halstead Grant application process. A portfolio of your design work will also be required. Your business will be launched with the help of the application process. Halstead Grant's website provides a download link for the application.
Discover the opportunities awaiting Georgia’s entrepreneurs! Explore our latest blog post to find grants for small businesses in Georgia. Your path to business growth begins with the right resources.
Learn About Grants for Small Business Nevada
Living in California and in need of a grant? Check out our article about grants available for women entrepreneurs in California.
Are you interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation? Check out the rest of Gov Relations' blog section today!
