Small Business Grants for Women in the United States

Small Business Grants for Women. Discover a comprehensive guide to small business grants for women in the United States, including private and federal grant options. Learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and additional resources to empower female entrepreneurs.

Women-owned businesses continue to play a pivotal role, contributing significantly to economic growth and innovation. Despite their remarkable impact, female-founded companies often face challenges in accessing adequate funding.

In response to this disparity, numerous organizations offer small business grants tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs.

These grants provide vital financial support and resources to fuel your success. Let’s explore the diverse array of grants available, from private initiatives to federal programs, and empower women to thrive in the competitive business world.

Read also: Top 9 Online Environmental Science Degree.

Small Business Grants for Women: Unlocking Opportunities for Success

Women entrepreneurs represent a formidable force in the business landscape, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic empowerment. However, accessing funding remains a significant hurdle for many female-led ventures.

Small business grants tailored for women offer a lifeline, providing crucial financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to fuel growth and sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a budding entrepreneur, these grants open doors to new possibilities and pave the way for success.

Let’s explore some of the key grant options available for women-owned businesses:

Private Small Business Grants for Women:

1. Amber Grant:
   • Monthly grants of $30,000 and year-end grants of $25,000.
   • Eligibility: Age 18 or older, 50% women-owned, operating in the U.S. or Canada.
2. IFundWomen Grant:
   • Matches partner grants, totaling $170 million deployed.
   • Universal Grant Application simplifies the process for women-led businesses.
3. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition:
   • $55,000 in cash grants and $100,000+ in professional services.
   • Eligibility: Woman founder/CEO or majority women-owned, U.S.-based tech-focused businesses.
4. Atomic Grant:
   • $1,500 cash grant, coaching sessions, and a one-year membership to Passion Collective.
   • Eligibility: Woman aged 21 or older.
5. NASE Growth Grant:
   • Quarterly grants of up to $4,000 for NASE members.
   • Can be used for hiring, equipment purchase, or marketing.
6. Freed Fellowship Grant:
   • Monthly $500 grant, feedback on business, and two months of free mentoring.
   • Additional coaching and a chance for an end-of-year bonus grant of $2,500.
7. HerRise MicroGrant:
   • Monthly $1,000 grant for women-of-color entrepreneurs.
   • Eligibility: 51% owned by women of colour, U.S. registration, less than $1 million in gross revenue.
8. FoundHer Program:
   • Six-month program with a $20,000 grant, care stipend, workshops, and networking.
   • Focus areas: technology, fashion, health and wellness, food systems, and keiki/education.
9. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award:
   • Open to all women-run businesses globally with a strong social or environmental impact.
   • Nine regional awards and thematic awards are available.
10. Beyond Open Small Business Grant:
    • Focused on diverse-owned small businesses in Charlotte, North Carolina.
    • The final round in 2024, grants around $5 million per round.
11. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship:
    • 75 women-of-colour-owned businesses receive $10,000 and $20,000 grants.
    • Preference to businesses in the first five years of operation with a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.
12. Launch Program by Ladies Who Launch:
    • $10,000 cash grant, mentorship, and six months of free education.
    • Eligibility: Women- or nonbinary-owned consumer packaged goods businesses.
13. Women’s Business Development Council Equity Match Grant:
    • Equity matching grants from $2,500 to $10,000 for Connecticut residents.
    • Requires a minimum match of 25% and a record of annual sales of $25,000 to $2 million.
14. High Five Grant for Moms:
    • Unique opportunity for mom entrepreneurs to win financial support.
    • Totalling $38,500 in grants awarded in 2023, including a grand prize of $10,000.
    • Open to all mothers owning or co-owning revenue-generating businesses.

These private grant programs cater to diverse industries and business stages, offering tailored support to women entrepreneurs across the country.

From cash grants to professional services, these initiatives empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and overcome financial barriers.

Related: Top 7 Grants for Special Education Teachers.

Federal Business Grants for Women:

15. Grants.gov:
    • An extensive list of grants from various government agencies.
    • Resources for application help and tracking.
16. SBIR and SBTT Programs:
    • Support for small U.S. businesses in research leading to new products.
    • Eligibility criteria include a U.S. organization and fewer than 500 employees.
17. Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME):
    • Grants for low-income entrepreneurs with emphasis on rural areas.
    • Ranged from $100,000 to $400,000 in 2023, with a focus on matching funds.

Federal grant programs provide avenues for women-owned businesses to access government funding and resources, fostering innovation and economic growth across diverse industries.

Funding Alternatives to Small Business Grants

There are multiple funding options available for women-owned businesses aside from grants such as;

• Traditional bank loans
• Microloans
• Venture capital and angel investment
• Crowdfunding
• Asset or invoice financing
• Bridge loans
• Peer-to-peer lending
• Term loans

Additional Resources for Female Business Owners:

In addition to grants, women entrepreneurs can benefit from a range of resources and support services:

18. Office of Women’s Business Ownership:
    • Women’s Business Centers offer training, counselling, credit access, and marketing opportunities.
19. DreamBuilder:
    • Free online courses in Spanish and English for launching or growing businesses.
20. Belle Capital USA:
    • Early-stage fund investing in fast-growing companies led by women.
21. Professional Associations and Industry Organizations:
    • Join organizations like the Minority Business Development Agency, Asian Women in Business, and others for support.
22. National Women’s Business Council (NWBC):
    • Advises on issues affecting women business owners and supports women in STEM.
23. GrantsForWomen.org:
    • A comprehensive directory of organizations offering grant funding to women.

Read also: Top 5 Grants for Christian Schools: Secure Funding for Your Mission.

Conclusion:

Women-owned businesses are rising, and despite funding challenges, various opportunities exist. Applying for and winning small business grants for women can provide financial boosts and access to valuable resources, mentoring, and exposure for growth.

In the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape, women-owned businesses are making significant strides. While these ventures contribute substantially to revenue and employment, there remains a funding gap.