Grants are a great alternative to loans because they do not have to be paid back
When women entrepreneurs need capital to start and grow their businesses, they have a few options. They can pursue grants, loans, angel investors or venture capital firms, as well as finding a business partner who brings in cash to the business.
Grants do not have to paid back, so they have a great advantage over loans that must be repaid or finding an investor or business partner that requires giving up some ownership in the company—that can be complicated. Historically, women seeking access to capital have faced hurdles.
Grants typically have an application process, but some organizations run competitions in which they award grants ranging in the amounts to winners. Many grant providers set application dates for when to submit, while others offer grants as part of their acceptance into an accelerator. Look out for those grant providers that have a rolling application process in which the application can be submitted at any time.
The companies and organizations listed below offer small business grants for women and each offers them based on their mission and sometimes they offer additional support such as mentoring along with the grant.
The Accelerate(HER) fund: Sponsored by Tiger Global Impact Ventures with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, will provide grants up to $50,000 to support women entrepreneurs building breakthrough technologies or tech-enabled companies. Learn more
2023 WomensNet’s Grants: Runs multiple programs for women business owners that over the course of a year that total $450,000. One online application form is used to be eligible for each of the four grants: Monthly Amber Grant- $10,000 winner each month, The Startup Grant- $10,000 winner every quarter, $25,000 Annual Amber Grant- Two winners per year, and The Non-Profit Grant- $10,000 winner each quarter. Learn more.
Atomic Grants: $1,500 grants are given to women small business owners and entrepreneurs each quarter by the Passion Collective, as well as receive one-on-one coaching. Learn more
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards: An annual international entrepreneurship program empowering women impact entrepreneurs to drive change. The program is open to women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector that aim to have a strong and sustainable social and/or environmental impact. Categories are Regional, Science & Technology and Diversity with grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 for third to first place. Learn more
Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition: Women entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and CPG industries. Five will pitch their business live in New York City in front of a panel of industry experts to win the Grand Prize of $10,000 cash plus 20 hours of in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing. Learn more
Fearless Strivers Grant Contest: Four $20,000 grants given to Black women-owned businesses each year via Mastercard sponsorship. In addition, digital tools to grow their business online and mentorship. Four entry periods throughout the year. Learn more
High Five Grant for Moms: A grant competition in which eight (8) finalists are selected in the Fall 2023. The top three are determined by a public vote, pitches to sponsors, and Judging Panel input. A Grand Prize of $10,000, First Runner Up $5,000, Second Runner Up $2,500, and 5 Honorable Mentions $1,000 Learn More
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database: Focusing on women entrepreneurs this program offers both opportunities for a range of grants and a means to learn how to use crowdfunding to raise funds for their business. Learn more
The Kitty Fund Mother-Led Business Grant: A total of $25,000 will be awarded to 25 Mom-Preneurs Learn more
Launch Program by Ladies Who Launch: Provides women and non-binary small business owners capital through a $10,000 grant, mentorship from industry experts, and six months of free education that supports their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn more
Publish Her Business Impact Grant for Women of Color Business Owners: With community partner BankCherokee, Publish Her awards a $5,000 grant to each woman of color who 100% own their business and is making a difference in people’s lives. Application period is June through August, with 10 qualifiers chosen for September public vote of winner. Learn more
She’s Connected by AT&T: a $20,000 grant plus a year of free AT&T service with a new device. August 31, 2023 application deadline. Learn more
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition: Top 10 finalists do a live pitch, competing for $55,000 in cash grants and $100k in professional services. Learn more
Women of Color Grant Program: 75 women of color-owned businesses to receive $10,000 and $20,000 grants and access to education and community in partnership with the Fearless Fund. Learn more
You Glow Girl Women Entrepreneur Grant: A $10k cash award, a one-year supply of Eat Me Guilt Free products, A physical health & wellness prize, and an intensive mentorship program with Cristie Learn more
For a more comprehensive list of sources of grants for women, visit Grantsforwomen.org, and search their directory that lists more organizations offering a range of grant programs.
In summary, small business grants for women are a great step forward for more women entrepreneurs to receive timely funding for their businesses.
In addition to these grants specifically for women, a list of Top Small Business Grants includes eligibility for both men and women.
