What are grants for women entrepreneurs?

Grants for women entrepreneurs are financial awards provided by organizations, government agencies, or private foundations to support women-owned businesses. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.

Who is eligible for women entrepreneur grants?

Eligibility varies by grant, but most require applicants to be women who own or lead a business. Some grants have additional criteria, such as industry focus, business stage, location, or demographic factors.

How can I apply for a grant?

Each grant has its own application process, usually found on the grant provider’s website. Generally, you will need to submit an application, a business plan, and sometimes an essay or video explaining your business goals.

What are the chances of winning a grant?

Grant competition can be high, but your chances improve if you apply to multiple grants, meet all eligibility requirements, and submit a well-prepared application.

How long does it take to receive grant money?

Processing times vary. Some grants are awarded within a few weeks, while others may take months. Be sure to check deadlines and expected timelines for each grant.

Do I have to pay taxes on grant money?

In many cases, grant money is considered taxable income. It’s best to consult with a tax professional to understand the implications and any deductions that may apply.

Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?

Yes! There’s no limit to how many grants you can apply for. Applying to multiple grants increases your chances of receiving funding.

What should I do if I don’t receive a grant?

If you don’t win a grant, consider applying again in the next round or looking for alternative funding options like crowdfunding, business competitions, or small business loans.

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Introduction

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it can also come with financial hurdles. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, may face challenges securing funding for their startups. According to a 2023 report, women-led startups receive only 2% of venture capital funding, making grants a critical resource for female founders. Fortunately, there are numerous grants available that offer financial assistance without the need to repay the funds. In this post, we’ll cover 30 free grants specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs, from small business grants to industry-specific funding opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your business, these grants can give you the financial boost you need to succeed.

Top Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

1. Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant provides $10,000 each month to a woman-owned business, and annually, one of the monthly winners receives an additional $25,000. This grant is available to businesses in any industry and focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs.

Eligibility: Open to all women-owned businesses.
Deadline: Monthly.
Apply here: Amber Grant

2. The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

This grant awards up to $100,000 to women entrepreneurs who have a positive impact on their communities, especially in areas related to environmental sustainability and social justice.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses with a focus on sustainability.
Deadline: Typically in March.
Apply here: Eileen Fisher Grants

3. The Cartier Women’s Initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative provides funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs with businesses in sectors like health, education, and the environment. The grant is worth up to $100,000.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in early stages.
Deadline: Annually in June.
Apply here: Cartier Women’s Initiative

4. The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

This grant offers a year of mentorship and access to a $5,000 grant. It’s designed for women entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their small businesses.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Deadline: Annually in October.
Apply here: Tory Burch Foundation

5. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The SBIR program offers grants for women entrepreneurs in the tech, science, and research sectors. Women-owned businesses can receive up to $2 million in funding for innovation-based initiatives.

Eligibility: Small businesses in the U.S. with innovative projects.
Deadline: Varies by agency.
Apply here: SBIR Grants

6. The 100 Women Entrepreneurs’ Fund

This grant offers women entrepreneurs the opportunity to apply for funding to support their business’s growth, expansion, or operational needs. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: 100 Women Entrepreneurs

7. The Women’s Business Centers (WBC) Grants

WBC provides a variety of funding opportunities to help women-owned businesses grow. The grants focus on underserved women and minority entrepreneurs.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in underserved communities.
Deadline: Varies by location.
Apply here: WBC Grants

8. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

NASE offers grants of up to $4,000 to women entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses, from marketing to equipment purchases.

Eligibility: NASE members.
Deadline: Quarterly.
Apply here: NASE Growth Grants

9. The BizWomen Mentoring Monday Grant

BizWomen Mentoring Monday provides grants to women entrepreneurs who need assistance with launching or growing their businesses, with a focus on providing access to mentorship and networking.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Deadline: Annually in February.
Apply here: BizWomen

10. The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

This fund supports nonprofits and entrepreneurs dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in Western Massachusetts.
Deadline: Annually in April.
Apply here: Women’s Fund of Western Mass

11. The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) Grants

NWBC provides resources and grants to women business owners for research and growth, with a particular emphasis on small business success.

Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses.
Deadline: Varies.
Apply here: NWBC Grants

12. The MicroEnterprise Fund for Women

Women entrepreneurs can access grants through the MicroEnterprise Fund, which supports the development of microenterprises owned by women.

Eligibility: Women-owned microenterprises.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: MicroEnterprise Fund

13. The Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Fund

This fund offers grants to women of color who own and operate small businesses. The focus is on supporting innovative businesses that aim to make a significant impact in their community.

Eligibility: Black women entrepreneurs.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Fund

14. The Fast Track Business Program

Women entrepreneurs who are in the growth phase of their business can apply for grants through the Fast Track Business Program, which offers financial assistance and resources to help scale their companies.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in growth phase.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Fast Track Business

15. The Seed Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

This seed funding program offers grants of up to $10,000 to early-stage women entrepreneurs in tech, healthcare, and education sectors.

Eligibility: Early-stage women entrepreneurs.
Deadline: Annually in September.
Apply here: Seed Fund for Women

16. The Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund for Women provides grants to organizations and businesses led by women to support gender equality projects worldwide.

Eligibility: Women-led organizations globally.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Global Fund for Women

17. The InnovateHER Challenge

This challenge provides $50,000 in grants to women entrepreneurs working on innovative products or services that impact women and families.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.
Deadline: Annually in May.
Apply here: InnovateHER Challenge

18. The American Express Women’s Business Grant

American Express offers a variety of grants to support women business owners, particularly those involved in innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved markets.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in underserved markets.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: American Express Women’s Business Grant

19. The Rise Up Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

This fund focuses on providing financial support for women in the early stages of their businesses, offering up to $5,000 in grants.

Eligibility: Early-stage women entrepreneurs.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Rise Up Fund

20. The Kauffman Foundation Grants

This foundation offers grants to women entrepreneurs who are starting or growing tech-based or innovative businesses, with funding reaching up to $10,000.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in tech or innovation.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Kauffman Foundation

21. The Women Entrepreneurs’ Fund (WEF)

WEF offers up to $15,000 for women entrepreneurs in fields ranging from healthcare to social innovation.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in various industries.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Women Entrepreneurs Fund

22. The USDA Rural Development Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

The USDA offers grants to women in rural areas who are looking to start or grow a business. Grants can range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Eligibility: Women in rural areas.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: USDA Rural Development Grants

23. The Green Entrepreneur Grants for Women

Women entrepreneurs in green businesses focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility can apply for up to $20,000 in funding.

Eligibility: Women in green businesses.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Green Entrepreneur Grants

24. The Wells Fargo Community Investment Fund

Wells Fargo offers financial support for women entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities, providing grants of up to $25,000 for business growth and development.

Eligibility: Women in underrepresented communities.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Community Investment Fund

25. The Women Entrepreneurs of Kansas City Fund

This fund focuses on supporting women entrepreneurs in Kansas City with grants that help expand their businesses and foster community-driven initiatives.

Eligibility: Women in Kansas City.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Women Entrepreneurs of Kansas City

26. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships & Grants

AAUW offers various fellowships and grants to women entrepreneurs and researchers to support their projects, especially in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Eligibility: Women in STEM fields.
Deadline: Annually in November.
Apply here: AAUW Fellowships & Grants

27. The Global Innovation Fund

This fund supports women entrepreneurs working on innovative solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, and the environment. The grants are designed to help scale businesses that create significant social impact.

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: Global Innovation Fund

28. The Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program

SBA’s 8(a) program provides women-owned businesses with grants and contracts, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged groups, to help businesses grow in the marketplace.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in disadvantaged groups.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: SBA 8(a) Program

29. The Echoing Green Fellowship

Echoing Green provides grants to entrepreneurs whose businesses address social issues and aim for systemic change. They offer fellowships, mentoring, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs looking to drive social change.

Eligibility: Social impact entrepreneurs.
Deadline: Annually in October.
Apply here: Echoing Green Fellowship

30. The Women’s Economic Development Fund (WEDF)

WEDF provides grants to women entrepreneurs in low-income communities to help them start or expand businesses. The fund supports businesses that focus on sustainable development and community impact.

Eligibility: Women in low-income communities.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply here: WEDF Grants

A woman exploring how to get free grant money. — **Free Grant Money for Women**

Who Qualifies for Grants?

Grant eligibility varies depending on the organization and its mission. However, most grants for women entrepreneurs have the following common requirements:

Women-Owned Business: You must be a majority owner (51% or more) of your business.
Legal Business Entity: Your business should be legally registered.
Business Stage: Some grants are for startups, while others require an established business with revenue.
Industry-Specific: Certain grants focus on specific industries like tech, healthcare, or sustainability.
Geographic Location: Some grants are available only in specific states or countries.
Community Impact: Many grant programs favor businesses that create jobs, support underserved communities, or have a social mission.

Always check the specific requirements for each grant before applying to ensure you qualify.

What Can You Use Grant Money For?

Most grant providers allow flexibility in how you use the funds. Here are some common ways women entrepreneurs can invest grant money:

Startup Costs: Cover initial expenses like product development, branding, and legal fees.
Marketing & Advertising: Increase brand awareness through social media ads, website development, and promotional materials.
Equipment & Supplies: Purchase necessary tools, technology, or inventory for your business.
Hiring & Training: Expand your team or invest in professional development.
Expansion & Scaling: Open new locations, enter new markets, or improve infrastructure.
Community Projects: If your business has a social impact, funds may support outreach efforts and charitable initiatives.

Grant providers may require you to submit a budget breakdown, so plan ahead and justify your expenses wisely.

Pro Tips for Grant Applications

Research thoroughly: Understand the eligibility criteria before applying.
Prepare a strong business plan: Clearly outline how you’ll use the funds.
Meet deadlines: Set reminders for application deadlines to avoid missing opportunities.
Highlight impact: Emphasize how your business benefits your community or industry.
Follow up: If you don’t win a grant, seek feedback and reapply in the future.

You may also like: 16 Ways to Get Free Money for Women in the U.S.

Conclusion

These 30 free grants for women entrepreneurs can help jumpstart or grow your business. Whether you’re in the tech industry, healthcare, or retail, there is financial assistance available to support your entrepreneurial journey. Be sure to review each program’s eligibility requirements and deadlines to maximize your chances of securing funding. Don’t forget to share this resource with other women entrepreneurs who might benefit from these opportunities!

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