Grants for female business owners: options and tips

Published Friday 20 March 2026

Table of contents

• Funding challenges for women business owners
• What are business grants?
• Grants for women-owned businesses
• Grants for minority women
• Government grants and programs for women business owners
• How to apply for grants
• Tips for writing a winning grant submission
• Where to find grants
• Manage your grant funding with Xero
• FAQs on grants for women business owners

Key takeaways

• Research eligibility requirements carefully before applying, as many grants have strict criteria like the EDWOSB certification requiring personal net worth under $850,000, and tailor your application to match what previous winners received.
• Apply to multiple grants simultaneously to increase your funding chances, ranging from smaller monthly awards like Yippitydo's $1,000 to larger opportunities like Cartier's $100,000 first-place award.
• Prepare detailed budgets showing exactly how you'll spend grant funds and gather all supporting documents early, as specific financial plans strengthen your application more than vague estimates.
• Follow application guidelines exactly regarding formatting and word limits, then submit early to avoid technical issues that could cause you to miss deadlines.

Funding challenges for women business owners

Women entrepreneurs often face greater barriers when seeking business funding. That's why targeted initiatives like the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Community Navigator Pilot Program were created. Data shows this program served a higher proportion of clients from underserved communities compared to other SBA assistance programs. Women-owned businesses receive a smaller share of venture capital and traditional loans compared to their male counterparts.

Grants help level the playing field by providing capital without requiring repayment, collateral, or giving up ownership. For women starting or growing a business, grants can bridge the funding gap and provide the financial boost needed to move forward.

What are business grants?

Business grants are funds you receive from government agencies, corporations, or private foundations that you don't have to pay back. Unlike loans, grants don't require repayment or giving up equity in your business.

Grants come from three main sources:

• Government grants: funding from local, state, and federal agencies
• Corporate grants: awards from companies supporting causes aligned with their values
• Private grants: funding from foundations and nonprofits, often targeting specific groups like women entrepreneurs

Applying for grants can be competitive and time-consuming. Many grants have strict eligibility requirements. For example, the federal government's Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification requires owners to have a personal net worth of less than $850,000. Check the criteria carefully before you apply.

Grants for women-owned businesses

Women entrepreneurs can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $200,000 from corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. Below are grants specifically designed to support women-owned businesses.

Note that windows to apply and award amounts may change. Check each grant's website for current details.

Yippitydo Small Business Grant

Learn more at the Yippitydo Small Business Grant website.

• Award amount: $1,000 monthly
• Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs 18+ in the US
• Additional benefits: 1-year membership to the Wealth Mindset Coaching Group, plus monthly gifts and gift cards

Check the website for current deadlines and details.

Cartier Women's Initiative Award

Visit the Cartier Women's Initiative Award website for details.

• Award amount: $100,000 (first place), $60,000 (second place), $30,000 (third place)
• Eligibility: Women-owned for-profit businesses in science and technology, within first five years of operation
• Additional benefits: Educational support through seminars and mentoring for all winners and finalists

Awards are distributed across ten global regions annually.

Tory Burch Foundation

Visit the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows program for details.

• Award amount: $5,000 business education grants
• Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs (50 fellows selected annually)
• Additional benefits: Expert-led workshops and peer-to-peer support network

Amber Grant

Visit the Amber Grant website for details.

• Award amount: $10,000 monthly, plus $25,000 year-end grant to one monthly winner
• Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs
• Additional benefits: Quarterly startup grant available for new businesses

The Halstead Grant

Visit the Halstead Grant website for details.

• Award amount: $7,500 startup grant, plus smaller grants
• Eligibility: Emerging silver jewelry artists (portfolio required)
• Deadline: Applications close in early May each year
• Additional benefits: Expert business support and promotional exposure

National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants

Visit the NASE Growth Grants page for details.

• Award amount: Up to $4,000
• Eligibility: NASE members only
• Award frequency: Quarterly
• Eligible uses: Marketing, advertising, hiring, facility expansion

FedEx Small Business Grants

Visit the FedEx Small Business Grants page for details.

• Award amount: Varies (10 grants awarded annually)
• Eligibility: Businesses earning less than $5 million that use FedEx shipping

37 Angels

Visit the 37 Angels website for details.

• Investment amount: $50,000 to $200,000
• Eligibility: Startups (10 investments made annually)
• Process: Eight businesses pitch to angel investors every two months

Note: 37 Angels provides investment capital rather than traditional grants. Startups seeking investor funding to get established may find this a good fit.

Grants for minority women

Minority women entrepreneurs can access grants specifically designed to address funding disparities. The SBA's Community Navigator Pilot Program, for example, aimed to expand access to business resources for underserved communities. Women of color, LGBTQ entrepreneurs, and immigrant business owners often face additional barriers to traditional financing.

Black founders received just $2 billion of the $147 billion in venture capital funding in 2021. This highlights the need for alternative funding sources. The grants below target minority women-owned businesses.

SoGal Startup Grant

Visit the SoGal website for details.

• Award amount: $10,000
• Eligibility: Black women and Black nonbinary entrepreneurs with a scalable business plan

Fast Break Small Business Grant

Visit the Fast Break grant page for details.

• Award amount: $10,000 (50 grants awarded)
• Eligibility: Black small business owners with registered businesses operational for at least six months
• Partners: WNBA, NBA, and LegalZoom

The Catalyst Fund Grant

Visit the Catalyst Fund page for details.

• Award amount: $5,000
• Eligibility: Black-owned businesses in Atlanta, Birmingham, St. Louis, Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans, Dayton, or Washington D.C.
• Partner: Mastercard

Government grants and programs for women business owners

Federal and state governments offer funding programs and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs. While direct government grants for small businesses are limited, several programs provide valuable support.

• Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA doesn't offer grants directly to most small businesses, but it facilitates grant programs and provides resources through Women's Business Centers nationwide.
• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs: These programs provide grants for businesses engaged in research and development. Women-owned businesses can apply for these competitive federal grants.
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program: This program helps women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts, with the government setting a goal to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to these businesses annually. Certification can open doors to government contracting opportunities.
• State and local programs: Many states offer grants, low-interest loans, and incentives for women-owned businesses. Check with your state's economic development office for current opportunities.

How to apply for grants

To apply successfully for a grant, you need to prepare well, research thoroughly, and pay attention to detail. Follow these steps to improve your chances of success.

1. Check eligibility requirements: Review the grant criteria carefully before investing time in applying. Some grants have strict rules about business type, location, or owner demographics.
2. Research the grant provider: Look at previous winners to understand what the awarding committee values. This helps you tailor what you submit.
3. Clarify your funding needs: Know exactly why you need the money and how you'll use it. A clear purpose strengthens your case.
4. Prepare your budget: Detail exactly how you'd spend the grant funds. Avoid estimates and round numbers.
5. Gather supporting materials: Collect letters of support, financial statements, and any other required documents early.
6. Allow time for review: Set internal deadlines well before you need to submit. Multiple reviews catch errors and strengthen what you submit.
7. Submit early: Don't wait until the last moment. Technical issues or delays can cause you to miss the deadline.

Tips for writing a winning grant submission

Strong grant submissions share common traits. Use these tips to make yours stand out.

• Follow the guidelines exactly: Review what's required for formatting, word limits, and sections before you start writing.
• Lead with your strongest points: Put what's most compelling early in each section.
• Be specific and detailed: Vague wording weakens what you submit. Use concrete examples and numbers.
• Write in plain language: Avoid jargon and industry terminology. Keep sentences short and clear.
• Show measurable outcomes: Explain how you'll measure success. Use specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
• Proofread carefully: Errors signal carelessness. Review multiple times and ask someone else to check your work.
• Tell your story: Explain why your business matters and how the grant will help you achieve your goals.

Where to find grants

Looking for more grant opportunities? These resources can help you discover additional funding options.

• Grants.gov: The federal government's central database for all federal grant opportunities
• Small business development centers: Free local counseling and training, including help with grant submissions
• iFundWomen: A universal grant platform connecting women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities
• Women's Business Centers: SBA-supported centers offering training, counseling, and funding resources in communities nationwide
• National Women's Business Council: Federal advisory council providing research and resources for women business owners
• SBIR.gov: Portal for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs

Manage your grant funding with Xero

After winning a grant, you'll need to track how you spend the funds, maintain accurate records, and often report back to the grant provider.

Xero helps you stay organized by tracking income and expenses, generating financial reports, and keeping your books ready for any reporting requirements. Whether you're applying for grants or managing your day-to-day finances, Xero gives you the tools to stay in control. Get one month free when you try Xero today.

FAQs on grants for women business owners

Here are answers to common questions about applying for and receiving business grants.

How long does it take to hear back after applying for a grant?

Response times vary by grant. Some programs notify applicants within four–six weeks, while others may take several months. Check the grant's website for typical timelines.

Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?

Yes. Applying to multiple grants increases your chances of receiving funding. Just make sure you can meet each grant's requirements and deadlines.

Do I need a business plan to apply for grants?

Many grants require a business plan or at least a clear description of your business and how you'll use the funds. Having a business plan ready strengthens what you submit.

What should I do if my grant submission is rejected?

Request feedback if the grant provider offers it. Review what you submitted for areas to improve, and apply to other grants. Many people who successfully received grants applied multiple times before winning.

Are grants considered taxable income?

In most cases, yes. Business grants are generally considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Consult a tax professional to understand how grant funds may affect your tax situation.