Small business grants for women: where to find funding in 2025

Published Friday 15 May 2026

Key takeaways

• Small business grants give women entrepreneurs free funding that doesn't need to be repaid, and you won't give up any equity in your business.
• Women started 49% of new businesses in 2024, but female-only founding teams received just 2.3% of global venture capital funding, making grants a vital funding source.
• Dozens of grants specifically support women-owned businesses, from microgrants of $250 to awards of $100,000 or more.
• A strong application starts with understanding eligibility requirements, writing a clear proposal, and submitting well before the deadline.

Table of contents

• What are business grants?
• Why grants matter for women entrepreneurs
• Types of small business grants
• How to apply for a small business grant
• Grants for women-owned small businesses
• Grants for minority women entrepreneurs
• Grants for women veterans
• Microgrants for women business owners
• Where to find grants
• Manage your grant funding with Xero
• FAQs on small business grants for women

What are business grants?

Business grants are funds awarded to entrepreneurs that don't need to be repaid. Unlike business loans or venture capital, a grant lets you keep full ownership of your business while receiving money to start, grow, or sustain it.

Grants come from federal and state governments, corporations, nonprofits, and private foundations. Each grant has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and timeline. Some target specific industries or demographics, while others are open to any small business owner.

Why grants matter for women entrepreneurs

Women are launching businesses at record rates, yet the funding landscape hasn't kept pace. According to the Gusto 2025 report on women's entrepreneurship, women started 49% of new businesses in 2024, up from 29% in 2019.

Despite that growth, female-only founding teams received just 2.3% of global venture capital funding in 2024. That gap between business creation and available investment means many women entrepreneurs need to look beyond traditional funding sources.

Grants help close this gap. They provide capital without debt or diluted ownership, and many programs specifically aim to support women-owned businesses. For women building businesses in underserved communities or non-tech industries where VC is especially scarce, grants can be the most accessible path to funding.

Types of small business grants

Not all grants work the same way. Understanding the main categories can help you focus your search on the programs most likely to fund your business.

• Government grants come from federal, state, and local agencies. Federal grants are listed on Grants.gov and through the Small Business Administration (SBA). These tend to have strict eligibility requirements and detailed application processes, but they often provide larger amounts.
• Corporate grants are funded by companies like FedEx, Visa, and others that run annual grant competitions. These programs often include business resources, mentorship, or media exposure along with the funding.
• Private and nonprofit grants come from foundations and organizations focused on supporting entrepreneurs. Many are designed specifically for women, minorities, or businesses in particular industries.

How to apply for a small business grant

The application process varies by grant, but a few practical steps can improve your chances across the board.

1. Check eligibility first. Read the full requirements before investing time in an application. Many grants specify business size, industry, location, revenue stage, or demographic criteria.
2. Research thoroughly. Look into past winners to understand what the grant committee values. Review any available scoring rubrics or selection criteria.
3. Prepare your budget. Most applications ask how you'll use the funds. Create a clear, realistic budget that ties spending directly to business growth.
4. Write clearly and specifically. Avoid vague language. Describe your business, your goals, and the impact the grant will have in concrete terms.
5. Gather supporting documents early.Business plans, tax returns, financial statements, and proof of ownership are commonly requested. Having these ready prevents last-minute delays.
6. Submit before the deadline. Don't wait until the final day. Technical issues or missing documents can disqualify an otherwise strong application.
7. Apply to multiple grants. Most grants allow simultaneous applications to other programs. Casting a wider net increases your chances of receiving funding.

Grants for women-owned small businesses

This is where to focus your search. The following grants are specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, with award amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars to $100,000.

One of the most well-known recurring grant programs for women is the Amber Grant.

Amber Grant

The Amber Grant awards three $10,000 grants every month to women-owned businesses. At the end of each year, three monthly winners receive an additional $25,000 each. The application fee is $15, and you can apply any month. Businesses must be at least 50% women-owned.

If you want to apply to multiple grants at once, IFundWomen can simplify the process.

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

IFundWomen maintains a universal grant application database that matches women entrepreneurs with relevant grant opportunities. You fill out one application and get matched to multiple grants. It's free to apply, and new grants are added regularly.

For established women-led businesses with global ambitions, the Cartier Women's Initiative offers significant funding.

Cartier Women's Initiative

The Cartier Women's Initiative is a global program that awards $100,000 to first-place winners, $60,000 to second place, and $30,000 to third place across multiple regions. It's open to women-led, for-profit businesses that have been operating for one to six years. The program also includes mentorship, networking, and media visibility.

Women entrepreneurs looking for both funding and mentorship may benefit from the Tory Burch Foundation.

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation offers $5,000 business education grants to women entrepreneurs through its Fellows Program. Fellows also receive a year-long fellowship that includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to business resources. The program is open to women-owned businesses in the United States.

Women in creative fields have a dedicated funding option through the Girlboss Foundation.

Girlboss Foundation Grant

The Girlboss Foundation Grant supports women and non-binary entrepreneurs in the creative industries, including fashion, music, art, and design. Awards are typically $15,000. Applicants must be based in the United States and working on a creative project or business. Application cycles open periodically throughout the year.

Visa runs a global grant program specifically for women small business owners.

Visa She's Next Grant

The Visa She's Next Grant Program supports women small business owners through grant funding and business resources. Awards have varied by program cycle, and the program runs in multiple countries. Check the Visa She's Next website for current application windows and eligibility details.

For a larger monthly award, the EmpowHer Grant is worth exploring.

EmpowHer Grant

The EmpowHer Grant provides $25,000 to one woman entrepreneur each month. It's open to women-owned businesses in any industry. The application process is online, and winners are selected based on their business story, goals, and community impact.

Women running businesses with a social or environmental mission may qualify for the Eileen Fisher grant.

Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant awards up to $100,000 annually, split among multiple winners. It supports women-owned businesses that are beyond the startup phase and focused on social and environmental impact. Businesses must be majority women-owned and have been in operation for at least three years.

If you're comfortable pitching your business, the Women Founders Network offers a competitive grant opportunity.

Women Founders Network

The Women Founders Network hosts the Fast Pitch competition, where women entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of investors and judges. Winners receive cash grants and other business support. The competition is open to women-led businesses at various stages, and application details are posted on their website each cycle.

Jewelry artists have a niche funding option through the Halstead Grant.

The Halstead Grant

The Halstead Grant awards $7,500 in cash and $1,000 in sterling silver supplies to one emerging silver jewelry artist each year. Applicants must be US-based and have been in business for fewer than five years. The grant also includes promotional support and mentorship from Halstead Bead.

Members of the National Association for the Self-Employed can apply for quarterly grants.

NASE Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to its members. Grants can be used for marketing, equipment, hiring, or other business needs. You must be a NASE member to apply, and grants are awarded quarterly.

FedEx runs an annual grant contest open to small businesses across the country.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards grants to small businesses across the United States, with prizes that have reached up to $50,000 for the grand prize winner. While not exclusive to women, women-owned businesses frequently win and are encouraged to apply. The contest typically opens in early spring each year.

For smaller community-focused businesses, the Enthuse Foundation provides accessible grants.

Enthuse Foundation

The Enthuse Foundation provides grants of $2,500 to women-owned small businesses in the United States. It aims to support businesses that are making a positive impact in their communities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through their website.

Mom entrepreneurs balancing family and business can apply for a dedicated grant.

High Five Grant for Moms

The High Five Grant for Moms awards $5,000 to mom entrepreneurs who are building businesses while raising families. The grant is open to US-based mothers at any stage of business. Applications open periodically, and winners are selected based on business potential and personal story.

Early-stage women entrepreneurs have another option through the Papaya Grant.

The Papaya Grant

The Papaya Grant provides funding to women-owned businesses with a focus on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. Award amounts and application timelines vary, so check their website for current details. The program is designed to help women get their businesses off the ground without taking on debt.

Entrepreneurs in underserved communities may find support through the Truist Foundation.

Truist Foundation Small Business Grant

The Truist Foundation offers small business grants aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. While not exclusively for women, the program actively supports women-owned businesses. Grant amounts vary by program cycle, and applications are accepted through the Truist Foundation website.

Grants for minority women entrepreneurs

Women of color face even steeper funding barriers than women entrepreneurs overall. These grants specifically target minority women business owners.

One of the largest initiatives supporting Black women is the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women program.

Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Grant

The Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative directs investment and grant funding toward Black women entrepreneurs and community organizations. The program supports business growth through direct grants, partnerships, and capacity-building resources. Eligibility and application details are available through the program's website.

Black and brown women entrepreneurs can compete for funding through Black Girl Ventures.

Black Girl Ventures Foundation Grant

Black Girl Ventures hosts pitch competitions that award grants to Black and brown women entrepreneurs. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and winners also gain access to mentorship and a supportive community of fellow founders. Pitch events are held in cities across the United States.

For women of color in early-stage businesses, HerRise offers an accessible microgrant program.

HerRise MicroGrants

HerRise MicroGrants support women of color in early-stage businesses with grants typically under $1,000. The program focuses on accessibility, with a simple application process designed for entrepreneurs who may not have formal business plans or extensive documentation.

Women entrepreneurs of color can also explore the Publish Her Business Impact Grant.

Publish Her Business Impact Grant

Publish Her offers a Business Impact Grant to women entrepreneurs of color. The grant provides funding along with business coaching, marketing support, and access to a network of fellow women business owners. Application details and timelines are posted on the Publish Her website.

Another option for women of color entrepreneurs is the Waves of Change grant program.

Waves of Change

Waves of Change is a grant program supporting women of color entrepreneurs through financial awards and mentorship. The program is designed to help early-stage businesses grow by providing both capital and guidance from experienced business leaders.

Grants for women veterans

Women who have served in the military have access to additional funding programs that recognize their service and support their transition to entrepreneurship.

The StreetShares Foundation specifically supports veteran entrepreneurs with grant funding.

StreetShares Foundation

The StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award provides grants to veteran entrepreneurs, including women veterans. Awards are typically $15,000, and finalists receive additional visibility and mentorship opportunities. Applications are open to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.

Bunker Labs offers resources and community for veteran entrepreneurs building businesses.

Bunker Labs programs

Bunker Labs supports veteran entrepreneurs through its Veterans in Residence program, which provides co-working space, mentorship, and access to a community of fellow veteran founders. While not a direct cash grant, the program's resources and connections can be just as valuable for launching and growing a business.

Women veterans can access free business education through the V-WISE program.

V-WISE

V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship) is a training program from Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families. It provides women veterans with business education, mentorship, and networking over a multi-phase program. V-WISE is free for participants and includes both online and in-person components.

Microgrants for women business owners

If you need a smaller amount to cover a specific expense, microgrants of $250 to $2,500 can help without the lengthy application process of larger programs.

Galaxy Grants offer small, accessible awards for community-focused women entrepreneurs.

Galaxy Grants

Galaxy Grants provide small awards to women-owned businesses that are making a difference in their communities. Amounts typically range from $500 to $1,500. The application process is designed to be accessible, with minimal documentation required.

Mom entrepreneurs can also apply to the Kitty Fund for additional microgrant funding.

Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant

The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant awards grants of up to $2,500 to mom entrepreneurs in the United States. The program supports women who are balancing business ownership with raising children. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Women in the earliest stages of business can look into Giving Joy Grants.

Giving Joy Grants

Giving Joy Grants provide small grants to women entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of launching their businesses. The program focuses on women who may not qualify for larger grants due to limited business history or revenue. Award amounts and application details vary by cycle.

HerRise MicroGrants also qualify as a microgrant option for women of color.

HerRise MicroGrants

As mentioned in the minority grants section, HerRise MicroGrants also fall into the microgrant category with awards typically under $1,000. If you're a woman of color in an early-stage business, this program offers an accessible entry point to grant funding.

Where to find grants

Knowing where to search is half the battle. These resources aggregate grant opportunities and can save you hours of research.

• Grants.gov is the central database for federal grant opportunities across all industries and demographics.
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) lists government-backed grants and connects you with local SBA offices that can help with applications.
• IFundWomen aggregates grants specifically for women entrepreneurs and lets you apply to multiple programs through one universal application.
• Ladies Who Launch is a community and resource hub for women entrepreneurs that highlights grant opportunities and business support programs.
• The National Women's Business Council (NWBC) is a federal advisory council that publishes research and resources on women's entrepreneurship, including funding opportunities.
• The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds technology and innovation-focused small businesses through federal research grants. If your business involves research and development, this is worth exploring.
• Women's Business Centers, funded by the SBA, offer free counseling, training, and grant application support. Find your nearest center through the SBA website.

Manage your grant funding with Xero

Once you secure a grant, managing those funds properly matters. You'll want to track how every dollar is spent, especially since many grants require detailed reporting on fund usage.

Xero's accounting software helps you organize your grant income, categorize expenses, and generate reports that show exactly where the money went. You can connect your bank accounts for automatic transaction tracking, and share financial reports with grant providers when needed.

Ready to get your finances organized? Get one month free and see how Xero can help you manage your grant funding and run your business with confidence. Want to explore what's included? See all features.

FAQs on small business grants for women

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about small business grants for women.

Are business grants for women legitimate?

Yes, many reputable organizations, government agencies, and corporations offer grants specifically for women entrepreneurs. Always verify a grant through its official website and check for reviews or past winner announcements. Legitimate grants will never ask you to pay a large fee to apply or guarantee that you'll win.

Do you have to pay back a business grant?

No. Grants are awarded funds, not loans. You don't need to repay the money or give up equity in your business. However, most grants require you to use the funds for specific business purposes and may ask for documentation of how the money was spent.

How hard is it to get a small business grant?

Competition for grants can be intense, especially for well-known programs. Your chances improve when you carefully match your business to the right grants, follow all instructions, and submit a clear, compelling application. Applying to multiple programs at once also increases your odds.

What is the easiest grant for women to get?

Microgrants and programs with simple application processes, like the Amber Grant or HerRise MicroGrants, tend to be more accessible. Programs that use rolling deadlines or universal applications, such as IFundWomen, also lower the barrier to entry.

Can I apply for multiple grants at once?

Yes. Most grant programs allow you to apply to other grants simultaneously. Applying to several programs at once is a smart strategy, as long as you tailor each application to the specific grant's requirements and criteria.