Women own 13 million businesses in the United States, generating $1.9 trillion in revenue and employing 10.1 million people. Despite this, women-owned businesses receive less than 5% of conventional small business loans and a fraction of venture capital. Grants designed specifically for women entrepreneurs exist precisely to close this gap.
This guide covers the top programs, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and exactly how to apply.
Women-owned businesses that access grant funding grow 25% faster than those that don't — not just because of the capital, but because of the networks, mentorship, and visibility that accompany most grants.
| Grant Program | Award Amount | Requirements | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Grant | Up to $25,000/yr | Women-owned, any stage | Monthly rolling |
| IFundWomen Universal Grant | $10,000-$25,000 | Women-owned, U.S.-based | Quarterly |
| Cartier Women's Initiative | Up to €100,000 | Female founder, for-profit impact | Annual (Q4) |
| Tory Burch Foundation | $10,000-$50,000 | Women entrepreneur, U.S.-based | Annual |
| Wells Fargo Diverse Business | $5,000-$20,000 | Women or minority-owned | Rolling |
| SBA Women's Business Centers | Services + micro-grants | Women entrepreneurs, all stages | Ongoing |
| NWBC Programs | Varies by program | Women-owned, job creation focus | Varies |
| CDFI Loans (women-focused) | $1,000-$250,000 | Flexible credit requirements | Rolling |
| SBA 7(a) Loan Program | Up to $5 million | For-profit business, creditworthy | Rolling |
| SCORE Mentoring + Resources | Free mentoring | Any business owner | Always open |
The Amber Grant is the most accessible grant for women business owners at any stage. Founded in 1998 and administered by WomensNet, it awards $10,000 monthly to one woman entrepreneur, plus a $25,000 year-end grant. Applications cost $15 and are reviewed monthly.
What makes Amber stand out: no minimum revenue requirement, no minimum years in business, and applications are short (2-3 pages). The focus is on your story and vision. Apply at ambergrant.com. The $15 application fee is one of the lowest barriers to a $10,000+ grant anywhere.
The SBA funds over 130 Women's Business Centers across the country. These centers provide free or low-cost consulting, training, and access to capital resources specifically for women entrepreneurs. Services include: business plan development, financial coaching, grant application assistance, and referrals to women-focused lenders.
Find your nearest WBC at sba.gov/local-assistance/find. This is often the best starting point before applying to any grant — WBC counselors know which local and regional grants you qualify for that aren't on national lists.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility. Most programs require 51%+ female ownership for "women-owned" designation. Have your LLC operating agreement or articles of incorporation that show ownership percentages.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation. Most applications require: business description (1-2 pages), how you'll use the funds (specific and quantified), your story as a woman entrepreneur, any financial documents if required, and contact information.
Step 3: Write your application narrative. The strongest applications are specific, not generic. "I will use $10,000 to purchase two commercial sewing machines, allowing me to increase production capacity by 40% and add 1 part-time employee" is dramatically stronger than "I will use the funds to grow my business."
Step 4: Apply to multiple programs. Build a list of your top 5 programs and submit applications over a 2-3 week period. Track deadlines and follow-up requirements carefully.
Step 5: If rejected, ask for feedback and reapply. Most grant programs accept reapplications. The best applicants iterate based on feedback over multiple cycles.
"I applied to 8 grants for women entrepreneurs last year. Won the Amber Grant ($10,000) and a state WBC micro-grant ($5,000). Combined with an SBA microloan, I had $75,000 to launch. Rejection taught me more than my acceptances." — Women-owned bakery owner, Seattle WA
Find out which grant programs you qualify for and get a personalized application guide.
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