Small Business Grants for Women: Your Guide to Funding Opportunities
Women entrepreneurs continue to transform industries, communities, and
the economy—but securing funding remains a challenge. Fortunately, many
organizations offer grants specifically designed to level the playing field.
Whether you’re launching a new idea or growing an established business,
these grants can help you move forward.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of small-business grants for women, including
options for women of color, location-specific programs, and general business
grants.
the economy—but securing funding remains a challenge. Fortunately, many
organizations offer grants specifically designed to level the playing field.
Whether you’re launching a new idea or growing an established business,
these grants can help you move forward.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of small-business grants for women, including
options for women of color, location-specific programs, and general business
grants.
Grants Exclusively for Women Entrepreneurs
Each month, the Amber Grant awards at least $30,000 in funding to female
entrepreneurs. Three $10,000 grants are distributed monthly:
– One for any woman-owned business
– One for startups in the idea phase
– One for a rotating business category
At the end of the year, three additional $25,000 grants are awarded.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are quick to complete.
The Papaya Grant
This program offers $10,000 to one female entrepreneur to start or expand
her business. While this year’s application period has ended, keep an eye on
their website for future cycles.
Giving Joy
Giving Joy provides grants ranging from $250–$500 to U.S. women (18+)
looking to launch or grow a business, nonprofit, charity, or project.
Applications are currently closed and will reopen next year.
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Grant
This program awards $1,000 grants to 25 mother-owned businesses with 2–
100 employees and less than $5 million in revenue.
This initiative offers a $20,000 grand prize, AT&T service and devices, and
media exposure to female-owned businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
media exposure to female-owned businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
Women Founders Network
Through their Fast Pitch Competition, this network awards $55,000 in cash
grants to women-led tech and consumer businesses.
Cartier Women’s Initiative
This prestigious global program awards up to $100,000 to women-owned
businesses. Winners also receive business training and access to an
international network. Specialized awards are available in Science &
Technology and Diversity & Inclusion.
Galaxy Grant
Provides a $2,750 grant for women and minority business owners. The
current cycle is closed, but future opportunities are expected.
High Five Grant for Moms
This semi-annual grant awards $5,000 to mother entrepreneurs, plus
mentorship and networking support. The next application cycle begins in
2025.
Grants for Black or Latina Women
Women of color often face additional barriers to funding, but these
programs are dedicated to expanding access:
Sage Invest in Progress Grant
This program awards $10,000 to 25 Black women entrepreneurs whose
businesses are under five years old. Winners also receive a full year of
mentorship and coaching.
Waves of Change
Designed to help women of color relaunch their businesses, Waves of
Change offers stipends, marketing support, and operational guidance.
Applications are currently closed.
Location-Specific Grants
Some grants are targeted to businesses in particular regions:
Vanguard Accelerator (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN)
Offers $5,000 grants and forgivable loans ranging from $25,000–$250,000 to
Latina and Black women-owned B2B businesses.
Awards grants up to $10,000 to women entrepreneurs based on financial
need and business plans.
need and business plans.
FoundHer Accelerator (Hawaii)
Provides early-stage women-led businesses with a $20,000 grant,
mentorship, and networking.
Ignite Grant (Connecticut)
Awards $2,500–$10,000 to Connecticut women-owned businesses working
on impactful projects.
Grant Databases and Platforms
Consider using these resources to discover and apply for multiple grants:
iFundWomen
A single universal application unlocks access to grants from major brands
like American Express, Visa, and Unilever.
Hello Alice
A free platform offering grant applications, networking, and resources
tailored to small businesses.
Other General Business Grants
Freed Fellowship Grant
Provides $500 monthly grants and a chance to win a $2,500 year-end grant.
Membership is required after a 2-month trial.
SheaMoisture Fund
Awards grants to Black-owned businesses, including $100,000 grants with
business support.
Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant
Provides $2,500 grants to entrepreneurs starting or expanding a business in
the U.S
Awards one $50,000 grant and nine $20,000 grants, along with business
consulting support. The next round opens March 1–April 1, 2025.
consulting support. The next round opens March 1–April 1, 2025.
Conclusion
Before you apply for any grant, be sure you have appropriate business
insurance in place. Many programs require it to ensure funds are used for
business growth rather than legal claims. If you need tailored coverage,
Hiscox offers customized quotes to fit your business.
Grants are a powerful way to access funding without taking on debt. Take
the time to prepare a thoughtful, compelling application—and watch your
business thrive.