Grants for Women-Owned Businesses is sponsored by Various (often through specific programs like the Amber Grant). Various grants are available to empower women entrepreneurs and support women-owned businesses, including those in health and wellness. These grants aim to address gender disparities and promote economic advancement.

43 Small-Business Grants for Women: Free Funding in 2026 - NerdWallet Business grants for women can help you grow your business for free, as opposed to small-business loans or other types of debt-based funding that you must pay back. But competition for small-business grants is fierce, and it takes considerable time and effort to win them.

If you’re up for the challenge, though, grants can be a great way to fund your new or existing business. Here are places women entrepreneurs can look for small-business grants and other free financial resources. See Your Loan Options with Fundera by NerdWallet We'll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Private small-business grants for women Some private corporations and organizations offer business grants for women. Here are some to consider: li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $10,000 monthly Amber Grant, Startup Grant and Business Category Grant. $50,000 annual year-end grants (three issued).

Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; awards issued monthly and annually. Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian businesses that are at least 50% women-owned. Apply: Via the Amber Grant website ; $15 application fee.

Every month, WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses in the U.S. or Canada. At the end of each year, monthly grant winners are eligible to receive one of three $50,000 annual grants. To apply, you’ll need to explain your business and describe what you’d do with the grant money.

Because there’s no time in business requirement, companies seeking startup business grants for women may want to prioritize the Amber Grant. 2. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: Varies by grant program.

Deadline: Varies by grant program. Eligibility: Varies by grant program. Apply: Fill out a universal application on the IFundWomen website to receive automatic notifications when you’re eligible to apply for a grant.

IFundWomen is a grant marketplace that partners with other companies to provide business grants. Previous grant partners have included companies like Visa, Neutrogena and American Express. The platform specializes in funding and coaching for women-owned businesses.

li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications due the last day of each month. Eligibility: U.S.-based, for-profit businesses that generate less than $1 million annually and are at least 51% owned by women. Apply: Via the HerRise Microgrant website ; $15 application fee.

HerRise Microgrants are offered by HerSuiteSpot, an organization that provides business coaching and training to under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color. » MORE: Business grants for minority entrepreneurs 4. YippityDoo Big Idea Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded on a monthly basis.

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses owned by women; women with an idea to start a business. Apply: Via the YippityDoo website . YippityDoo, a support organization for women entrepreneurs, offers a $1,000 business grant on a monthly basis.

In addition to the grant money, this program also provides a one-year membership to the company’s wealth mindset coaching group. 5. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Rolling applications; reviewed on a quarterly basis (April, July, October and January).

Eligibility: Member of NASE; all business owners, including women. Apply: Via the NASE website . The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) growth grants can be used for a variety of business needs, including marketing, advertising and hiring employees.

To apply for this grant, you must be a NASE member in good standing for at least three months. Annual members can apply at any time. 6.

The Freed Fellowship Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $500; recipients also considered for an additional $2,500 year-end grant. Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded monthly. Eligibility: U.S. small-business owners; women, minorities and other underrepresented entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply.

Apply: Via the Freed Fellowship website ; $19 application fee. The Freed Fellowship issues a $500 microgrant on a monthly basis. All applicants receive two months of free access to the Freed Studio, a virtual small-business community.

Winners also receive a strategy session with a team of business experts, invitation to speak on the Freed Stories podcast and one year of membership to the Freed Studio. 7. Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 14, 2026.

Eligibility: Mom-owned businesses who have been in operation for at least one year; must have between two and 100 employees and revenue of $5 million or less. Apply: Via the Founders First website . Launched in 2020, the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant offers $1,000 grants to business founders who identify as mothers.

Winners also receive access to one of two business programs administered by Founders First. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 20, 2026. Eligibility: U.S.-based consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses that are at least 51% owned by women; must be in operation for at least one year with revenue between $50,001 and $1 million.

Apply: Via the Makers Mindset website . The Makers Mindset Grant supports women-owned CPG businesses within the beauty, food, beverage, pet, tech goods and home goods sectors. Three grants of $10,000 each are awarded to eligible companies.

Winners also receive access to the Makers Mindset founder community, office hours with Nancy Twine, a hair care entrepreneur, and are spotlighted across Makers Mindset social platforms. 9. Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 23, 2026.

Eligibility: U.S.-based, for-profit businesses operating in the beauty and self-care industries. Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform . In collaboration with the NAACP, L’Oréal is offering six grants of $25,000 each to entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.

Eligible businesses include but are not limited to: salons, spas, barber shops, stylists, makeup artists, haircare specialists and beauty schools. » MORE: Best business grants for Black women entrepreneurs 10. BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 23, 2026.

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses that have been selling a product or service for at least two years; must have an annual revenue of $50 million or less. Apply: Via BMO’s application portal. Presented as a collaboration between BMO Bank and Deloitte, the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program is open to small businesses that are located in one of 24 states.

You must also show how you have supported and plan to further support the advancement of women. Fifteen entrepreneurs will receive $10,000 grants. 11.

Enthuse Foundation Grant Program li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $2,500 to $5,000. Deadline: April 27, 2026. Eligibility: U.S.-based women with established CPG businesses.

Apply: Via the Enthuse Foundation website . Through its grant program, the Enthuse Foundation offers a total of eight grants for women-owned businesses for a total of $37,000. Each grant is designed for a different purpose, such as buying business tools, investing in digital marketing and saving for retirement.

li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 30, 2026. Eligibility: Women and minority business owners. Apply: Via the Galaxy Grants website .

Hidden Star, a nonprofit organization, offers this grant program to support women and minority small-business owners. This grant is another good option for new businesses or women looking to fund their business idea . li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 30, 2026.

Eligibility: Women based in the U.S. that have a business idea or existing business that is at least 51% women-owned and operated. Apply: Via Women Founders grant website ; $25 application fee. The Women Founders Grant provides a monthly grant of $5,000 to women-owned businesses.

To apply, you must answer two questions about your business and how you plan to use the funds. Applications close on the last day of each month. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 30, 2026.

Eligibility: Any woman entrepreneur located anywhere in the world. Apply: Via the Giving Joy website . Women over the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a grant from Giving Joy.

Winners will receive microgrants of up to $500, which can be put toward launching a business or nonprofit, or expanding an existing business or charity organization. Applications run twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: April 30, 2026.

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses that are 100% women-owned and generate less than $1 million in annual revenue. Apply: Via the Visionaries website ; $15 application fee. Presented by Visionaries, a networking platform for women business owners, the Hey Helen Grant provides $10,000 three times per year.

Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the intent of the grant are welcome to apply. The grant can be used for a variety of business purposes. » MORE: Small-business grants for LGBTQ-owned businesses li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Eligibility: U.S.-based jewelry businesses started within the last five years.

Apply: Via the Halstead website . The Halstead Grant is an annual award for entrepreneurs looking to break into the silver jewelry industry. The winner receives a $7,500 startup grant, as well as a $1,000 in Halstead gift card.

Additional finalists also receive $1,000 and a $250 Halstead gift card. To apply, you must answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio. 17.

Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Eligibility: U.S.-based women-owned businesses who have not raised more than $750,000. Apply: Via Women Founders Network website. In its 14th year, the Fast Pitch Competition from the Women Founders Network is open to U.S. businesses started by women.

Selected participants pitch their businesses in person and winners in two categories (Tech and CPG) receive $25,000 grants. Another finalist will be awarded $5,000. 18.

Secretsos Small Business Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: June 30, 2026 for second quarter applications. Eligibility: U.S.-based entrepreneurs who are at least 21 years old and have a legally registered business. Must be a traditionally underserved business (i.e. denied a bank loan, woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned or located in a low-income area).

Apply: Via the Secretsos website ; $15 application fee. The Secretsos Small Business Grant program supports entrepreneurs who are often overlooked for traditional investment sources. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.

Applications open on the first day of the quarter and close on the last day. 19. Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Sept.

18, 2026. Eligibility: U.S.-based women entrepreneurs who are at least 18 years old and have been in business for at least one year. Apply: Via the Her Agenda website .

li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Rolling applications; grant awarded quarterly. Eligibility: Women-led organizations, community groups and entrepreneurs with projects that specifically benefit women and girls or contribute to community development in New York City. Apply: Via the Women’s Empire website .

Through the organization Women’s Empire, the EmpowerHer Fund offers $1,000 grants on a quarterly basis to women in New York City. To qualify, your proposal must align with the EmpowerHer Fund’s mission and goals, addressing issues such as education, health, entrepreneurship and advocacy. 21.

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $100,000 for first place; $60,000 for second place; $30,000 for third place. Deadline: Applications will run from April 16 to June 16, 2026. Eligibility: Women-owned, for-profit businesses that are making a positive impact in their industry; must have annual revenue between $50,000 and $5 million and employ between five and 250 team members.

Apply: Via the Cartier Women’s Initiative website . Every year, Cartier awards three grants to women-owned businesses in nine different regions around the world. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards program is designed to support early-stage businesses that are focused on a range of social, economic and environmental development issues.

In addition to grant funding, winners also receive executive coaching and the opportunity to participate in a variety of training workshops. See Your Loan Options with Fundera by NerdWallet We'll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Grants awarded twice per year; first cycle applications will open May 1, 2026. Eligibility: Female founders who are at least 22 years old; must have a U.S.-based, for profit business that is earning revenue and less than five years old. Apply: Via the Boundless Futures Foundation website .

Presented by the Boundless Futures Foundation, the EmpowHER grant is awarded as reimbursement of up to $50,000 for business-related expenses. Eligible businesses should address issues related to poverty, hunger and humanitarian aid or sustainability and the environment. » MORE: Business loans and grants for people with disabilities 23.

She's Connected by AT&T li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $50,000 for grand prize; $5,000 for four runners-up. Deadline: Applications open May 1, 2026. Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses that are women-owned and have fewer than 51 employees.

Apply: Via the She’s Connected website . She's Connected by AT&T is open to U.S.-based small-businesses that are women-owned and have fewer than 51 employees. The grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 grant and a year of free AT&T service alongside a new device.

Four runner-up businesses will receive $5,000 microgrants. 24. Texas Rural Woman Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications open May 5, 2026.

Eligibility: Rural woman-owned companies in Texas; must have at least three years in business. Apply: Via the Texas Woman’s University application site . The Texas Rural Woman Grant program is open to women-owned, rural small businesses in Texas.

Hosted by Texas Woman's University, the program is restricted to specific counties in the state. In 2025, 10 grants of $10,000 were awarded. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: One $25,000 grant for the grand prize winner; ten $2,000 grants for additional finalists.

Deadline: Applications for the 2026 cycle open this spring. Eligibility: U.S. residents who own a for-profit business that has been in operation for at least one year; must have fewer than 250 employees and gross revenues of less than $20 million over the last two years. Apply: Via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website .

The CO-100, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recognizes high-performing small businesses across the country. Grant funding is awarded to select winners. 26.

Santander’s Cultivate Small Business li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications open through July 22, 2026. Eligibility: Food businesses located in a low-to-moderate income area; must have operated for at least one year, generated $25,000 to $1 million in revenue in the previous calendar year and have one to 10 full-time employees. Apply: Via Santander website .

Santander's Cultivate Small Business program helps early-stage entrepreneurs in the food industry, with a focus on women-, immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Through this program, business owners participate in a 12-week virtual education curriculum that includes mentorship and networking. Business owners also receive up to $20,000 in capital grants.

li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications open Sept. 1, 2026. Eligibility: Women-owned, Texas-based businesses with five or less employees; must have five years or less in business.

Apply: Via the Texas Woman’s University application site . Offered by Texas Woman's University's Center for Women Entrepreneurs, the StartHER grant awards $5,000 to 10 Texas-based businesses. Businesses must be formed as a legal entity.

Funds can be used for a variety of purposes. » MORE: Small-business grants in Texas 28. FoundHer Accelerator Program li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications are currently closed.

Eligibility: For-profit, early stage businesses (less than three years in operation). Must be 51% owned by women who are Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or Asian and based in Hawaii. Apply: Via FoundHer website .

The FoundHer accelerator program focuses on Hawaii-based women entrepreneurs. Accepted participants to the six-month program will receive $20,000 grants, a $4,000 care stipend, weekly educational workshops, and monthly learning and networking retreats. 29.

Fund Her Future Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $50,000 grand prize; $10,000 for five finalists. Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Eligibility: U.S.-based, women-owned businesses that have generated a minimum of $20,000 in revenue in the last year.

Apply: Via FoundHer website. Fund Her Future , a grant program from Block Advisors by H&R Block, is open to women business owners nationwide. In addition to their grant, winners also receive a year of free small-business services, including bookkeeping, payroll and tax support.

30. Amazon Business Small Business Grant Contest li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: 15 grants awarded, ranging in amounts from $15,000 to $25,000. Deadline: Applications are currently closed.

Eligibility: U.S.-based business with an Amazon Business account and $1 million or less in revenue. Apply: Via the Amazon Business website. Amazon Business's annual grant contest is open to all small-business owners.

One grand-prize winner receives $25,000, four finalists receive $20,000 grants and 10 semi-finalists are awarded $15,000 grants. Winners also receive a one-year membership to Business Prime, Business Prime rewards points and free products from Eero Wifi and Kindle Scribe. 31.

Dream Makers Founders Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $25,000 for five business owners. Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Eligibility: Businesses that are at least 51% female owned; must employ between two and 10 people and generate revenue between $100,000 and $1 million.

Apply: Via the Fifteen Percent Pledge website . A collaboration with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, the Dream Makers Founders Grant offers $25,000 grants to five female small-business owners. To qualify, you must sell a CPG product that is not in the beauty category, have been generating revenue for at least two full years and be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s Business Equity Community.

Grant recipients must use funds for marketing, manufacturing and research and development. » MORE: Best small-business grants in Florida 32. High Five Grant for Moms li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place; $2,500 for third place; $1,000 for five honorable mentions.

Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Eligibility: Women caregivers that own at least 50% of a business; you’ve earned between $10,000 and $500,000 in revenue in the last 12 months. Apply: Via the Mama Ladder website .

The Mama Ladder organization offers an annual small-business grant specifically for moms. This grant, called the High Five Grant, is designed to support women caregivers with children of all ages, including first-time expecting moms, stepmoms and foster moms. 33.

Backing Small Businesses li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses. Apply: Via the Main Street America website .

The Backing Small Businesses grant program is a collaboration between American Express and Main Street America. In 2025, the program awarded $10,000 grants to small businesses facing economic challenges. Funding must support projects that improve small businesses by building community, supporting growth and viability or nurturing positive change.

34. Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $15,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place. Deadline: Applications are currently closed.

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses that are at least 51% women-owned; must have at least $10,000 in lifetime sales and less than $750,000 in annual revenue. Apply: Via the Enthuse Foundation website . Started in 2019, the Enthuse Foundation's Annual Pitch Competition is open to female entrepreneurs.

Participants pitch their business at an in-person event. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Annual; Next grantee will be selected in 2027. Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting female entrepreneurs.

Another program offered by the Boundless Futures Foundation , Her Village Grant is open to nonprofits that support female entrepreneurs. Organizations must offer entrepreneurship-related programs or services directly to women.. » MORE: Best nonprofit grants li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: $2,500 to $10,000.

Deadline: Applications will open summer 2026. Eligibility: Connecticut-based businesses that are at least 51% women-owned; must have been in business for at least two years and have annual revenue between $25,000 and $2 million in the last year. Apply: Via the Women’s Business Development Council website .

Connecticut businesses that are at least 51% women-owned may be eligible for this grant offered by the Women's Business Development Council. Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded toward specific projects that will contribute to a business's growth and profitability. You must have invested at least $2,500 into your business in the last 12 months, unless you’re located in a distressed municipality.

37. WBDC Launch Pad Grant Program li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Eligibility: Connecticut-based businesses that are at least 51% women-owned; must have been in business for less than two years.

Apply: Business owners will receive an application after completing an eligible course and submitting the course deliverable. Another program from the Connecticut WBDC, the Launch Pad grant offers women-owned businesses $2,500 to be put toward startup costs. This grant is designed specifically for newly established companies.

To qualify, you must take one of three WBDC business courses, attend 80% of the classes, be an active participant and submit the course deliverable.. 38. Olga Loizon Foundation Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications are currently closed.

Eligibility: Women living in Michigan with businesses located in Michigan. Apply: Via the Olga Loizon Foundation website . Michigan-based women small-business owners may be eligible for this grant from the Olga Loizon Foundation.

As part of the grant application, you must provide a business plan and a written statement demonstrating financial need. 39. EBay Up & Running Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications are currently closed.

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses who are actively selling on eBay and in good standing. Fifty eBay business sellers can receive $10,000 grants from the eBay Up & Running grant program . To be eligible, you must have been an eBay seller with a rating of "Above Standard" or "Top Rated.

” Previous grant recipients are ineligible. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Applications for 2026 are closed. Eligibility: Existing veteran-owned, Texas-based businesses.

Apply: Via the Texas Woman’s University application site . Women veteran entrepreneurs who are located in Texas may be eligible for this annual business grant offered by Texas Women's University. Each year this program awards $5,000 grants to five female veteran-owned businesses.

» MORE: Small-business grants for veterans Federal government small-business grants for women Some federal government grants for small-business owners are designated for specific purposes, such as research and development projects, or for businesses in rural areas. Government grants typically can’t be used for startup costs or day-to-day expenses. li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Amount: Varies by grant program.

Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the Grants. gov website. Eligibility: Open to all types of entrepreneurs, including women.

Apply: Register your business using the System Award Management (SAM) platform and get a unique entity identification number; create an account on Grants. gov to submit applications. Grants.

gov is a database of federally sponsored grants, including grants for small businesses. Although these grants are not exclusive to women-owned businesses, this database is a great place to start if you’re looking for free financing. To view grants specifically for small businesses, filter the results on the left side of the page under “eligibility.

” 42. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the SBIR. gov website.

Eligibility: Must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements . Apply: Submit an application in response to a specific agency solicitation and technical topic, available through the SBIR/STTR solicitations page . The SBA facilitates these two competitive programs, which provide grants to small businesses that contribute to federal research and development.

Eleven federal agencies — including the departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Health and Human Services — post business grant opportunities on their websites. 43. USDA Rural Business Development Grant li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Deadline: Varies by state.

Eligibility: U.S. businesses with 50 or fewer employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue; must be located in an eligible rural area . Apply: Through your USDA Rural Development state office . The Rural Business Development Grant program , administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides funding to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities.

State and local resources for women Because federal small-business grants are limited in number and often very competitive, you may have better luck seeking out grants for women at the state and municipal levels.

You’ll have to do your own research to pinpoint specific grant programs in your area, but here are some places to help you get started: The SBA sponsors more than 100 Women’s Business Centers nationwide, designed to help women entrepreneurs with business development and access to capital.

Some, such as the California Capital Financial Development Corp. , lend money directly while others help you find small-business grants and loans that you may qualify for. Economic Development Administration Every state and many cities have economic development resources focused on promoting strong local economies.

For example, New York has several economic development districts, such as the Lake Champlain - Lake George Regional Planning Board , which helps local businesses access state and federal funding. Small Business Development Centers There are hundreds of SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Centers around the country, typically housed at colleges and universities.

SBDCs offer free, one-on-one business consulting, such as help with developing a business plan, researching markets and finding financing — including grants, business loans and crowdfunding. Some SBDCs offer training on certification programs like the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certifications.

These programs can help businesses level the playing field when competing in the public and private sector. » MORE: How to get certified as a minority-owned business Minority Business Development Agency Centers The MBDA operates a network of business centers across the country that are designed to help minority business owners access capital, secure contracts and develop financial strategies.

Your local MBDA business center can work with you to identify the right financing options for your business, including federal, state and private small-business grants. The MBDA also runs the Enterprising Women of Color Initiative, or EWOC, to support minority women in their business endeavors. The EWOC provides access to resources, events and other opportunities for women minority-owned businesses.

Alternatives to small-business grants Finding and applying for business grants can be difficult, as well as time-consuming.

If you don’t qualify for certain grants — or simply want to explore other ways to fund your women-owned business — here are some avenues to explore: li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"> Best small-business loans for women : Compare SBA loans, online term loans, lines of credit, microloans and learn about other available resources for your business.

SBA microloans : Work with a nonprofit financial institution to apply for these government-backed loans, which can be a good choice for new or very small businesses. Crowdfunding for business : Tap into the power of the internet to raise money for your business and promote your company’s product or service.

Small-business credit cards : Compare dozens of cards and find the best choice for financing your everyday business purchases — and earn rewards in the process. NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service. NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team.

The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service. Depending on your creditworthiness and your business's financials Based on loans originated in the half-year ending December 31, 2024. Minimums provided are rates that at least 5% of customers received.

Small-Business Grants: Where to Find Free Funding 35 Small-Business Grants for Minority Entrepreneurs, Plus Resources Startup Business Grants: Best Free Funding Options Starting Small: A newsletter to get your business off the ground Business Software Articles NerdWallet Business Software Reviews General Small Business Articles Small-Business Loans Small Business Best Small Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit By Ryan Brady, CFP®, Randa Kriss Were you denied business financing?

Take our survey so we can learn more & explore ways to help