Grants for Women-Owned Businesses: 12 Programs Worth Applying To

Eligibility basics

For most women-owned business grants, your company must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by one or more women. The federal WOSB and EDWOSB programs require third-party certification; most private grants accept self-attestation.

12 programs worth applying to

1. Amber Grant for Women - $10K monthly, $25K annual; low-friction one-page application.
2. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application - one form, many corporate sponsors.
3. Cartier Women's Initiative - global; up to $100K plus mentorship for impact-driven founders.
4. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program - $5K grant, year of programming, capital pitch.
5. Visa She's Next Grant Program - $10K + IFundWomen coaching.
6. Halstead Grant - $7,500 for emerging silver jewelry artists.
7. Galaxy Grants from HerSuiteSpot - quarterly; for women of color.
8. SBA WOSB / EDWOSB set-asides - federal-contract opportunities, not pure grants but non-dilutive revenue.
9. National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) grants - vary by chapter.
10. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program - sustainable, women-led companies.
11. 37 Angels grant + investment competitions - equity-light awards.
12. SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup Grant - $10K-$25K for Black women and nonbinary founders.

What reviewers actually score

• A clear, specific problem you've identified through your lived experience or customer research.
• Traction - even modest - that de-risks the award.
• A use-of-funds plan that ties each dollar to a measurable outcome.
• For programs with public alumni, evidence you fit the "type" they've previously funded.

FAQ