What are the best small business grants for women in 2026?

This guide covers the most widely recognized and currently active grant programs for women entrepreneurs, along with practical advice on how to find local opportunities, prepare a strong application, and avoid scams that can waste your time and money. The "best" grant for your business will depend on your industry, location, and what your business offers.

Whether you're looking for startup grants for women or funding to scale a business that's already generating revenue, there are programs here worth exploring.

Quick list: Top small business grants for women-owned businesses

Here's a snapshot of the most active and commonly referenced programs for women entrepreneurs. A more detailed breakdown of each follows later in this guide. Grant details change frequently. Always verify deadlines, eligibility, and availability directly on the official website before applying.

• Amber Grant (WomensNet): $10,000/month; $50,000 year-end grants
• HerRise Microgrant: $1,000 monthly rolling grant
• Ladies Who Launch: $10,000 cash grant plus an eight-week training program (annual)
• Cartier Women's Initiative: $30,000–$100,000 for impact entrepreneurs (annual, global)
• Women Founders Network Fast Pitch: $5,000–$25,000 pitch competition (April–May applications)
• Giving Joy Grants:  up to $500; two cycles per year; open globally
• Hey Helen Grant Program: $10,000 for 100% women-owned U.S. businesses
• NASE Growth Grant: up to $4,000 quarterly (not women-only; open to self-employed members)

Top grants snapshot

Information gathered March 2026. Consult each grant for up-to-date details and program requirements. 

What is a small business grant for women?

A grant is a form of non-dilutive funding (which means you don't give up equity in your company) that you don’t have to repay. Grants for women-owned businesses can come from private foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 

Unlike a loan, there's no interest rate and no repayment schedule. Unlike equity financing, you keep full ownership of your company. The catch? Grants can be very competitive, and most programs only fund a handful of recipients per cycle.

What can you use grant funds for? It depends on the program. Some grants allow you to use the money for any business-related expense, such as marketing, equipment, staffing, inventory. Others have specific parameters. Always read the rules before applying to confirm the program is a good fit for your business needs. 

Grant vs. loan vs. equity vs. pitch competition

Watch out for claims of "free money. While grants don’t require repayment, they often come with strict eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and high competition. If a program promises a guaranteed award, requires significant upfront payments, or can't point you to published rules and past winners, treat it as a red flag. Legitimate grant programs are transparent about eligibility and outcomes. We’ll talk more about avoiding scams later in this guide. 

Who qualifies for women-owned business grants?

Most grant programs define a women-owned small business as one that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women. A few programs may require formal certification, such as the SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, while others rely on self-attestation.

Beyond ownership, eligibility filters vary widely. Here are the most common ones to check before you apply:

• Location: Some grants are U.S.-only; others are state- or city-specific. The Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation, for example, is limited to Michigan-based businesses. The Hawai’i FoundHer program requires Hawaii residency.
• Industry: Some programs target specific sectors — tech, retail, silver jewelry design, and more.
• Business stage: Many programs distinguish between startups (little or no revenue) and growth-stage businesses. The Cartier Women's Initiative requires $50,000 to $5 million in annual revenue; the WomensNet Startup Grant targets businesses with under $10,000 in sales.
• Revenue limits: Programs like Ladies Who Launch require gross annual revenue between $100,000 and $499,000. Others cap annual revenue at $5 million or have no stated limit.
• Years in business: Some programs require businesses to be under a certain age. The Boundless Futures Foundation's EmpowHer Grants require businesses to be under five years old.
• Impact focus: Programs like the Cartier Women's Initiative specifically target entrepreneurs building impact-driven businesses.
• Nonprofit eligibility: Most grants on this list are for for-profit businesses only. A few, like Her Village Grants from the Boundless Futures Foundation, specifically target nonprofits supporting female founders.

Category-specific programs are also worth noting. If you identify as a woman of color, a mom, a rural founder, a Black woman entrepreneur, or a Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, there may be grants designed specifically for your community.

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Recurring microgrants and rolling programs

Recurring programs are often considered more accessible because they run frequently and have simpler applications. The awards may be smaller, but the application process is less intensive and opportunities come up multiple times per year. These are among the most actionable programs on this list.

Microgrants comparison

Amber Grant

The Amber Grant is one of the most well-known recurring grants for women entrepreneurs. Administered by WomensNet, the program awards $510,000 in grants throughout the year across several categories.

• Monthly Amber Grant: A $10,000 grant awarded each month to an outstanding women-owned business in any category.
• Monthly Startup Grant: An additional $10,000 monthly grant specifically for businesses in the idea phase or with under $10,000 in sales.
• Business Category Grants: A $10,000 monthly grant for businesses in a specific rotating category — for example, skilled trades in January, health & fitness in February, and sustainability in April.
• $50,000 Annual Amber Grant: At the end of the year, WomensNet awards three separate $50,000 grants to three of the previous monthly winners.

The application fee is $15, and one application covers all categories. The application is brief. You'll share basic business information and explain what you'd do with the funds. A fee waiver may be available. The grant was established in 1998 in memory of a 19-year-old woman named Amber who passed away before reaching her entrepreneurial dreams.

HerRise microgrant

The HerRise microgrant offers $1,000 to U.S.-based, majority women-owned businesses with less than $1 million in gross revenue. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; submit by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each month to be considered for that month's award. There's a $15 application fee. The straightforward eligibility requirements make this one of the more accessible recurring programs on this list.

Ladies Who Launch

The Ladies Who Launch Program offers a $10,000 cash grant, an eight-week group training program, and access to a community of mentors and small business owners. To qualify, your business must have earned more than $100,000 but less than $499,000 in gross annual revenue. 

Applications for the 2026 program were accepted through March 17, 2026. They also offer a free grants database specifically tailored to U.S.-based small businesses looking for additional funding opportunities.

Giving Joy Grants

The Giving Joy Grants are open to women-owned businesses across the globe. Recipients receive up to $500, and the program runs two application cycles:

• Cycle 1: Closes April 30, 2026
• Cycle 2: Closes September 30, 2026

The smaller award amount makes this one of the shorter application options on this list, and the global eligibility is a plus for non-U.S.-based founders.

Boundless Futures Foundation

The Boundless Futures Foundation offers two grant programs:

• EmpowHer Grants: Three application cycles per year for businesses under five years old.
• Her Village Grants: For nonprofit organizations that support female business founders.

Check the Boundless Futures Foundation website for current cycle dates and eligibility requirements.

Yippity Doo Grant

Women-owned businesses and nonprofits may receive a $1,000 grant through Yippity Doo. The for-profit grant is distributed monthly; the nonprofit grant is distributed every other month. There is a $15 application fee. 

WomenFoundersGrant

The WomenFoundersGrant offers a $5,000 grant for women founders and business owners. Applications for 2026 close April 30, 2026. There is a $25 application fee.

Hey Helen Grant Program

The Hey Helen Grant Program awards $10,000 to 100% women-owned U.S. businesses. Applications for 2026 close April 30, 2026. There is a $15 application fee.

The Breakthrough Grant

The Breakthrough Grant from Her Agenda awards $5,000 to a woman entrepreneur who is actively subscribed to the Her Agenda Newsletter. Applications close September 18, 2026. The application fee is $25, or $12.50 for Her Agenda Insider members. 

Founders First CDC

Founders First CDC offers three grants that combine a cash award with an accelerator program. Each grant is distributed to 20 recipients at $1,000 each:

• Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant: Applications due by April 14, 2026
• National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses: Application opens April 2026
• Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant: Opens September 2026

Specific requirements apply, be sure to review the program FAQs.

BMO Celebrating Women Grant

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant is available in Canada. Businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women or nonbinary individuals. The application portal opens April 2, 2026.

Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)

The Women's Business Development Council in Connecticut offers a range of grants for women-owned businesses:

• Launch pad: Up to $2,500 for startups.
• Ignite: Up to $10,000 for women-owned small businesses.
• Accelerate: Up to $25,000 for qualified recipients of other select grants.
• Child Care Business Opportunity Fund: Up to $25,000 for licensed and qualified child care businesses.
• Waterbury city-specific grant program: For eligible businesses based in Waterbury.

These programs are specific to Connecticut-based businesses. Check the WBDC website for current eligibility requirements and application windows.

Freed Fellowship Grant

The Freed Fellowship Grant is open to business owners regardless of gender. Recipients receive $500 along with other benefits, and become eligible for an additional $2,500 grant. The program runs on a rolling basis with monthly grants. There is a $19 application fee. 

Galaxy Grant

For business owners looking for a grant with minimal stated requirements, the Galaxy Grant may be worth a look. There's a $3,500 grant with an application deadline of April 30, 2026. It is not restricted to women business owners. 

NASE growth grant

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers quarterly Growth Grants worth up to $4,000 to eligible members. While this program isn't exclusively for women, it can be a strong option for self-employed women looking for recurring grant access. 

NASE membership is required, so factor in that cost when evaluating whether this program makes sense for your business. Applications are submitted throughout the year; the quarterly cycle means there are four opportunities to apply annually.

IFundWomen grant opportunities

Honeycomb Credit is a crowdfunding platform. It acquired IFundWomen (IFW), a platform that connects women entrepreneurs with multiple funding opportunities.

IFW by Honeycomb works differently from a single-award grant. You enter your information into their database and are notified when you match with available programs. 

One featured program is the IFW x Poker Power Grant, which offers $100,000 plus additional benefits. Check the website to see when the IFW x Poker Power Grant opens for applications.

Because the programs available through IFW by Honeycomb change over time, visit the website directly to see what's currently active. When preparing for IFW by Honeycomb opportunities, it helps to have a polished business pitch, a short video, and a compelling business story ready to go — many programs on the platform request these materials.

Hello Alice grant opportunities

Hello Alice is a platform that matches small business owners with grants and resources. Some currently featured opportunities include:

• Pilot Small Business Growth Fund: Open to U.S. businesses that generated between $5,000 and $5,000,000 in gross revenue (closing March 31, 2026).
• Block Advisors Small Business Financial Readiness Boost Camp: An 8-week business growth accelerator focused on operations and finances (closing March 24, 2026).

Because Hello Alice updates its grant listings regularly, check the website frequently — opportunities beyond those listed above are available throughout the year.

National competitions and fellowships

Competitions and fellowship programs require more preparation than microgrants, but the awards can be significantly larger, ranging from often $5,000 to $100,000 or more. These programs frequently include non-cash benefits like mentorship, education, and networking access that can be just as valuable as the award itself.

Big competitions scorecard

Tory Burch Foundation fellows program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship, not a cash grant. Accepted founders receive access to high-touch bootcamps, virtual therapy, an exclusive digital networking platform, and a premier network of advisors. (While previous years mentioned a $5,000 cash component, this is not featured on the website at this time.)  

To qualify, businesses must be majority women-owned, for-profit, and operating in the U.S. A preference for businesses earning at least $75,000 in annual revenue has been noted in previous application cycles.

Note: the deadline for the 2026 program was listed as November 11, 2025, so check the Tory Burch Foundation website for timing on the next cycle.

Cartier Women's Initiative

The Cartier Women's Initiative is a global competition for women-owned and women-led, impact-driven for-profit businesses that generate between $50,000 and $5 million in annual revenue. Applications for the 2027 edition are open April 16 to June 16, 2026.

Regional awards go to the top three businesses from each of nine global regions:

• First place: $100,000
• Second place: $60,000
• Third place: $30,000

A separate Science & Technology Pioneer Award recognizes women impact entrepreneurs with disruptive solutions built around unique scientific or technological advances. Winners also receive human and social capital support. This program stands apart from most local microgrants — the emphasis is on impact entrepreneurship, and the competition is global.

AT&T's 2026 Small Business Contest

The AT&T 2026 Small Business Contest application will open in spring 2026. Previous winners received $50,000 plus additional benefits. Check the AT&T She’s Connected website for dates and eligibility requirements.

Women Founders Network Fast Pitch

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch is a pitch competition for U.S.-based businesses with a woman founder, co-founder, or CEO, and women majority ownership. Applications are open April 1 through May 31. Winners receive $25,000, and one finalist receives $5,000. This may be a strong option for growth-stage businesses with a compelling pitch and solid traction.

Fifteen Percent Pledge

Majority women-owned businesses that belong to the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community may be eligible to apply for one of five $25,000 grants. Applications open April 28 and close May 30. Membership in the Business Equity Community is a prerequisite — confirm your eligibility before the application window opens.

Hawai'i FoundHer program

The Hawaiʻi FoundHer program is an accelerator for businesses majority-owned by women of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian descent that are based in Hawaii. Recipients receive $20,000 plus additional benefits including a care stipend, education, and mentorship. This is a strong option for Hawaii-based founders who meet the identity and location requirements.

High Five Grant For Moms

The High Five Grant For Moms offers eight grants for mom-owned businesses headquartered in the U.S. or Canada. Awards include:

• First prize: $10,000
• Runners up: $2,500 or $5,000
• Honorable mentions: $1,000

Check the High Five Grant website for the current application window.

Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation

Women-owned businesses in Michigan are eligible for up to $10,000 in grant funding through the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation. You must provide a business plan with your application. 

As of March 2026, the application is open, but the closing date is not clearly listed on the website. Michigan-based women entrepreneurs should check the foundation's website for current details.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards

Note: The Dream Big Awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce no longer appears to be active. (It previously offered a cash prize.) Verify the current program details on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website. 

FedEx Small Business Grant 

This was a major grant program for twelve years, offering cash prizes up to $50,000 for first place. At this time, it is no longer offered. 

SoGal startup grant

The SoGal Foundation has historically offered startup grants in partnership with corporate sponsors, targeting Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. It does not appear to be currently offered. 

Federal, state, and local grant resources to check

True federal grants for for-profit small businesses are less common than many people expect. Most federal funding is program-specific — tied to research and development, agriculture, defense, or particular industries — and may not apply to a typical retail, real estate, or service business, for example.  

That said, there are a few pathways worth knowing for businesses that qualify. 

Where to look

SBIR and STTR grants

If your business has a research or technology component, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are worth exploring. These federally funded programs, which are administered through multiple agencies including the SBA, NIH, and Department of Energy, may provide significant capital for businesses at the R&D stage.

Phase I grants test the feasibility of an idea; Phase II grants support further development and commercialization. Award amounts vary by agency but can reach $1 million or more in Phase II. 

• Is this a fit for your business? Run through this checklist:
• Is your product or service built on scientific, technical, or engineering research?
• Do you have or plan to have a commercialization strategy?
• Is your business majority U.S.-owned and operated?
• Do you have fewer than 500 employees?

If yes to all of the above, SBIR/STTR may be worth your time. Start at SBA.gov for an overview of participating agencies and open solicitations.

Grants.gov and federal program searches

Grants.gov is the official database for federal grant opportunities. It is free to register and use. You can search by keyword, agency, eligibility type, and category. 

A few practical tips for using Grants.gov effectively:

• Filter by eligibility first. Some federal grants are for nonprofits, state governments, or educational institutions — not for-profit businesses. Filter by "For-Profit Organization" to narrow your results.
• Add your industry as a keyword. Terms like "agriculture," "manufacturing," or "technology" will significantly narrow results.
• Check the posted date. Some listings remain on the site after their deadline. Always confirm the deadline directly on the program's official page.

Note the federal government does not offer grants to start a business. 

State and city economic development grants

State and city economic development offices may have grant programs that don't get much national attention but are less competitive than national programs. A few places to look:

• Your state's economic development agency website (search "[your state] economic development small business grants")
• Your city or county's small business office
• State-level women's business grant programs (some states have dedicated programs)
• Local utility companies, which sometimes offer grants or incentives for small businesses

Texas Woman's University, for example, is offering three grants with open applications in 2026, including a Texas Rural Grant (closing June 5, 2026) and a StartUp Grant (closing September 23, 2026). State-specific programs like these are worth searching if you're in the relevant geography.

Women's Business Centers, SBDCs, and MBDA centers

Women's Business Centers (WBCs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers are federally funded resources that offer free or low-cost counseling and training. Business mentors may help with aspects of the grant-making process, whether it’s refining your pitch, or figuring out how much your money needs.

These centers can often be a starting point for finding local or state-level grant opportunities that don't make national lists. A counselor can help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application narrative, and identify programs you may have missed. Find your local agencies at SBA.gov.

Industry and mission-based grants

Some of the most targeted grants are designed for specific industries, communities, or missions. If you match the niche, these may be easier to win than general-audience programs, since there are fewer competitors and a panel that understands your space well. If your business doesn’t match the program, though, don’t try to force it.

Halstead grant

The Halstead Grant is an annual award for silver jewelry artists. The winner receives $7,500 plus additional benefits; finalists receive $1,000 plus additional benefits. Applications for 2026 close May 1, 2026. A typical application includes a business plan, marketing strategy, financials, and a portfolio. If you're a silver jewelry designer, this is likely one of the most relevant grants on this list.

Enthuse Foundation

The Enthuse Foundation offers the Planet and Purpose grant for U.S.-based product companies with at least 51% female ownership and an environmental component. It offers a $5000 cash component. For 2026, applications are due April 23, 2026. 

Check the Enthuse Foundation website for the current application cycle and submission requirements.

Faire small business grant and Amazon business grant

The Faire small business grant program was designed to help small businesses in the U.S. and Canada open retail stores, with a $5,000 grant for merchandise or services from Faire. The Amazon business grant offered more than $250,000 in monetary grants and prizes to support the growth of 15 small businesses. 

These programs do not appear to be open for applications in 2026, however.

Grant databases and ways to find more grants for women

Finding and applying for grants takes time and effort. It’s a lot like trying to find your dream customers or clients for your business. Some of your efforts may pay off, but others won’t. 

The reality is grant programs come and go. As programs become more popular and well-known, they often face a lot of competition. Sometimes the sponsoring organizations get overwhelmed with entries and pause them for a while, or even permanently. 

If you are going to pursue this avenue of funding, here are some practical strategies for finding more:

Check directories

There are several databases that can help you identify and connect with grant opportunities. 

Grant databases

• GrantWatch.com: has been around for many years, and offers a grant-matching tool
  Opengrants.io: fill out a profile and get free grant funding report
• Grants.gov: the official site for federal government grants
• Local library: Your local librarian may help you find grant opportunities using library resources

Instead of scrolling social media, you can search these databases on a regular basis to look for new opportunities. 

Sites such as Hello Alice and IFW by Honeycomb maintain updated lists of opportunities and may help keep you informed of opportunities, but don’t rely entirely on a single source to curate opportunities for you. 

Check local resources. State economic development agencies, city small business offices, and county programs often have grant funds that don't make national lists. Search "[your state or city] small business grant women" to surface location-specific options.

Use specific keyword combinations. Searching "women-owned [your industry] grant [your state]" will return more targeted results than a general search. Try variations with your city name as well.

Finally, don’t just limit your search to grants for women-owned businesses. There are many small business grants that don’t have a gender requirement. Cast your net as wide as possible to help find as many opportunities as you can. 

How to apply for a business grant step by step

Applying for grants takes time. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow. You can also download this list as a pdf file.

Step 1: Shortlist grants that match your business. Your first step is to identify at least two to three programs that fit your stage, location, industry, and revenue. Check eligibility carefully. A polished application for a grant you don't qualify for is wasted time.

Step 2: Build a grant tracker. Create a simple spreadsheet that logs each program you're considering. Include the program name, eligibility notes, award amount, deadline, required materials, and your status. A template is included below.

Step 3: Prepare a reusable grant packet. Most applications ask for the same core information. Prepare these materials once and update them as needed:

• A business overview (founded date, structure, location, industry) 
• Revenue figures for the past one to two years
• Proof of women's ownership or other eligibility documentation
• A compelling two to three paragraph business story
• A clear use-of-funds statement, and 
• A short video introduction (under two minutes — often required)

Step 4: Draft a tight use-of-funds budget. Grant applications often ask how you’ll use the funds if you win. Generic answers like "for marketing and operations" don't stand out. Reviewers want to see that you've thought through exactly how the money will be used and why it will move your business forward.

Step 5: Get feedback. Ask your business mentor or a trusted business person to review your application and materials for feedback. 

Step 6: Submit early and confirm receipt. Don't wait until the deadline. Early submissions avoid last-minute technical issues, and some programs confirm receipt via email. If you don't receive a confirmation, follow up.

Step 7: Repeat. Much like applying for a job or scholarship, your application may be rejected without any specific feedback. Don’t take it personally. Save your application materials — your business story, use-of-funds budget, and video can often be adapted for the next application. 

How to avoid grant scams and outdated listings

Not every "grant for women" you find online is legitimate. Scams targeting small business owners are common, and even well-intentioned websites sometimes share inaccurate information.

Red flags to watch for:

• A program that guarantees you'll receive a grant.
• Pressure to apply immediately or risk missing out.
• Requests for your Social Security number, bank account details, or large upfront fees. 
• Some legitimate programs charge small application fees (typically $15–$25), but high fees or unclear payment requests can be a red flag. 
• No published eligibility rules, deadlines, or past winners.
• Applications hosted on third-party websites with no direct connection to the official program.

How to verify a grant is legitimate:

• Go directly to the official program website.
• Look for a list of past winners, published program rules, and a verifiable organizational contact.
• Search the program name plus the word "scam" or "legitimate" to see what others have reported.
• Confirm the program is currently accepting applications — many popular lists include grants that are no longer active.

A note on outdated information

Even reputable sources can list programs that have paused, changed their eligibility, or ended entirely. Programs like the Fearless Fund grant have faced legal challenges that affected availability. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards appears to have changed its format. The popular Fedex Small Business Grant ran for twelve years, but isn’t currently open. 

Always verify directly on the official website before investing time in an application.

Frequently asked questions