Top 17 Small Business Grants Available For Women Entrepreneurs

Empowering women entrepreneurs has become a focal point in today’s business landscape. Various organizations and government bodies offer grants specifically designed to support female-led businesses. These grants can provide the much-needed financial boost to get your venture off the ground or expand your existing business. Here, we explore the top 17 small business grants available for women entrepreneurs.

1. Amber Grant

The Amber Grant was founded in 1998 to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young entrepreneur who died at 19. The organization awards $10,000 to a different woman entrepreneur every month, adding up to a $25,000 grant to one of those monthly winners at the end of the year.

• Monthly $10,000 grant
• Annual $25,000 grand prize
• For more information, visit Amber Grants for Women.

2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards is a global competition created to identify, support, and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs. Winners can receive up to $100,000 in grants and additional business coaching.

• Global competition
• Grants up to $100,000
• Visit Cartier Women’s Initiative for more details.

3. The Halstead Grant

The Halstead Grant is targeted at emerging silver jewelry artists. It offers a $7,500 startup grant, $1,000 in merchandise, and other benefits such as professional feedback and public relations exposure.

• $7,500 startup grant
• $1,000 in Halstead merchandise
• Additional professional benefits
• Visit Halstead Grant for more information.

4. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program awards $200,000 annually to ten recipients. Businesses must focus on environmental or social change and have to be at least three years old.

• Annual $200,000 grant pool
• Awarded to 10 recipients
• More details can be found at Eileen Fisher Grant Programs.

5. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program offers a $5,000 educational grant and comprehensive resources, including a year-long fellowship and participation in workshops and networking events.

• $5,000 educational grant
• Year-long fellowship
• More details are available at the Tory Burch Foundation website.

6. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards up to $50,000 to small businesses annually. They also offer a $4,000 credit for FedEx Office print and business services.

• Grants up to $50,000
• $4,000 FedEx credit
• Additional resources and exposure
• For more information, visit FedEx Small Business Grant Contest.

7. The Girlboss Foundation Grant

The Girlboss Foundation Grant awards $15,000 biannually to female entrepreneurs in the fields of design, fashion, music, and the arts. Winners also receive marketing and networking opportunities.

• Biannual $15,000 grant
• Marketing and networking opportunities
• Visit Girlboss Foundation for more details.

8. SoGal Startup Grant

SoGal Startup Grant is designed to support Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. Awarded prizes include $10,000 and $5,000, plus tactical support and guidance.

• $10,000 and $5,000 grants
• Tactical support
• For more details, visit SoGal Startup Grant.

9. WomenFounders Network Fast Pitch Competition

The WomenFounders Network Fast Pitch Competition offers up to $25,000 in cash prizes and in-kind services such as legal, accounting, and media support.

• Up to $25,000 in cash prizes
• In-kind services
• More information can be found on the WomenFounders Network website.

10. Caress Dreams Fund

The Caress Dreams Fund offers grants and coaching for women of color entrepreneurs. The grants range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on growth stages and needs.

• Grants from $5,000 to $30,000
• Coaching and resources
• Additional details are available on the Caress Dreams Fund page.

11. Zions Bank Smart Women Grants

Zions Bank Smart Women Grants awards $3,000 each to six women-led businesses annually. Grants must be used to help fund and grow their business ventures.

• Six annual $3,000 grants
• Business growth focus
• Visit Zions Bank Smart Women Grants for more information.

12. GirlGeek X Elevate Grants

GirlGeek X Elevate Grants are available to tech-focused women entrepreneurs. They offer funding, networking opportunities, and exposure to potential investors.

• Tech-focused
• Funding and networking
• For more details, check out GirlGeek X Elevate.

13. iFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database

The iFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database allows you to apply for various grants with one universal application. It’s specifically tailored for women-led businesses seeking funding.

• One universal application
• Various grant opportunities
• Visit iFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database for more details.

14. InnovateHER Challenge

The InnovateHER Challenge is run by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to empower women entrepreneurs. They offer grants to businesses innovating in the areas of technology, products, and services.

• Sponsored by SBA
• Technology and innovation focus
• More information can be found on the InnovateHER Challenge page.

15. Fearless Fund

The Fearless Fund invests in women of color-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing. They offer both grants and equity investment to support business growth.

• Investments in women of color
• Pre-seed to series A financing
• Visit the Fearless Fund for more details.

16. Women Who Tech Startup Challenge

The Women Who Tech Startup Challenge offers grants up to $50,000 for women-led startups. The challenge focuses on innovative tech solutions across various sectors.

• Grants up to $50,000
• Tech startups focus
• For more information, go to Women Who Tech.

17. Visa Everywhere Initiative

The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global innovation program that tasks start-ups to solve commerce challenges of tomorrow, offering $100,000 in prizes. Female founders are encouraged to apply.

• Global innovation program
• Prizes up to $100,000
• Visit Visa Everywhere Initiative for more details.

By leveraging these top 17 small business grants, women entrepreneurs can access essential funding and support to bring their innovative ideas to life. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your existing business, these opportunities are designed to empower and elevate women in the entrepreneurial world.