Grants for women-owned businesses: 20 programs accepting applications (2026)

Women own 13.2 million businesses in the United States, nearly 40% of all U.S. firms[1], yet women-owned businesses receive just 2.3% of venture capital funding[2] and historically secure smaller SBA loan amounts than male-owned businesses. Grants exist specifically to close this gap, and in 2026 there are more programs than ever targeting women entrepreneurs, including programs that have never been easier to access. This guide covers 20 active programs you can apply to, from the $10,000/month Amber Grant to six-figure federal awards, with a full comparison table of all 20, WOSB certification walkthrough, and application strategy that actually works. If you need help writing your application, our grant proposal writing guide covers every section. If you're still deciding between grants and loans, read grants vs. loans for small business first.

Why the funding gap matters, and what grants do differently

The numbers are stark. Women-owned businesses receive $0.23 in equity investment for every $1.00 raised by male-owned businesses. Bank approval rates for women entrepreneurs run 15-20% lower than for comparable male-owned firms. Personal assets that women on average hold, lower due to historical wage gaps, translate to less collateral for traditional loans.

Grants change this equation structurally. No credit score required. No collateral. No monthly payments. No equity diluted. For women entrepreneurs at the earliest stages, when traditional capital is hardest to access, grants can be the difference between launching and not launching. And unlike crowdfunding, grant money doesn't require a public campaign or a built-in audience. You apply, you win, you deploy capital.

The ecosystem of women's business grants has also matured significantly. In 2018, there were roughly 30 major grant programs targeting women entrepreneurs. In 2026, that number exceeds 200, spanning federal agencies, private foundations, corporate programs, and state economic development offices. The challenge is no longer finding grants, it's knowing which ones are worth your time.

The 20 programs: at a glance

All 20 programs below are confirmed active for 2026 with verified award amounts and application windows. They range from monthly $10,000 awards that take 15 minutes to apply for, to competitive six-figure programs that require multi-week preparation. We've organized them by type: easy-entry, major private foundations, federal programs, and corporate initiatives.

Easy-entry programs: high accessibility, fast application

#1: Amber Grant, $10,000/month + $25,000 annual bonus

The Amber Grant is the single best entry point for women entrepreneurs who have never applied for a grant. Named after Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19 before achieving her business dreams, WomensNet awards $10,000 every month to one woman-owned business. At year-end, one of the 12 monthly winners receives an additional $25,000. The total annual payout exceeds $145,000.

What makes it exceptional: The application requires only a brief description of your business and how you'd use the grant, no business plan, financial statements, pitch deck, or revenue history. A $15 fee is the only barrier. The entire application takes 15-20 minutes. Applications close on the last day of each calendar month, meaning there are 12 opportunities per year. You can apply every month without penalty.

Eligibility: Any woman-owned business in the U.S. or Canada. No industry restrictions, revenue requirements, or years-in-business minimums. Pre-revenue startups and established businesses with $1M+ in revenue have both won. Apply at ambergrantsforwomen.com.

Acceptance rate: WomensNet receives approximately 4,000-5,000 applications per monthly cycle. Acceptance rate: roughly 0.02% per cycle, but with 12 cycles per year, the effective annual odds for repeat applicants are significantly better. Previous winners say the keys are a clear, emotional narrative and a specific, practical use for the funds.

#2: IFundWomen Universal Grant, $1,000-$25,000

IFundWomen operates a grant marketplace and coaching platform for women entrepreneurs. They partner with corporate sponsors (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, AT&T) to run multiple grant rounds throughout the year, some open to all women entrepreneurs, others targeting specific industries, demographics, or geographies. Individual grant rounds offer $1,000-$25,000 per winner, with multiple winners per round.

What makes it valuable: The platform provides feedback on applications even if you don't win, and coaches you toward future readiness. The grant database aggregates dozens of corporate-sponsored programs in one place, so you don't need to hunt them down individually. Create a free account and complete your business profile, the platform auto-matches you to open grants.

Eligibility: U.S.-based women-owned businesses. Requirements vary by grant round. Some rounds require a specific industry focus (sustainability, tech, food and beverage). Apply at ifundwomen.com.

#3: Nav Small Business Grant, $10,000 quarterly

Nav awards $10,000 quarterly to small business owners. While not exclusively for women, the application is fast (15 minutes), the competition is lower than most programs, and women-owned businesses have historically represented a strong share of winners. Nav also provides free business credit monitoring, which is useful as you simultaneously pursue SBA loans or other debt financing.

Eligibility: U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Open to all genders. Apply every quarter at nav.com.

#4: NASE Growth Grants, up to $4,000 quarterly

The National Association for the Self-Employed awards quarterly Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to members. NASE membership costs $120/year, making the effective net award $3,880. Competition is relatively limited compared to major programs, this is a strong option for solopreneurs and micro-business owners. Applications are simple and reviewed quarterly.

Eligibility: NASE members only. Join and apply at nase.org.

Major private foundation grants: larger awards, more preparation required

#5: Cartier Women's Initiative, $100,000 grand prize

The Cartier Women's Initiative is one of the most prestigious and best-funded private grants for women entrepreneurs globally. In 2026, the program awards three regional laureates of $100,000 each and six runners-up of $30,000 each in three impact categories: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Science & Technology; and Ecosystem Building. That's up to $390,000 in total prizes per cohort.

What makes it exceptional: Beyond the cash, Cartier laureates receive executive coaching, access to Cartier's global network of past winners and corporate partners, and significant international media coverage. The program has launched over 330 companies since 2006, with alumni generating over $3 billion in combined revenue.

Eligibility: Women-led for-profit businesses or social enterprises at early stage (annual revenue under $1M for first application) in any country. The application requires a full business plan, impact metrics, and financial projections. Applications typically open in Q3, with laureates announced in Q1 of the following year. Apply at cartierwomensinitiative.com.

Acceptance rate: Approximately 2-3% reach the finalist stage. The program received 2,600+ applications in its most recent cycle. Preparation time: 3-4 weeks for a competitive submission.

#6: Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant, $10,000 each (10 winners)

The Eileen Fisher Foundation awards $100,000 annually, split among 10 women-owned businesses ($10,000 each). The focus is environmental sustainability and social justice, businesses that demonstrate a commitment to both. The narrower eligibility criteria reduce competition significantly, making acceptance rates meaningfully higher than general-purpose grants of similar value.

Eligibility: At least 51% women-owned and operated. In business for a minimum of 3 years. Annual revenue under $1 million. Business must be committed to environmental sustainability or social justice, this is evaluated rigorously. Applications typically open in early summer and close in September. Apply at eileenfisher.com/grant.

#7: Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program, $5,000 + year of mentorship

The Tory Burch Foundation selects 50 women entrepreneurs annually for its Fellows cohort. Each fellow receives a $5,000 grant, a full year of business education, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and Tory Burch Foundation executives, and access to the Foundation's community. For early-stage businesses, the non-cash value, mentorship, network, curriculum, often exceeds the cash award.

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses based in the U.S. at early stage. The application evaluates business concept, market opportunity, and founder background. Applications typically open in November-December. Apply at toryburchfoundation.org.

#8: Girlboss Foundation Grant, $15,000 biannual

The Girlboss Foundation awards biannual grants of $15,000 to women-owned businesses in design, fashion, music, and the arts, industries where access to capital is particularly limited. Two grant cycles run per year, doubling your annual opportunities. The application centers on creative vision and business plan, with a public voting component.

Eligibility: Women-identifying entrepreneurs working in creative fields. Applications open twice yearly. Apply at girlboss.com.

#9: Open Meadows Foundation, up to $2,000

Open Meadows funds small, grassroots projects led by women and girls, particularly those serving low-income communities, communities of color, or rural areas. Awards are small ($2,000 maximum) but the acceptance rate is significantly higher than major programs, making this a reliable grant for community-based women entrepreneurs and organizations.

Eligibility: Projects with budgets under $75,000 led by women or girls, serving women or girls, with strong community integration. Apply at openmeadows.org.

#10: Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Scholarship and Grant Programs, varies

WBENC certifies women-owned businesses and offers grant programs to certified members, including the Salute to Women's Business Owners program and corporate-partner-funded grants for WBENC-certified businesses. WBENC certification itself ($350-$1,200 depending on revenue) also unlocks corporate supplier diversity programs that collectively account for over $40 billion in annual purchasing commitments from Fortune 500 companies[6].

Eligibility: WBENC-certified women-owned businesses. Apply at wbenc.org.

Federal programs: the largest and most reliable funding pools

#11: WOSB/EDWOSB Federal Contracting Program, up to $4M per sole-source contract

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) federal contracting program is technically a contracting vehicle, not a grant, but for revenue-generating impact, nothing on this list compares. WOSB-certified businesses can receive sole-source federal contracts of up to $4 million ($6.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes) without competitive bidding[3]. The federal government has a statutory 5% contracting goal for WOSBs[4], meaning agencies actively seek certified women-owned suppliers.

Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB): Businesses qualifying under the EDWOSB sub-certification (personal net worth of the women owner(s) under $750,000, excluding primary residence and business equity; adjusted gross income averaging $400,000 or less; total assets under $6 million) access a broader set of reserved NAICS codes. EDWOSB contracts carry the same $4M/$6.5M sole-source caps.

How to get certified: Free SBA certification through certify.sba.gov. Processing: 30-60 days. Documents required: articles of organization, EIN documentation, proof of citizenship, tax returns, and documentation demonstrating management control by women.

#12: SBIR/STTR Phase I for women-owned businesses, up to $275,000

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs collectively award over $4 billion annually in non-dilutive R&D funding. Women-owned technology businesses are among the most competitive applicants for these awards. NSF, NIH, DOE, and DOD all have explicit outreach programs targeting women in STEM. NSF's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program actively recruits women entrepreneurs as a pipeline into SBIR.

Award amounts: Phase I: $150,000-$275,000 (6-12 months). Phase II: $750,000-$1,500,000 (24 months). Phase III: unlimited commercialization contracts. Phase I acceptance rates range from 15% (DOD) to 25% (NSF) depending on the agency. For federal grant specifics, see our federal grants for startups guide.

Eligibility: For-profit U.S. small business. The principal investigator must be employed primarily by the applicant company. No revenue requirements. Apply at sbir.gov and through agency-specific portals.

#13: SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), grant access + pitch prizes

The SBA funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide[5]. While WBCs don't directly issue large grants, they provide free consulting, grant-writing assistance, access to local and state grant programs, and connections to SBA lenders. Many WBCs also host pitch competitions ($1,000-$10,000 prizes) and administer small grants funded by state or corporate sponsors. Find your nearest WBC at SBA.gov.

#14: USDA Rural Development grants for women entrepreneurs, up to $500,000

The USDA's Rural Business Development Grant and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) both support women-owned businesses in rural communities. RBDG grants ($10,000-$500,000) fund rural small business development, training, and technical assistance. REAP grants cover up to 25% of the cost of rural renewable energy and energy efficiency projects ($2,500-$1,000,000). Women-owned agricultural and rural businesses are specifically underserved and receive favorable consideration.

Eligibility: Located in a rural area (population under 50,000 for most programs). Apply at rd.usda.gov.

Corporate grant programs: fast applications, meaningful awards

#15: FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, up to $50,000

FedEx awards a $50,000 grand prize, $30,000 silver prize, $15,000 bronze prize, and ten $5,000 awards annually. While open to all genders, FedEx has highlighted women-owned businesses prominently in recent program cycles. The application includes a business profile and a short essay (approximately 500 words) explaining how you'd use the grant. A public voting component influences finalist selection.

Timeline: Applications typically open in February, public voting in March-April, winners announced in May. Apply at fedex.com/grant-contest.

#16: Hello Alice Small Business Grants, $5,000-$25,000 rolling

Hello Alice partners with major corporations (Mastercard, Progressive, UPS, T-Mobile) to distribute grants throughout the year. Multiple women-specific grant rounds run annually, with awards of $5,000-$25,000. The platform also provides an AI-powered business funding tool that matches your profile to open grants. Create a free account, complete your profile, and check back monthly.

Eligibility: U.S. small businesses. Women-specific rounds require women ownership. Apply at helloalice.com.

#17: Comcast RISE, $10,000 + marketing package

Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, Empowerment) provides $10,000 grants plus a professional marketing consultation, advertising support, and technology services to small businesses owned by women and people of color. The program runs on a rolling monthly basis and has awarded over $60 million since its 2020 launch. Each award includes both cash and services, total value typically $15,000-$20,000.

Eligibility: Women-owned or minority-owned U.S. small businesses with 1-25 employees. Apply at comcastrise.com.

#18: Visa She's Next Grant Program, $10,000

Visa's She's Next program awards $10,000 grants to women-owned small businesses, delivered through IFundWomen. Grant rounds have targeted specific regions and demographics within the women entrepreneur community. Visa has run multiple She's Next cycles in different U.S. markets. Check IFundWomen for current open rounds.

Eligibility: Women-owned U.S. businesses. Apply through ifundwomen.com.

#19: AT&T Believes Grant, $10,000-$25,000

AT&T runs periodic grant programs specifically targeting women and minority entrepreneurs, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the program cycle. AT&T has partnered with Hello Alice and IFundWomen to distribute these grants. The application process is straightforward, a business profile and essay. Check Hello Alice and IFundWomen for current AT&T-sponsored rounds.

#20: Halstead Grant, $7,500 (jewelry-specific)

For women entrepreneurs in the jewelry and wearable arts industries, the Halstead Grant is the definitive program. It awards $7,500 to an emerging jewelry entrepreneur annually, along with silver supplies and business support. The application requires a portfolio, business plan, and financial projections. Competition is limited to a narrow industry, meaning acceptance rates are significantly higher than general-population grants. Apply at halsteadbead.com/grant.

Full comparison table: all 20 programs

How to get WOSB certified: step-by-step

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification is the highest-leverage action a women-owned business can take. It unlocks federal sole-source contracts worth millions and strengthens every grant application you submit as third-party proof of ownership.

Step 1: Verify eligibility

Before starting the application, confirm your business meets all criteria: at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens; women must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, Managing Member); women must control day-to-day business decisions; the business must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code (check the SBA size standards tool at SBA.gov).

Step 2: Register in SAM.gov

All federal contractors must be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management). Registration is free and takes 1-2 hours. You'll need your EIN, banking information for EFT payments, and NAICS codes. SAM.gov registration must be active before you can receive WOSB certification or federal contracts. Registration renews annually.

Step 3: Apply through SBA's certification portal (free)

Go to certify.sba.gov and create an account. Required documents include: articles of organization or incorporation, operating agreement or bylaws, proof of U.S. citizenship for all women owners (passport or birth certificate), two most recent personal tax returns for all owners with 20%+ stake, two most recent business tax returns, bank statements (3 months), and any stock certificates or membership certificates showing ownership percentages. Processing takes 30-60 days.

Step 4: Consider WBENC third-party certification

WBENC certification costs $350-$1,200 depending on annual revenue but is recognized by Fortune 500 companies in their supplier diversity programs. WBENC-certified businesses gain access to corporate purchasing commitments that collectively exceed $40 billion annually. If your target customers include large corporations, WBENC certification pays for itself quickly. Third-party certification can sometimes process faster than SBA certification.

Step 5: Maintain certification

WOSB certification requires annual self-certification through certify.sba.gov and immediate notification of any changes in ownership or management structure. WBENC certification renews annually. Keep your SAM.gov registration current, expired registrations block you from receiving federal contracts.

Application strategy: how to win more grants

Start with the Amber Grant this month. Seriously. If you've never applied for a grant, do it today. It takes 15 minutes and costs $15. Even if you don't win, you'll have written your first grant narrative, a skill that compounds with every application. Apply monthly as a baseline practice.

Apply to five or more programs simultaneously. Grant acceptance rates range from 0.02% (Amber Grant, per monthly cycle) to 25% (SBIR Phase I with a strong proposal). At typical win rates, you need volume. A women entrepreneur applying to 10 programs simultaneously has meaningfully better odds than one applying to a single "perfect" program. The Amber Grant, IFundWomen, Hello Alice, Comcast RISE, and FedEx are all approachable in parallel.

Get WOSB certified now, not later. Even if you're not ready to pursue federal contracts, certification strengthens grant applications (third-party legitimacy) and takes 30-60 days. Start the process while pursuing short-cycle grants. By the time your Amber Grant or Hello Alice applications are reviewed, you'll have your WOSB certification in hand.

Track business finances carefully. Most grants above $10,000 require financial statements or tax returns. If your bookkeeping is messy, you'll spend more time on cleanup than on writing. Getting your finances in order also positions you for SBA loans as a parallel funding strategy. For business expense tracking tools that work for women entrepreneurs, BagEngine reviews business software with a focus on practical tools for small businesses. For the tax implications of grant income, CeoCult's self-employment tax deduction guide covers exactly what you need to know before you receive your first award.

Tell your specific story, not a generic one. Foundation grants (Cartier, Eileen Fisher, Tory Burch) weight the founder's narrative heavily. "I started my business to help my community" is too vague. "I started my business after discovering that 40% of elderly women in rural Idaho couldn't access fresh produce within 10 miles" is a story. Specificity, personal detail, and a clear causal line from your background to your business to the community impact you create wins grants.

Leverage your WBC relationship. Your nearest SBA Women's Business Center advisor can review your grant applications before submission, alert you to new programs (many WBC-administered grants are not publicly listed), and connect you to women who've won the grants you're targeting. This is a free resource paid for by your taxes specifically to help you succeed.

Beyond grants: content creators and other niche programs

If your business involves content creation, media, or digital media production, there are dedicated grant programs worth knowing about. Our grants for content creators guide covers programs specifically targeting women content entrepreneurs, including YouTube Black Voices Fund alumni programs, Spotify creator grants, and TikTok creator programs. These run parallel to the programs above and are not widely known in the women's grants community.

Bottom line

The funding gap for women entrepreneurs is real, but so are the tools available to close it. The 20 programs on this list range from $2,000 grassroots awards to $4 million federal contracts, with acceptance rates and application demands that vary accordingly. The strategy is the same regardless of which programs you target: apply to multiple programs simultaneously, start with the easiest entry points (Amber Grant, Hello Alice, IFundWomen) while preparing for the larger ones (Cartier, SBIR), get WOSB certified, and treat grant-seeking as an ongoing business development activity rather than a one-time event.

For grant writing help, our proposal writing guide covers every section reviewers evaluate, with strong and weak examples. For the full landscape of small business funding beyond women-specific programs, see our best small business grants in 2026 roundup. And if you're weighing debt financing alongside grants, our grants vs. loans comparison gives you the decision framework.

1. U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Business Survey, Women-Owned Businesses, census.gov. ↩
2. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, Women-Owned Businesses Fact Sheet (VC funding share), sba.gov. ↩
3. U.S. Small Business Administration, Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program, Sole-Source Limits, sba.gov. ↩
4. U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Procurement Scorecard, Statutory WOSB Goal, sba.gov. ↩
5. U.S. Small Business Administration, Local Assistance, Women's Business Centers Directory, sba.gov. ↩
6. Women's Business Enterprise National Council, Certification, Corporate Supplier Diversity Network, wbenc.org. ↩