Access over $12 billion in grants specifically designed for women-owned businesses. Find federal programs, private foundations, corporate grants, and state-specific funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs in 2025.
Over $12 billion in grants specifically for women-owned businesses through federal programs, private foundations, and corporate initiatives. Top opportunities include Amber Grant ($10,000 monthly), Cartier Women's Initiative ($100,000), SBA Women's Business Centers, and state programs like California Women's Business Council grants. Women entrepreneurs have 35% higher success rates than general applicants.
Annual global competition for high-impact women-led businesses
Quarterly grants for women-led startups and businesses
State grants for California women entrepreneurs
Multiple programs for diverse women entrepreneurs
Financial inclusion initiatives led by women
Annual award plus monthly $10,000 opportunities
The federal government provides multiple grant programs specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs through agencies like the SBA, with dedicated offices and funding streams.
Over 100 centers nationwide providing grants and support services for women entrepreneurs
Agency: Small Business Administration
Supports women-owned businesses through research, advocacy, and direct funding programs
Agency: National Women's Business Council
Combines grants with free mentorship from experienced business professionals
Agency: SCORE Association
Umbrella agency providing various grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs
Agency: Small Business Administration
Private foundations and nonprofits offer some of the most accessible and generous grants for women entrepreneurs, often with less competition than federal programs.
Awards $10,000 grants monthly to women-owned businesses, plus annual $25,000 award
Global competition for women entrepreneurs creating positive social and environmental impact
Crowdfunding platform offering grants to women entrepreneurs with innovative ideas
Supports women pursuing entrepreneurship in creative and business fields
Multiple grant programs specifically supporting women of color and diverse entrepreneurs
Major corporations offer grants to women-owned businesses as part of their diversity and inclusion initiatives, supplier diversity programs, and community investment strategies.
Annual contest with significant participation from women-owned businesses
Innovation challenge supporting fintech startups, often won by women entrepreneurs
Grants and business services for women and minority-owned small businesses
Supports businesses advancing financial inclusion, often led by women
Many states offer grant programs specifically for women-owned businesses, recognizing the economic impact of supporting female entrepreneurs in their jurisdictions.
State funding for women entrepreneurs in technology and innovation sectors
State funding for women-owned businesses in high-growth industries
Empire State Development grants for women entrepreneurs
State grants for women entrepreneurs expanding their businesses
State programs supporting women-owned business development
The top women small business grants for 2025 include: 1) Amber Grant Foundation - $10,000 monthly grants plus annual $25,000 award, 2) Cartier Women's Initiative - $100,000 for high-impact businesses, 3) IFundWomen Grant - up to $25,000 for women-led startups, 4) SBA Women's Business Centers grants - varies by location, 5) National Women's Business Council grants - $5,000-$50,000, 6) InnovateHER Challenge - $40,000 prizes, and 7) State-specific women's business development grants. These programs specifically support female entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and business development resources.
To qualify for women's business grants, your business must typically be 51% or more owned, controlled, and operated by women. Requirements usually include: being a for-profit business, having a strong business plan, demonstrating financial need or growth potential, showing community impact, and meeting specific program criteria. Some grants require the business to be in operation for a minimum period, while others support startups. Documentation needed includes business registration, tax returns, financial statements, proof of women ownership, and a detailed grant proposal explaining how funds will be used.
Yes, California offers several women's business grants including: 1) California Women's Business Council Grant Program ($10,000-$50,000), 2) Pacific Community Ventures Women's Grant for women of color ($25,000-$100,000), 3) Los Angeles Women's Business Development grants, 4) San Francisco Women's Business Development Fund, and 5) California SCORE women entrepreneur grants. Additionally, California women can access national programs like Amber Grant, federal SBA women's programs, and corporate grants from companies headquartered in California. The state has the highest concentration of women-owned businesses and corresponding funding opportunities.
Women's grants are specifically reserved for female-owned businesses and often have less competition, higher success rates, and additional support services like mentorship and networking. They typically require 51%+ women ownership and may have industry focuses like technology, healthcare, or social impact. General small business grants are open to all qualifying businesses regardless of owner gender, usually have more competition, and focus primarily on job creation and economic impact. Women's grants often emphasize work-life balance, social responsibility, and breaking barriers, while general grants focus on financial metrics and growth potential.
Women's business grants range from $1,000 to over $100,000. Small grants ($1,000-$10,000) are common from local organizations and nonprofits. Mid-size grants ($10,000-$50,000) come from foundations and corporate programs. Large grants ($50,000-$100,000+) are available through major competitions and government programs. Monthly opportunities like Amber Grant ($10,000) provide regular funding chances. Annual awards like Cartier Women's Initiative ($100,000) offer substantial capital. Many women stack multiple smaller grants to reach significant funding levels while building relationships in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Yes, women entrepreneurs can and should apply for both women-specific grants and general business grants simultaneously, as long as they don't request funding for identical purposes from multiple sources. This strategy maximizes funding opportunities and diversifies income sources. Women often have advantages in general grants due to diversity and inclusion priorities in many programs. However, you must disclose all pending and received grants in applications. Successful women entrepreneurs typically combine women-specific grants for startup capital with general grants for expansion, creating a comprehensive funding strategy.
Winning strategies for women's business grants include: 1) Emphasize social impact and community benefit, 2) Highlight unique perspectives and solutions as a woman entrepreneur, 3) Demonstrate strong business fundamentals with realistic financial projections, 4) Show scalability potential and job creation plans, 5) Build relationships within women's business networks, 6) Apply to multiple programs to increase success odds, 7) Prepare professionally written applications with clear budgets, 8) Obtain letters of support from customers and partners, 9) Practice pitching skills for presentation-based grants, and 10) Follow up professionally after submission. Success rates increase significantly with well-prepared applications and strategic targeting.
Yes, many women's grants target specific industries where women are underrepresented or where there's strategic focus. Technology grants support women in STEM fields. Healthcare grants support women developing medical innovations. Social impact grants support women addressing social problems. Manufacturing grants help women in traditionally male industries. Professional services grants support women consultants and service providers. Agriculture grants support women farmers and food entrepreneurs. Each industry often has specialized requirements, funding amounts, and application processes tailored to sector-specific challenges and opportunities.