Ladies enterprise house owners usually face challenges in relation to discovering funding. Enterprise grants—cash that doesn’t have to be repaid—will be one strategy to get assist with out taking over debt.
In 2025, there are a number of grant packages designed to assist girls entrepreneurs throughout the US. This information highlights key federal, state, and personal grants, plus ideas that can assist you apply.
What Are Enterprise Grants for Ladies-Owned Companies?
Enterprise grants are funds given to companies for particular functions. These can come from authorities businesses, nonprofit teams, or non-public firms. Not like loans, grants don’t have to be repaid. For girls-owned companies, grants could assist cowl startup prices, develop companies, or launch new concepts.
Some grants are solely open to girls entrepreneurs. Others could also be open to a wider group however supply additional assist for ladies or minority-owned companies. Every grant has its personal guidelines and objectives, so it’s necessary to learn the main points rigorously earlier than making use of.
Federal Grants for Ladies-Owned Companies
A number of federal packages supply funding and assist tailor-made to girls entrepreneurs. Beneath are key alternatives obtainable in 2025:
Ladies’s Enterprise Facilities (WBCs)
The U.S. Small Enterprise Administration (SBA) helps a nationwide community of over 150 Ladies’s Enterprise Facilities. These facilities present free or low-cost companies, together with enterprise coaching, counseling, and entry to funding alternatives. They goal to assist girls entrepreneurs begin and develop their companies. You possibly can find your nearest WBC by the SBA web site.
Program for Funding in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)
The SBA’s PRIME program affords grants to nonprofit organizations that help low-income entrepreneurs. These nonprofits present coaching, technical help, and entry to capital. Whereas people can not apply immediately, partnering with a PRIME-funded group can supply helpful assist. Annual funding bulletins are sometimes posted on Grants.gov in April or Could.
Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) and Small Enterprise Know-how Switch (STTR) Packages
These packages present funding to small companies engaged in analysis and growth with business potential. They’re significantly supportive of women-owned companies in technological innovation. SBIR and STTR have three phases:
- Section I: Feasibility examine, with awards as much as $250,000.
- Section II: Analysis and growth, with awards as much as $1.6 million.
- Section III: Commercialization, which doesn’t obtain SBIR/STTR funding however could also be supported by different means.
Functions and extra info can be found at SBIR.gov.
State-Degree Grants for Ladies Entrepreneurs
Many states supply grants and sources particularly for women-owned companies, although the provision and necessities range extensively. These grants could come from state governments, financial growth businesses, or regional nonprofits.
Whereas there’s no single nationwide database for all state-level grants, listed below are a couple of methods to search out alternatives close to you:
- Search your state’s financial growth workplace or Division of Commerce. These businesses usually handle small enterprise grants, mortgage packages, and enterprise incentives.
- Contact your native Small Enterprise Improvement Middle (SBDC). SBDCs present free one-on-one help and will assist determine regional funding sources.
- Search for regional nonprofits or chambers of commerce that assist girls or minority-owned companies. These organizations could supply microgrants, pitch contests, or different funding initiatives.
As a result of these packages change all year long, it helps to test recurrently or join alerts the place obtainable.
Non-public Grants and Fellowship Packages
Non-public organizations additionally supply grants and fellowships to assist girls entrepreneurs. These packages usually mix funding with mentorship and networking alternatives.
Amber Grant
The Amber Grant, administered by WomensNet, awards $10,000 every month to a woman-owned enterprise. On the finish of the 12 months, three of the month-to-month winners obtain an extra $25,000 grant. The applying course of includes a $15 charge and requires an outline of what you are promoting and the way you’d use the grant funds. Extra particulars will be discovered at ambergrantsforwomen.com.
HerRise MicroGrant
The HerRise MicroGrant gives $1,000 month-to-month grants to girls of colour entrepreneurs within the U.S. Eligible companies should be at the very least 51% woman-owned and generate lower than $1 million in gross income. Functions are reviewed month-to-month, and winners are introduced in the course of the subsequent month’s HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer. For extra info, go to hersuitespot.com
YippityDoo Massive Concept Grant
The YippityDoo Massive Concept Grant awards $1,000 every month to a lady entrepreneur within the U.S. The grant can be utilized for varied enterprise wants, reminiscent of startup prices, advertising and marketing, or operational bills. Candidates should be at the very least 18 years outdated and pay a $15 utility charge. Winners additionally obtain a one-year membership to YippityDoo’s wealth mindset teaching group, offering mentorship and sources to assist enterprise progress.
Tory Burch Basis Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Basis selects 50 girls entrepreneurs every year for a aggressive fellowship that features funding and long-term enterprise assist. Fellows obtain:
- A $5,000 grant to put money into enterprise schooling
- Entry to workshops and digital coaching
- Mentorship and networking with different entrepreneurs
- An in-person occasion centered on management and progress
To qualify, candidates should be girls who personal at the very least 51% of a for-profit U.S. enterprise that’s been in operation for at the very least one 12 months and generates at the very least $75,000 in annual income.
Functions for the 2026 Fellows Program are anticipated to open in fall 2025. For the most recent updates, go to the Tory Burch Basis.
How one can Apply for Enterprise Grants
Getting a grant takes greater than filling out a kind. Most packages wish to see that you simply’ve carried out your homework and have a transparent plan. Listed below are some methods to enhance your possibilities of getting funding:
1. Test Eligibility
Earlier than making use of, be sure what you are promoting meets the essential necessities. Many grants talked about listed below are open solely to women-owned companies, which usually means what you are promoting should be at the very least 51% owned and managed by a number of girls. Some grants could have revenue, business, or location limits as properly.
2. Contemplate Certification
Getting licensed as a Ladies-Owned Small Enterprise (WOSB) or Minority-Owned Enterprise can open extra doorways, particularly for federal contracts and provider variety packages. You possibly can study WOSB certification by the SBA’s certification website.
3. Put together Key Paperwork
Most grant purposes ask for:
- A brief description of what you are promoting and mission
- How you propose to make use of the funds
- A current marketing strategy or abstract
- Monetary statements (reminiscent of revenue, bills, or income)
- Tax ID or different registration paperwork
You don’t want an ideal pitch deck, however having clear, well-organized data may also help you stand out.
4. Monitor Deadlines
Many grants have only one or two utility home windows per 12 months. Some are supplied month-to-month, whereas others are annual or seasonal. Make a calendar or set reminders so that you don’t miss your likelihood to use.
Remaining Ideas
Grants is usually a highly effective software for ladies enterprise house owners trying to develop with out taking over debt. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or able to develop, there are actual alternatives on the market—if you already know the place to look.
Concentrate on packages that match your objectives, put together your paperwork upfront, and don’t be afraid to use. Even in the event you don’t get chosen the primary time, you’ll acquire expertise that may provide help to subsequent time.
