Imagine getting the money your business needs with no strings attached.
Grants are funds provided by governments or organizations. Unlike loans, grants don’t come with the expectation of being paid back. Grants can offer much more than just free money – they offer mentorship, education, and a meaningful stride toward dismantling gender inequality in entrepreneurship. We’re listing 10 grants created to uplift and empower women-owned businesses.
1. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a unique funding opportunity tailored for women-owned businesses. Founded in 1998 by WomensNet, the Amber Grant was set up to honor Amber Wigdahl, an aspiring entrepreneur who passed away at the age of 19.
Grant Amount: Every month, 3 different female-owned businesses are selected to be awarded $10,000. Additionally, at the end of the year, one of the winners is chosen for an additional $25,000 grant.
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, with a clear plan for utilizing the grant to advance their business. The grants are open to a diverse range of industries and business stages.
Application Process: Entrepreneurs can submit their application through their online form, answering questions about their business and what they would do with the money if awarded. There is a $15 application fee.
Deadlines: The deadline is the last day of each month at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time.
2. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
The FedEx Small Business Grant has been an annual initiative to support small businesses. The grant is aimed at small businesses, including start-ups and established enterprises, seeking financial support for growth and development.
Grant Amount: Last year $30,000 was granted to 10 winners. The 2024 grant amount is still to be determined.
Eligibility Criteria: The current requirements for qualifiable businesses are that they must be a for-profit business that has a valid FedEx business shipping account number, currently ships with FedEx, and have less than 99 employees. Additional steps may be added when the 2024 contest begins.
Application Process: You must have a valid account with FedEx. More information about the application procedure will be posted here once the dates are finalized.
Deadlines: TBD
3. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a grant program that awards women entrepreneurs around the world. They aim to identify and encourage projects led by women that have a positive impact on society. There will be three winners for each of the nine following regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, Anglophone and Lusophone Africa, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia, South Asia and Central Asia, and Oceania.
Grant Amount: Each of the first-place winners will receive $100,000, second-place winners will receive $60,000, and third-place winners will receive $30,000. All winners will have access to the Cartier Women Initiative Loan Fund which offers loans up to $200,000. Winners will also participate in their fellowship program, which offers 1:1 training and workshops.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a for-profit women-owned business, in business for 1-6 years, must have generated revenue for at least 1 year, did not fundraise over $2 million, and the business needs to demonstrate some type of positive impact whether that’s social, economic, or environmental.
Application Process: The applicant must be a woman over the age of 18 on the business’s leadership team who is proficient in English and can commit to the fellowship program. Applicants will need to finish their online form and submit their resume.
Deadlines: TBD
4. FoundHer Program
The FoundHer Program aims to foster the growth of women-founded businesses in Hawaii, supporting underserved AAPI and Native Hawaiian women. FoundHer is a 6-month long program that offers a unique blend of capital, family care, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities.
Grant Amount: The award includes $20,000 in capital, $4,000 care stipend, weekly educational programs, a network of mentors, and monthly retreats for in person workshops and networking opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be for-profit businesses structured as an LLC or Corporation, 50% owned by women, based in Hawaii, under 3 years in business, and fall under the following categories: Tech, Food, Fashion, Keiki/Education, and Health/Wellness.
Application Process: If you meet the qualifications and are interested in applying to the FoundHer Program, reach out through their contact page.
Deadlines: TBD
5. Fearless Strivers Grant
The Fearless Fund, created by women of color, invests in women of color-led businesses, providing both funding and mentorship to support their growth and success. The Fearless Fund strives to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for WOC owned businesses.
Grant Amount: 4 WOC-owned businesses will be awarded $20,000 in grants, access to digital tools to help their online growth, and mentorship.
Eligibility Criteria: The business must be 51% black women-owned with a minimum of $50,000 annual revenue and formed and operating in the United States.
Application Process: Apply through their online form.
Deadlines: TBD
6. StartHER Grant
The StartHER Grant by the Texas Women’s University is aimed to encourage Texas’s female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen to undertake new projects.
Grant Amount: 25 business owners will be awarded $5,000 each.
Eligibility Criteria: Eligible businesses are for-profit businesses in Texas owned 51% by women. The business owners cannot have any prior felonies and must not be involved in any litigation. See their full list of guidelines.
Application Process: Application opens on September 3, 2024.
Deadlines: Application closes October 4, 2024.
7. IFundWomen Universal Grant
IFundWomen streamlines the process as a grant marketplace. Submit one application and when an enterprise partner adds a grant, it matches your criteria within the database. Notable enterprise partners include American Express, Visa, and Neutrogena.
Grant Amount: Varies depending on the enterprise partner.
Eligibility Criteria: Varies depending on the enterprise partner.
Application Process: Fill out their universal grant application.
Deadlines: Grants are added on an ongoing basis. Deadlines vary depending on the enterprise partner.
8. Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant
Brown Girl Jane, a plant-based wellness and beauty brand, partners with SheaMoisture, a globally known beauty brand offering hair, body, and skincare products to amplify Black female entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness industries.
Grant Amount: $10,000 – $25,000 grants
Eligibility Criteria: Black and woman-owned beauty or wellness business, registered and based in the United Stated, in operation for at least one year
Application Process: The application opens in fall 2024.
Deadlines: TBD
9. Launch Program
The Launch Program by Ladies Who Launch is created for women and nonbinary small business owners in the Consumer Packages Goods industry.
Grant Amount: Winners will receive $10,000 in capital, mentorship, and a six- month business growth program.
Eligibility Criteria: The founder must be a woman or nonbinary legal resident of the USA over the age of 21. Businesses must be for-profit and have an annual gross revenue between $100,000 and $499,000.
Application Process: The application will open in February 2024.
Deadlines: TBD
10. Galaxy Grant
The Galaxy Grant by Hidden star, a nonprofit helping minority and women entrepreneurs all over the USA. Galaxyofstars.org offers grants, free website building nd hosting for small business owners, and other resources.
Grant Amount: $2,750
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a minority-owned business based and operating in the United States.
Application Process: Apply through their online form.
Deadlines: March 31st, 2024
Alternatives to Small Business Grants
If you’re seeking a faster, less competitive funding option, National Funding’s small business loans could be the catalyst of your venture needs. Unlike grants that may come with specific use restrictions, small business loans offer flexibility in how you decide to allocate your funds. Successfully repaying a small business loan can positively impact your credit history for your future endeavors. The current market offers a wide range of financial solutions, catering to different industries and credit profiles. The diversity of lending options increases the chances of finding a suitable loan for your specific situation.
