Top 35 Small-Business Grants for Women Worldwide
Funding can be a significant obstacle for female entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow their businesses. However, small business grants provide a fantastic chance to obtain capital without taking on debt or giving up equity. These awards assist you in growing your company to new heights by giving you financial support and confirming your vision and hard work.
This extensive guide has selected the top 35 global small business grants for female entrepreneurs. This list will assist you in navigating the competitive landscape and obtaining the resources you need to realize your entrepreneurial aspirations, from startup grants to industry-specific funding possibilities.
1. The Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship offers small company owners a $500 micro-grant monthly. Recipients of the monthly grant are also qualified for an annual grant of $2,500. We accept applications on a rolling basis. All small business owners are eligible to apply for this incentive, but minority and women entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to do so.
2. National Self-Employed Growth Grant Association
The NASE rewards up to four small firms with up to $4,000 through its growth grants. These funds can be used to hire staff, advertise, and market, among other business needs.
You must have been a member of NASE in good standing for at least three months to apply for this grant. Annual subscribers are always free to use.
3. Women in Business Challenge: Small Business, Big Dreams
Women entrepreneurs in Florida or New York are eligible to apply for BankUnited’s Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Challenge. For-profit companies with 20 full-time employees and no more than $3 million in revenue annually in 2021 and 2022 are also eligible. $15,000 will be awarded as the top prize, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $2,500 to the third-place finisher. We are presently not accepting applications.
4. Moms’ High Five Grant
Every year, the Mama Ladder organization gives moms-only small business grants. The High Five Grant is intended to assist female carers of children of all ages, including stepmothers, foster mothers, and first-time expectant mothers.
Entrepreneurs can use social media to tell their firm’s story and apply online. A group of judges will select the finalists, and a public vote will pick the top three. The winning company will receive a $10,000 grant, the runner-up will receive $5,000, and the third-place candidate will receive $2,500. Five more companies will receive $1,000 honorable mention grants. We are presently not accepting applications.
5. The Mother-Led Business Grant from The Kitty Fund
The Kitty Fund Mother-Led Business Grant was established in 2020 and provides $1,000 grants to mothers who are the founders of their enterprises. Your company must be situated in the United States, employ between two and fifty people, and make no more than $5 million in sales. The application period for 2024 is now closed.
6. Veteran Woman Grant
This yearly business grant from Texas Women’s University may be available to women veterans who operate in Texas. This program gives five female veteran-owned businesses $5,000 in subsidies each year. The deadline for applications for the 2024 cycle was March 15; the winners will be declared in April.
7. Wave of Change Grant
Entrepreneurial women of color with early-stage companies with yearly revenue under $50,000 may be eligible for the Waves of Change Grant. Essentially referred to as a “service-based grant,” specialists provide their time and expertise to assist beneficiaries in expanding their businesses. In addition, the grant may come with a stipend to cover operational expenses for a year. We are presently not accepting applications.
8. Stacy’s Rise Project
Stacy’s Rise Project, a partnership between Stacy’s Pita Chips and Hello Alice, provides $25,000 to ten small businesses, with a preference for women-owned companies in the food and beverage sector. Businesses in this category must earn between $25,000 and $1 million annually. Furthermore, chosen participants must participate in a 16-week online mentorship program. Right now, the application window is closed.
9. Founder Accelerator Program
Hawaii-based women entrepreneurs are the focus of the FoundHer accelerator program. Those accepted into the six-month program will get monthly learning and networking retreats, weekly educational courses, a $4,000 care stipend, and $20,000 awards. For a business to be eligible, it must be in its early stages, for-profit, and owned by at least 50% of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Right now, the application window is closed.
10. Ethuse Foundation Pitch Competition
Female entrepreneurs can enter the Enthuse Foundation’s Annual Pitch Competition, which opened in 2019. Attendees make their business presentations in person. Ten finalists will each get a $2,500 award. The winner of the 2024 funding round will be revealed in June after applications closed in April.
11. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship
The Tory Burch Foundation annually grants 50 full-year fellowships to women entrepreneurs. In addition to providing training materials and opportunities for networking, the fellowship gives each recipient a $5,000 grant and access to Kiva loans with no interest. The current cycle’s applications are closed, and fellows will be chosen in the spring of 2024.
12. DWEN US Dream Tech Contest
This annual competition, sponsored by Dell Technologies, is accessible to women-run small enterprises. You must sign up for the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network to be eligible. The first-place winner will receive Dell Rewards Points valued at $40,000. Third-place winners receive $5,000 in Dell Rewards Points, while second-place winners receive $15,000. The 2024 cycle’s deadlines are still unknown.
13. Women of Color Grant Program
The Women of Colour Grant Programme, run by the Tory Burch Foundation and the Fearless Foundation, provides $10,000 or $20,000 in grants yearly to 75 women-owned enterprises. The opportunity to submit applications for the 2024 cycle has not yet been made public.
14. Publish Her Business Impact Grant
Applications are welcome for this program, a collaboration between BankCherokee and independent publisher Publish Her, which is exclusively owned by women of color. Your company must have been in operation for at least a year and bring in $50,000 or more in revenue to qualify. A $5,000 prize will be awarded to one company. The 2024 cycle application window is not yet publicized.
15. Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant
This grant is available to Black and women-owned beauty and wellness enterprises. SheaMoisture and Brown Girl Jane, a wellness and beauty brand, present it. There are grants totaling from $10,000 to $25,000. The following cycle’s application period will open in the autumn of 2024.
16. Southern California Job Creators Grant
This grant from Founders First CDC may be available to small businesses in the following counties: Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino. Ten small enterprises will receive $5,000 in awards. Your company must have been started by a member of one of the following groups to qualify: women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people of color. The complete application begins on Oct. 15, 2024, and preregistration is open.
17. Ignite: A WBDC Grant
The Women’s Business Development Council offers an Equity Match Grant to Connecticut businesses where women own at least 51%. Grants from $2,500 to $10,000 will be given for initiatives supporting a firm’s expansion and success. Applicants must match any funds given by a minimum of 25%. The next round of funding will be revealed in the summer of 2024.
18. Olga Loizon Foundation Grant
This grant from the Olga Loizon Foundation may be available to women who run small businesses in Michigan. Your grant application must include a business plan and a letter proving your need for funding. Up to $10,000 in grants are offered.
19. StartHer Grant
The StartHER grant is an additional initiative of the Centre for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University that provides $5,000 to 25 Texas-based companies. To qualify, a business must be owned by women at least 51% of the time. Applications will be accepted for the following cycle from September 3 until October 4, 2024.
20. Texas Rural Women Grant
Small, rural companies in Texas owned by women are eligible to apply for the Texas Rural Woman Grant program. The event, hosted by Texas Woman’s University, is limited to particular counties within the state. The application window dates, open from May 28 to July 5, 2024, have not yet been announced. For additional information, go here.
21. New Jersey / Pennsylvania Job Creators Grant
Small Pennsylvania/New Jersey company owners may qualify for Founders First CDC’s Job Creators Grant. Businesses owned and operated by women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those in low-to-moderate income areas are eligible to apply for this funding. Grants totaling $4,000 will be given to 25 entrepreneurs. The application will debut in May 2024, although pre-registration is currently available.
22. Cartier Women’s Initiative Grant
Cartier provides three grants annually to women-owned companies in nine different international regions. The goal of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards program is to assist startups in addressing various concerns related to social, economic, and environmental development.
The winning company receives a $100,000 grant, second place receives $60,000, and third place receives $30,000. Additionally, winners can access executive coaching and a range of training sessions. Applications for the next cycle will be accepted from May 22 to July 3, 2024.
23. Her Village Grant
The Boundless Future Foundation also offers a program called Her Village Grant, available to charities assisting female entrepreneurs. The grant amount ranges from $5,000 to $30,000. 2024 the next application window will be open from July to September.
24. EmpowHER Grants
Female entrepreneurs of small businesses at least 22 years old may qualify for a Boundless Future Foundation EmpowHER grant. Your business must have been founded within the last three years to be eligible. Up to $25,000 in grant cash may be reimbursed for costs incurred with the company. The application deadline is June 16, 2024; they are accepted quarterly.
25. Giving Joy Grants
Giving Joy accepts grant applications from women over 18. The winners will receive microgrants ranging from $250 to $500, which they can use to start a nonprofit or business or grow an already-existing business or charitable organization. This year, there are two application windows: the first is from January 1 to April 30, 2024, and the second is from June 1 to September 30, 2024.
26. She’s Connected By AT&T
Small businesses in the United States with fewer than 51 employees owned by women are eligible to apply for She’s Connected by AT&T. In addition to a new gadget, the grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 award and a year of complimentary AT&T service. Four businesses that came in second place will get $5,000 microgrants. The period for submitting applications for this cycle is March 31 through July 10, 2024.
27. Galaxy Grant
The NGO Hidden Star offers this grant program to small company owners identifying as women or members of underrepresented minorities. Winners may be eligible for a $2,750 grant. June 30, 2024, is the deadline for applications.
28. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
The Women Founders Network’s Fast Pitch Competition, now in its eleventh year, is available to American companies founded by women. Your company cannot have raised more than $750,000 to qualify. A $25,000 prize is awarded to the winners of the in-person business pitches made by the chosen participants. Applications will be accepted for the next cycle from April 1 to May 31, 2024.
29. Fund Her Future Grant
Women entrepreneurs nationwide can apply for grants through Block Advisors by H&R Block under the Her Future program. A grant of $50,000 will be given to the primary prize winner, while four other small firms will each get $12,500. Additionally, free small company services for a year, such as payroll, tax assistance, and bookkeeping, will be given to the winners. Your company has to be at least 51% woman-owned to qualify. The period of acceptance for applications is April 29–May 26, 2024.
30. BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Programme, offered by Deloitte and BMO Bank, is available to small enterprises in one of 24 states where women own at least 51% of the total. Your company must have been operating for at least two years and have no more than $5 million in annual revenue to be eligible. $10,000 in awards will be given to fifteen female entrepreneurs. The application period is open from April 30, 2024, to May 14, 2024.
31. Dream Makers Founders Grant
The Dream Makers Founders Grant and the Fifteen Percent Pledge provide five female small-business founders with grants totaling $25,000. To qualify, your company must employ two to ten people, make between $100,000 and $1 million in revenue, and be owned by at least fifty percent women. You also have to be a member of the Business Equity Community at Fifteen Percent Pledge. Applications are being accepted from April 30, 2024, to March 25, 2024.
32. Corporate Counsel Women of Color Entrepreneur Grant
Enterprises operational since January 1, 2020, or before could qualify for a CCWC Women of Colour Entrepreneur grant. Five companies will receive a $2,500 prize. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
33. HerRise Microgrant
The charity division of HerSuiteSpot, the Yva Jourdan Foundation, offers HerRise Microgrants to women of color entrepreneurs through business coaching and training. Monthly $1,000 grants are given out, and applications are taken every month. To qualify, your company must have less than $1 million in gross revenue and be owned by at least 51% women of color.
34. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database
A grant marketplace called IFundWomen focuses on providing capital and mentoring to women-owned enterprises. You only need to submit one application, and IFundWomen will match applications in the database with grants from enterprise partners when the partner adds grants.
If your company is a fit, you’ll receive a notification and invitation to apply. American Express, Visa, and Neutrogena were among the previous award partners.
35. Amber Grant
WomensNet gives three $10,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses each month. A startup receives one award; firms in specific rotating categories (such as sustainability in April and mental and emotional assistance in May) receive another grant; and general small enterprises receive the last grant. Monthly grant winners are qualified to receive one of three $25,000 annual grants after each year.
The application is easy to use. In addition to paying a $15 application fee, you must explain your firm and what you plan to accomplish with the grant money. The foundation’s advisory board selects the winners, seeking out strong, driven women with compelling narratives. Companies based in the United States and Canada are qualified.
Businesses looking for startup company grants for women might wish to prioritize the Amber Grant because there are no time requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a business as a woman may be thrilling and challenging, particularly regarding funding. Nonetheless, the abundance of funding possibilities that are accessible globally bears witness to the increasing acknowledgment and backing of women-owned enterprises.
In addition to raising your chances of winning priceless cash, looking into and applying for these top 35 small business grants will give you access to many networking, mentoring, and educational possibilities. These grants have the potential to be the spark that ignites your company and helps you turn your idea into a prosperous reality.
Although obtaining funds may involve a rigorous application process, the benefits might be life-changing. Approach every grant opportunity with a resolute application, a well-articulated description of your company’s impact and growth potential, and an unrelenting drive.
You have the tenacity, imagination, and drive to overcome challenges and leave your mark on the business world as a woman entrepreneur. Accept the assistance these grant programs provide, and allow them to serve as stepping stones to your achievement.
Seize the potential of these financial sources, and allow your spirit of entrepreneurship to flourish. Though the path may be difficult, the benefits of achieving your goals are priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use the grant funds for any business purpose?
Most grant programs have specific guidelines on how the funds can be used, such as for marketing, hiring, or purchasing equipment. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of each grant to understand the permitted uses of the funds.
How long does the application process typically take?
The process can vary depending on the grant program, but most require significant time and effort. It’s essential to start well before the deadlines and ensure you have all the necessary documentation and information prepared.
Is there a fee to apply for these grants?
While some grant programs may require a nominal application fee, most of the opportunities listed in this guide are free.
Can I apply for multiple grants simultaneously?
Absolutely! You can apply for as many grants as you are eligible, increasing your chances of securing funding. However, carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each grant.
Are these grants exclusively for women-owned businesses?
Yes, the grants listed in this guide are specifically designed for women entrepreneurs and companies owned and operated by women.
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