Women-owned businesses represent over 40% of all US businesses. Dedicated grant programs help close the funding gap that women entrepreneurs face. Here are the top programs available in 2026 and how to access them.
Why Women-Specific Grants Exist
Women-owned businesses receive less than 3% of total venture capital funding. The gap is even wider for women of color. Grant programs designed for women entrepreneurs help level the playing field by providing non-dilutive capital that does not require giving up equity or taking on debt.
Top Grants for Women-Owned Businesses
Amber Grant Foundation
Amount: $10,000 monthly + $25,000 annual award Deadline: End of each month Requirements: Woman-identifying business owner
The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible programs available. The application is short: describe your business and what you would do with the funding. Monthly winners automatically qualify for the year-end $25,000 award.
IFundWomen Grants
Amount: $500 to $100,000 (varies by sponsor) Deadline: Rolling Requirements: Women and non-binary entrepreneurs
IFundWomen partners with corporations to offer targeted grants. Past sponsors include Visa, Neutrogena, and Samsung. New grants launch regularly, so check the platform often.
SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs)
Amount: Free training + access to funding networks Locations: 140+ centers nationwide Requirements: Women business owners at any stage
WBCs do not give direct grants, but they connect you to funding sources and provide free business coaching, training, and mentorship. They also help with grant applications for other programs.
Cartier Women's Initiative
Amount: Up to $100,000 Deadline: Annual (typically opens in June) Requirements: Women-led businesses, 1-3 years old, revenue-generating
This international program funds women entrepreneurs building impact-driven businesses. Winners also receive coaching, mentorship, and media exposure.
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Amount: $5,000 grant + education + networking Deadline: Annual Requirements: Women entrepreneurs in the US
This fellowship pairs funding with a year-long education program. Fellows get access to business workshops, networking events, and capital connections beyond the initial grant.
37 Angels Grant Fund
Amount: Varies Deadline: Rolling Requirements: Women-led startups
37 Angels is an investor network for women. While primarily an investment group, they also manage grant programs and can connect founders to non-dilutive funding sources.
Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant
Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Annual Requirements: Women-owned businesses focused on social consciousness or environmental impact
This grant targets businesses that align with Eileen Fisher's values of sustainability and social impact. Past winners include textile companies, food producers, and community organizations.
State Programs for Women-Owned Businesses
Most states have dedicated programs for women entrepreneurs. Common offerings include:
- - Certification programs - Getting certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) opens doors to government contracts and set-aside programs
- - Training grants - Many states fund business education specifically for women
- - Startup grants - Several states offer seed funding for women launching new businesses
- - Procurement preferences - State and local governments often give bidding advantages to certified WBEs
Check your state economic development agency for current programs. GrantMatched includes state-level women's grants in its matching database.
Tips for Strengthening Your Application
Get your certifications. WBE, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) certifications open access to programs you cannot reach otherwise.
Tell your story. Women's grants often emphasize narrative. Share what drives your business and the impact you create in your community.
Show the numbers. Pair your story with concrete data. Revenue growth, customer counts, jobs created, and community impact metrics make your application tangible.
Apply broadly. Do not limit yourself to one program. Apply for general small business grants too. Your women-owned status can be an advantage in programs that value diversity.
Finding All Available Programs
New women's grants launch throughout the year. Keeping track manually takes significant time. GrantMatched's matching system includes demographics in its filters, so women-owned businesses see relevant programs automatically when they create a profile. The platform tracks deadlines and alerts you when new matching opportunities appear.