Top Available Grants for Women Starting a Business: Secure Your Funding Today
Starting a business is an exciting but difficult process, especially for women business owners who typically have trouble getting money. There are several incentives available for women beginning a business that may assist with the costs and set them up for success.
Grants are an excellent option for women looking to start their businesses, as they do not require repayment. This article lists the best national and international business grants, who can apply, how to do so, and tips to help you get them.
Why Focus on Grants for Women Entrepreneurs?
Top Available Grants for Women Starting a Business: Secure Your Funding Today
There are more and more enterprises run by women around the world, yet getting money is still a big problem. Women get fewer than 5% of venture capital funding, and they sometimes experience prejudice based on their gender when they try to get company loans.
Grants for women business owners help to make things fairer by:
- Giving money without going into debt
- Promoting new ideas and making everyone feel welcome
- Helping communities that don't get enough help
- Boosting the economies of both local and national areas
Top Available Grants for Women Starting a Business (Global & Local Opportunities)
Top Available Grants for Women Starting a Business: Secure Your Funding Today
In 2025 and beyond, these are the gifts that women in business will want and are most likely to give.
1. Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant, given by Women sNet, gives a female entrepreneur at least $10,000 every month, with a $25,000 grand prize each year.
Eligibility: Women in the United States and Canada are eligible.
Application Fee: $15 is the application fee.
How to Apply: Visit their website and provide a succinct overview of your business concept.
Ambergrantsforwomen.com is the website.
Its low entry hurdle, steady funding, and support for many industries are the main reasons it is so effective.
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
This grant is intended for women-led firms that are in the early stages of development and generating revenue. Winners get up to $100,000 in grant money, help from a mentor, and chances to meet other people.
Open to everyone across the world; companies run by women and focused on making a difference
Deadline: Applications usually open in May of each year.
3. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The program provides a one-year fellowship, access to a network of female entrepreneurs, and a $5,000 grant for business study.
Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs in the United States with startups
To apply, female entrepreneurs should submit their applications online, detailing their business experience and objectives.
4. Visa She’s Next Grant Program
Visa works with regional partners to provide funding to female entrepreneurs in several nations.
Range of Funding: Up to $10,000
Women who operate small businesses are eligible.
The funding is available in several nations, including South Africa, Nigeria, Canada, and the United States.
5. African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
provides institutional and project funds to women-led companies and organizations throughout Africa.
African women and groups that promote women's rights are eligible.
Depending on the project, funding
Focus Areas: Economic empowerment, education, and agriculture
6. Grants.gov (U.S. Federal Grants)
In the US, the main website for locating and submitting applications for federal grants—many of which assist women-owned enterprises—is grants.gov.
U.S. citizens are eligible; eligibility varies by award.
Funding range: a few thousand to a few million US dollars
Tip: To narrow down results, use keywords like "small business" or "women entrepreneurs."
7. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
Every year, female entrepreneurs compete to present their companies in hopes of receiving investment and recognition.
You could win up to $50,000 in cash and services.
Women entrepreneurs with scalable companies are eligible.
Location: U.S.-based, though occasionally accessible abroad
8. The Halstead Grant (for Jewelry Entrepreneurs)
Annual grant for budding female jewelry makers.
Award: $7,500 in startup funding and $1,000 in Halstead supplies
Eligibility: U.S.-based women in the jewelry business
How to Qualify for Women-Owned Business Grants
While each grant has its own set of requirements, the following are typical requirements:
- Company Plan: A well-written and understandable company plan
- Leadership: Women must hold at least 51% of the company.
- Startup or early-stage status
- Impact-driven: Possessing the capacity to have an economic, social, or communal impact
- Registration: A business name and structure that is legally registered
With the correct tools, becoming an entrepreneur can go more smoothly. These grants for women entrepreneurs are effective resources for making your ambition a profitable reality.
Funding exists—just waiting for you to seize it—whether you're starting a nonprofit, beauty brand, or software startup. Create a strong application; start by narrowing down your list of potential grants to those that align with your objectives, and never be afraid to reapply or look for more than one funding source.