Two women engaging in an office. Business grants for women.

12 Best Business Grants for Women in 2026

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Business grants for women in the US help meet essential entrepreneurial needs, such as equipment, staffing, product development, and more, without incurring debt. No matter your business needs, there are plenty of funding opportunities you can explore in 2026. We have gathered 12 grant programs, along with the required steps for a successful application.

Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant, administered by Women’s Net, is one of the most well-known grant programs in the US, supporting women in various types of businesses, including early-stage startups.

The program runs on a regular schedule, and the application process is straightforward. You’ll respond to a series of questions, including the purpose of your business and how you’ll use the funds if you succeed.

How to apply for the Amber Grant:

IFundWomen Grants

IFundWomen is one of the top funding platforms in the US for women entrepreneurs. Unlike Amber Grant, it’s not a single grant program.

It’s a marketplace where you can access many grant opportunities, typically made available through online fundraising. You’ll also have access to additional resources, including coaching and connections with other businesses or investors.

Each funding opportunity comes with different eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines.

How to apply

  • Visit the IFundWomen website and locate the “apply for grants” section.
  • Review active grant listings and select the ones you qualify for and that meet your business needs.
  • Follow the instructions for each grant and submit by the deadline.

Tip: Don’t forget to check out this platform regularly, as grant opportunities rotate, and some are only available for short periods of time.

Also Read: 11 Best Business Grants for Women in Alabama

Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant (Founders First CDC)

If you are a mom who owns a business and is looking for funding to meet your practical entrepreneurial needs, consider the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant.

As its name suggests, this funding program is designed specifically for mother-led businesses in the US. Instead of offering one large award, it provides multiple small grant opportunities, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.

Whether you need help with operations, equipment, or staffing, or growth, the Kitty Fund is one of the top business grants for women in the US, and can help you achieve your goals. It has a specific annual application period, so it’s essential to be informed about the opening date and have all your materials ready.

How to apply

  • Visit the Founders First CDC website and go to the Grants section
  • Select National Grants and then Kitty Fund
  • Confirm the application dates and eligibility requirements.
  • Complete the application form and submit all required information on time.

Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

The Women Founders Network hosts a Fast Pitch competition, inviting female entrepreneurs to apply and receive various awards, including cash prizes, pitch coaching, mentorship, and capital.

Like you would apply for funding in any grant program, you’ll submit details about your business. When selected among finalists, you proceed to pitching to judges.

The program is also an excellent resource for networking and enhancing your business visibility. If you can clearly explain the purpose of your business and how financing it will benefit its growth, you have a good chance of winning.

How to apply

  • Go to the Women Founders Network website and locate the Fast Pitch application page.
  • Submit information about your enterprise and pitch materials as required.
  • Follow the timeline for finalist selection and pitch if chosen.

HerRise MicroGrant

HerRise Microgrant is one of the US financial assistance programs that supports women of color who struggle to secure funding for their businesses.

The program utilizes this grant opportunity with the assistance of donors and sponsors to make funds available to those who qualify.

The amount awarded won’t be anything you’d get from a big national grant program. Still, it can make a difference by helping you meet the immediate business needs, such as licensing, supplies, equipment, and marketing.

The microgrant program operates regularly. During the application process, you’ll need to demonstrate how the funding will contribute to your business growth.

How to apply

  • Visit the HerSuiteSpot website and locate the HerRise MicroGrant page.
  • Complete the application form, clearly explaining what your business is about and how funding will improve its operations.
  • Submit before the deadline and check for recurring application cycles.

NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed) Growth Grants

NASE offers some of the best business grants for women. While not specifically for female entrepreneurs, Growth Grants provide funding support for small businesses and self-employed individuals, which women can also apply for.

The up to $4000 funding, which is available to NASE members, can be used to meet specific business needs, including staffing, marketing, and equipment.

Since it’s a membership-based grant program, it’s essential to ensure you are eligible and meet membership requirements. It’s suitable for microbusinesses seeking small, yet practical funding.

How to apply

  • Become a NASE member and log in to your member account.
  • Locate the Growth Grant section and review requirements.
  • Apply with a clear explanation of how you’ll use the funds in your business.

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is dedicated to supporting female founders by offering access to tools that can help them scale up and achieve success.

Among the benefits are a $5,000 business education grant, low-interest loans, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

It’s better known as a fellowship program, providing year-long opportunities for education, business growth, and access to a supportive community; however, it also qualifies as a grant program worth considering in 2026.

How to apply

  • Visit the Tory Burch Foundation website and find the Fellows Program page.
  • Review eligibility requirements and the current application timeline.
  • Complete the online application and submit it before the deadline.

Cartier Women’s Initiative (U.S. Applicants Eligible)

This annual international entrepreneurship program could be the solution to your most pressing business needs. The Cartier Women’s Initiative is committed to supporting women-impact entrepreneurs, and US-based founders are also eligible to apply.

You should consider it if your enterprise is focused on creating positive, sustainable social and/or environmental impact.

Through the program, you will have access to substantial funding, as well as opportunities for networking, visibility, and coaching. Eligibility requirements are specific, and successful applications require a clear explanation of what your business is about and how it’s creating sustainable social and environmental impact.

Eligibility rules are specific, and applications require clear information about impact and how the funds can help it grow further.

How to apply

  • Visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative website and review eligibility rules.
  • Prepare required documents such as business details, impact metrics, and a plan for using funds.
  • Apply during the official application period.

FedEx Small Business Grants Contest

FedEx’s small business grant contest is one of the best business grants for women entrepreneurs. However, since the funding program is highly promoted, it attracts a large number of applicants, making it highly competitive.

The amount awarded typically varies from year to year, and you are required to submit your business story. You’ll also need to explain how this financing opportunity would help your business, and depending on the nature of the contest, you may participate in public voting.

If your brand has a compelling story and clear objectives, this may be a worthwhile opportunity to explore for funding.

How to apply

Hello Alice Small Business Grants

Hello Alice brands itself as the #1 resource for small business grants. And whether you are just starting or need help expanding, the platform hosts and lists a range of grant opportunities that could support founders, including those from female-owned businesses in the US.

These grants, which come from various sources, including partnerships with corporate sponsors, are available throughout the year.

Each grant listing comes with its own eligibility rules, award amount, and deadline. Just like IFundWomen, some of these grants open and close quickly. Hence, it’s helpful to regularly visit the website and submit an application as soon as opportunities become available.

How to apply

  • Create an account on Hello Alice and complete your business profile.
  • Browse active grant opportunities and confirm eligibility.
  • Submit the application materials required for each grant before the deadline.

Grants.gov (Federal Grants Portal)

Grants.gov is the official U.S. government portal to source federal grants for women-owned businesses. While they aren’t specifically designed for female founders, you can qualify as long as the program’s purpose and your business structure align.

It’s worth noting that many federal grants are project-based and may focus on research, training, education, community programs, or specialized industries. Also, you may need a longer time than expected to complete he application for some of the funding opportunities, which makes it essential to start early.

How to apply

  • Search Grants.gov for opportunities related to your industry and project type.
  • Register for required accounts and complete verification steps early.
  • Follow the agency’s instructions and submit all required forms by the deadline.

State and Local Government Grants

Many counties, cities, and towns offer grant programs for small businesses, including specific opportunities for women entrepreneurs. In most cases, these grants, unlike national grants, aren’t widely promoted and are always geared towards achieving specific goals, such as job creation, revitalization of certain neighborhoods, and creating community impact.

Eligibility requirements vary, with some opportunities only accessible to residents of specific locations. Since they are not widely advertised, they attract fewer applicants than national grant programs and are thus less competitive.

How to apply

  • Visit your state, county, or city economic development website.
  • Search for “small business grants” and confirm eligibility for your location and business type.
  • Apply through the official government portal and submit required documentation.