Business grants from government agencies, nonprofits, corporations, and foundations can help women founders cover business needs, such as equipment, inventory, marketing, and staffing. But these programs, especially the popular ones like the Amber Grant, are highly competitive because many people apply, and only a select few are chosen. Each grant has different rules, award amounts, and eligibility requirements, so it helps to prepare well before you apply. If you want to learn how to find business grants for women, here are 10 practical tips to help you get started.
Also Read: 10 California Business Grants for Women in 2026
Start With Trusted Grant Sources
Start by searching reliable sources, such as government websites, nonprofit organizations, and well-known funding platforms. This allows you to land on active, trustworthy programs and gain a better understanding of who qualifies, the amount rewarded, and how to apply.
Grants.Gov is an excellent resource for federal grants for small businesses; you can filter your search for women-specific or small-business opportunities. Meanwhile, GrantWatch gives you access to thousands of funding opportunities, including women-focused programs that support founders across sectors.
Focus on Grants That Match Your Business Type
Not all grants will match your business needs. Some are specifically designed for startups, while others are for well-established businesses already earning revenue and have employees. Other funding opportunities cater only to entrepreneurs in specific industries and locations.
Reading eligibility rules carefully helps you avoid wasting time on grants you don’t stand a chance at and allows you to focus on opportunities that perfectly fit your needs.
Check Local and State Programs First
National business grants for women, such as the popular Amber Grant, can be competitive. Because of this, they are less accessible than local and state grant programs. Many US cities, counties, and states regularly offer funding opportunities for small businesses within their respective areas. These grants may be less competitive because they are limited to local companies.
A good practice is to regularly visit the economic development offices and various business support agencies in your area to see which opportunities are currently available.
Use Women-Focused Business Platforms
If you are wondering how to find business grants for women, dedicated women’s funding platforms, like Women’s Net, known for its Amber Grants, and IFundWomen, are among the best places to check for grant opportunities.
Sometimes these platforms, particularly IFundWomen, offer additional business support services, such as coaching, that can significantly enhance your operations.
Watch Application Deadlines Closely
Applications for specific grants open for short windows. And missing a deadline typically means you’ll need to wait several months or even a year to reapply. A helpful tip is to set up a simple system, such as a calendar or spreadsheet, to help you track deadlines. Visit grant sites regularly to apply early and increase your chances of success.
Prepare Basic Business Information in Advance
Thankfully, many grant programs require similar information, including a description of what your business is about, ownership details, and a clear explanation of how you you’ll use the funds. Have this information in one document to make your application process easier and faster. Also, ensure you update these details as your business grows. This keeps you prepared when new grant opportunities become available.
Look Beyond Cash-Only Grants
Don’t just focus on programs that provide funding alone. Fortunately, some initiatives offer technical assistance and other forms of business support, in addition to their grant opportunities. Such programs may not always be dependable for large grant amounts, but they remain valuable nonetheless. The training, mentoring, and business tools can significantly improve your business well-being.
Be Careful of Grant Scams
When learning how to find business grants for women, be careful of grant scams. Scams often promise fast money or guaranteed approval to entice you into applying quickly. Legitimate grant programs typically do not require payment to apply for funding, except for a small processing fee. They also don’t request sensitive personal information up front.
Before submitting your grant application, it’s helpful to verify the grant and the information provided on the organization’s official website. If anything feels rushed, unclear, or too good to be true, pause and confirm before applying.
Apply to More Than One Grant
Since funding opportunities are competitive, it’s better to apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of winning. Many successful business owners apply several times before receiving funding. Reusing and improving your application responses over time can make the process easier and help you submit stronger applications.
Keep Learning and Stay Updated
Grant programs come and go, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Stay informed by subscribing to newsletters, following business support organizations, and regularly visiting websites for available programs. The more knowledgeable you are about how different grant programs work, the better prepared you will be, making it easier to apply for funding opportunities that’ll help your business grow.
Next Read: Top 9 Business Grants for Women in NYC: Free Funding for 2026
Quinter Auma is a senior writer with nearly seven years of experience in digital content. Her work has been featured on TheTravel, Sixty and Me, Digital Zen, Africa OTR, among other publications. She’s also the founder of The African Traveler, a go-to resource for destination guides, practical tips, and authentic travel insights. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending quality time with her little boy.