Last Updated: November 7, 2026
Updated October 30, 2026. All September 2026 grant deadlines have passed. You cannot use old dates to apply now. This guide shows which rounds closed, which may reopen, and what to do next.
Some programs serve only one state or business type. Check the funder’s site before sharing records or paying a fee.
What is a business grant, and how can this list help?
A grant is money offered for a set goal. You do not usually pay it back if you meet the terms. A loan is different: you repay the money with interest. Grant funds may have limits on how you use them.
This page is a record of past September grant rounds, not a list of open September applications. Use it to find a good fit, then check the next cycle. Some funders offer grants each month. Some open once a year. Others may not return. A past award may not return.
Who can apply for business grants for women?
Rules are not the same for every program. Some allow women with an idea but no sales. Others need proof of income, a registered company, or years of work. Some ask for at least 50% or 51% women ownership. A state grant may require you to live and work there.
Check your age, location, business type, years in business, sales, and planned use of the money first. Women may also qualify for general grants. Our guide to finding business grants shows where to look beyond women-only awards.
Business grant rounds that closed in September 2026
All rounds in this section are closed. The amounts and terms below describe the 2026 round, not a future offer. Do not use an old form as proof that a grant is still open.
1. WBDC Ignite Grant — Connecticut
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) offered $2,500 to $10,000 for growth projects at Connecticut businesses. The program required at least 51% women ownership, two years in business, and more than $25,000 but less than $2 million in sales over the last 12 months. It did not cover routine costs such as wages or debt.
The fall 2026 round has ended. The WBDC Ignite page says a new round is planned for early 2027, with no fixed date yet. You can sign up for updates and ask WBDC for free help. See our Connecticut grant guide for more local options.
2. TRANSFORM Business Grant — social impact
TRANSFORM took applications from September 8 to 18, 2026. It offered $1,000 and a year of help from business experts. The program served people in the U.S. who face unfair barriers, have financial need, and build work with a clear social goal. The idea or business also had to fit the funder’s values.
The TRANSFORM grant page says it will post new dates. Its old words saying applications are open should not be read as proof that the past round is still active.
3. Fund Her Future — established U.S. firms
H&R Block’s 2026 Fund Her Future round closed on September 22. It offered four $45,000 awards, each with a year of small business services. Applicants had to live in the U.S. and own an established business with at least $20,000 in 2025 sales. Nonprofits were not eligible.
H&R Block named the four winners on October 29. This cycle is complete. Use the official Fund Her Future page for news of any new round.
4. Enthuse Foundation Pitch Night — product brands
The 2026 entry period closed on September 23. It was for U.S. food, drink, and other consumer product brands that were at least 51% women-owned. The firm needed sales of at least $100,000 but under $999,000. It also had to meet the age rules for the business. Finalists had to pitch in New York City.
The top cash prize was $25,000. Listed services were not extra cash. Check the official pitch competition page before planning for another round.
5. Texas Woman’s University StartUP Grant — Texas
The 2026 StartUP Grant closed September 23 at 5 p.m. Central Time. It offered ten $5,000 awards for eligible Texas firms. Despite the name, the program was for formed, for-profit companies, not an idea alone. It asked for company papers, a project plan, and proof of costs such as quotes or invoices.
The program is run by a women’s center, but its notice says it is open to all eligible Texas residents. Use the official StartUP Grant page to check future dates and rules.
6. NCI Innovative Concept Award — cancer research
The National Cancer Institute set September 21 as the deadline for a $300,000 research contract. This was not a general women’s business grant. It was for eligible U.S. small firms developing new ways to study or treat rare and childhood cancers. It would not fund a normal shop, salon, or service company.
Science firms can check the official NCI notice for future calls. The September 2026 proposal period is closed.
7. High Five Grant for Moms — U.S. and Canada
The Mama Ladder took 2026 High Five applications from September 1 through 30. It served mothers and expecting mothers who owned at least half of a for-profit business. Applicants needed to meet the stated sales and location rules. The top cash prize was $10,000, with smaller awards for other finalists.
The High Five Grant page now shows the 2026 judging and award schedule. Watch for a new application cycle instead of using an old link.
Grants to check after September
These funders listed later or repeat application paths when checked on October 30, 2026. Each form may close. Check the official page before you start. Our monthly grants guide can help you compare programs, but the funder’s own figures should come first.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
Her Agenda lists January 19, 2027 as the next deadline for its $5,000 Breakthrough Grant. You must have an operating business and be on the Her Agenda email list. The site lists a $25 entry fee, or $12.50 for INSIDER members. This is a private award, not federal aid. Review the current Her Agenda application before paying.
Amber Grant from WomensNet
WomensNet now lists three $15,000 monthly awards: a general grant, a startup grant, and one for a set business field. Three monthly winners may also get $75,000 year-end awards. Women aged 18 or older who own at least half of a U.S. or Canadian business may apply. Some idea-stage firms can enter.
The site lists a $15 fee, with a fee waiver path for those who need it. Check the Amber Grant rules for the month, the time the form closes, and how to request a waiver. Older articles that say $10,000 each month do not match the amount posted at this review.
Hey Helen Grant
Visionaries lists a $10,000 monthly award for mission-led, for-profit businesses in the U.S. Owners must meet its age, home, bank, and ownership rules. The business must have under $1 million in yearly sales. Pre-revenue firms may apply, and one entry can remain on file for 12 rounds.
The listed fee is $15. See the Hey Helen Grant page for the monthly closing time, terms, and form.
HerRise MicroGrant
HerSuiteSpot lists a $1,000 grant each month for U.S.-registered businesses that are at least 51% women-owned and have less than $1 million in sales. The grant aims to help women who face gaps in access to money, including women of color. Franchises, direct sellers, and some other business types are not eligible.
The listed entry fee is $15. The HerRise application page gives the rules and monthly closing date. Read them before you send your details.
Fees and rules on using grant money
Some real private grants charge $15 to $25 to apply. A fee does not improve your chance of winning. Skip paid entries if the cost is too high. No one can promise you a grant in return for a fee.
Rules on spending vary too. A grant might cover new tools, a machine, or a growth project but not old bills, wages, rent, or debt. Some allow more types of costs. Make sure your budget matches the funder’s terms. The Grants.gov eligibility guide explains why you must read each federal funding notice.
How to apply for a new business grant round
- Choose one need. Write down what you need, the cost, and how it will help your firm.
- Check the rules. Look at location, ownership, age, sales, allowed costs, fees, and the deadline time zone.
- Get your records. You may need proof of business ownership, sales, a bank account, quotes, or a budget. Use our grant application checklist to prepare.
- Write true, clear answers. Say what you sell, who buys it, and how the funds will help. Use real prices and facts.
- Send it safely. Use the funder’s own site. Save a copy and the receipt email. If the window has closed, sign up for updates.
Track the next round in a simple grant deadline calendar. Check the rules before applying.
Other ways to finance your business
Do not base your whole plan on winning a grant. The Small Business Administration says it does not give grants to start or grow a typical small business. Its grants have narrow goals, such as research.
For free or low-cost advice, find a Women’s Business Center or Small Business Development Center near you. An adviser can help compare grants and loans. The SBA microloan program offers loans of up to $50,000 through approved lenders. These must be paid back with interest.
Some states also have local funds and loan programs. If you run a firm in Ohio, our Ohio funding guide is a place to begin. Check each official agency for new terms.
How to avoid business grant scams
Scammers may say you won a grant you never sought. They may copy a funder’s name and ask for a gift card, wire transfer, or crypto payment to release money. The FTC warns about grant scams. A stated private entry fee is not a fee to release a prize.
Open a grant site on your own. Check the address and never share bank or identity details with someone who contacts you out of the blue. See our business grant scam guide for more warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for grants that closed in September 2026?
Not for the old round. Check the funder’s site for a new date. Do not assume an old form is still valid.
Which grants have repeat rounds?
WomensNet, Hey Helen, and HerRise list monthly awards. Her Agenda has posted a later round. Confirm each date on the official site.
Can I apply if my business has no revenue?
Sometimes. Amber has a startup award, and Hey Helen says pre-revenue firms may apply. Other programs require sales. Read the rules first.
Are all business grant applications free?
No. Some private programs charge a fee. Federal grant listings are free to view at Grants.gov. Do not pay someone who promises an award.
What if I cannot find a grant that fits?
Ask an SBA resource partner for advice. You can also compare loans, local funds, or other ways to pay for your next step.
What to do next
Pick one grant that fits your business. Check the date, cost, and papers needed on the official site. If the round has closed, mark your calendar and try another. A good fit is more useful than a long list of old dates.
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
