San Francisco offers several funding and support programs that can help women entrepreneurs start, sustain, or expand their small businesses. Some programs offer direct grants for storefront improvements or business expenses, while others provide low-cost loans and free business support that can lead to funding opportunities. Here are the top small business grants for women in San Francisco worth checking out if you need help funding your next step.
SF Shines (Storefront Improvement Grant Program)
SF Shines is one of the most active small business grant programs in San Francisco, helping successful applicants enhance their storefronts and business spaces through reimbursement grants and support, including design services and project management.
Funding is typically tied to upgrades, including fixtures, furniture, equipment, and materials. This program is a strong fit for women entrepreneurs with a physical location who want to enhance the appearance and functionality of their business.
To apply, visit the SF Shines page on SF.gov, review the eligibility requirements, and complete the application form.
- The program offers up to $10,000 business improvement grant
Vacant to Vibrant (Downtown Storefront Support)
Vacant to Vibrant is among the San Francisco grants designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs activate vacant storefronts in San Francisco’s downtown. It’s a result of a partnership between SF New Deal and the City of San Francisco, aimed at energizing the neighborhood.
While not always structured as a traditional cash grant, the program can reduce startup costs by helping business owners gain access to high-visibility spaces and by providing support that makes launching easier.
To get started, visit the Vacant to Vibrant FAQ page to understand how it works. Watch for open calls for vendors, pop-ups, or partner programs, and apply through the program’s official process when spots open.
Office of Small Business
The Office of Small Business is a vital resource for San Francisco businesses, offering free guidance and connecting them to funding opportunities. While it may not always provide direct cash grants, it helps owners navigate permits, leasing, compliance, and business growth, which can enhance their ability to qualify for various financial assistance programs, including loans and free grants for women-owned businesses. It is a strong place to start if you’re unsure what funding fits your business.
Visit the Office of Small Business page on SF.gov. From there, you can request support for your business needs and funding questions. Follow referrals to grant or lender programs that fit your business
SEACC Small Business Assistance
SEACC offers free one-on-one business support and access to funding options for entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area. While this is not among the small business grants for women in San Francisco, it remains valuable because many female founders utilize it to become loan-ready, refine their business plans, and access microloans when grant opportunities are limited.
SEACC supports startups and existing businesses, providing personalized guidance to address daily business challenges.
To get started, visit the SEACC website and request a business advising appointment. You can ask about current funding and microloan options.
SBA Microloan Program
The SBA Microloan program’s funding support, which is offered through nonprofit lenders, can help finance some of your business needs. It is not a grant, but it is one of the most common funding paths for women entrepreneurs who need capital for inventory, equipment, and working expenses.
Many lenders also offer free training and business support, which helps women strengthen their financial position and reduce risk. This program works well when you need funding quickly and have a clear repayment plan.
To apply, visit the SBA Microloan program page, find an approved microloan lender serving San Francisco, and apply through the lender and submit the required documents.
- SBA Microloan program offers small loans of up to $50,000
San Francisco Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The San Francisco SBDC provides free counseling and workshops to help small business owners make better decisions and grow their businesses. This is not one of the San Francisco small business grants, but it can make a big difference because strong planning and financial records increase your chances of winning grants and qualifying for loans.
Women entrepreneurs can use SBDC services to improve their business plan, pricing, marketing strategy, and funding readiness.
To get started, visit the SBDC website and request free business counseling or sign up for workshops. You can then ask for help preparing for funding applications.
San Francisco Loans and Borrowing Programs
San Francisco has an official resource page that lists loan and borrowing programs supporting small businesses. It includes trusted lending partners and helps business owners avoid unverified funding sources.
While loans are not grants, they can still help women entrepreneurs fund equipment, stabilize cash flow, or expand operations. This page is helpful because it directs you to real programs with clear rules and reputable partners.
Visit the SF.gov loans and borrowing page, compare programs, and choose the best match for your needs. Apply directly through the lender listed on the site.
- Loans range from $25,000 to $100,000
San Francisco Tenderloin Storefront Opportunity Grant
There are also free small business grants for women in San Francisco, targeting those who wish to open a new storefront. The program helps new businesses move into vacant storefronts. These types of programs can vary by neighborhood and may not operate year-round; however, they are worth considering if you plan to open a storefront in a high-need commercial corridor.
To apply, search SF.gov and local neighborhood announcements for openings and contact the program organizer when applications are open. Prepare documents showing your business plan and space needs.
- Recent reporting highlighted a Tenderloin program offering $50,000 in funding to cover rent, renovations, and startup costs.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is among the most well-known national business grant programs for women and is also open to women-owned businesses based in the San Francisco area. It awards funding monthly and is recognized for its accessibility to a diverse range of businesses at various stages.
It’s particularly a reliable option for women founders who want to apply for grant funding year-round.
To apply, visit the Women’s Net website and review the Amber Grant eligibility requirements. Fill out the application form, clearly explaining your business purpose and goals, as well as how you’d use the money
- Every month, the program awards three $10,000 grants: startup grants, category-specific grants, and general grants
- It also offers three $50,000 Year-End Grants
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.