Looking for business grants for women in NYC? Securing funding for an enterprise can be challenging, whether you’re launching a new idea or expanding an existing business. For women founders, it can be even more difficult, thanks to a combination of cultural, systemic, and institutional barriers, which often restrict access to capital.
Fortunately, New York City is brimming with opportunities designed to help women entrepreneurs reach their full potential. You can apply for a wide range of programs offered by government agencies and nonprofits. From nationally recognized options like the Amber Grant to New York–specific initiatives, these programs provide funding and resources to help women build and grow stronger businesses.
Below are the top 9 free funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in NYC.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is one of the national business grants for women, for which you can apply for a chance to obtain up to $10,000 every month. In addition to the monthly award, the funding program selects winners for a larger prize at the end of each year.
You don’t have to be a well-established business with a long history to qualify; Amber Grant also considers women founders who are just starting. As long as you have a clear plan on how you’ll use the funds, you have a chance for free financing.
To get started, visit WomensNet’s website to complete the online application, providing a clear explanation of your business and how the Amber Grant will contribute to its growth. Submit by the monthly deadline listed on the site.
- The program offers three $10,000 grants: category-specific, startup, and general grants, plus three $50,000 Year-End Grants
The New York Women’s Foundation
The New York Women’s Foundation is more than just a grant program; it’s a voice for women. The organization’s grant-making model is rooted in gender, racial, and economic rights.
Grants don’t go directly to individual business owners, but rather to organizations serving low- to moderate-income families and communities facing economic, gender, and racial challenges. This is where 95% of the foundation’s grant money goes. Application timing can change based on funding availability, so it is essential to check their website often.
To apply, visit the Foundation’s website, review current grant openings and eligibility requirements, and send your application when the funding period opens.
NYS Minority and Women Business Development (MWBE) Program
The purpose of this program is to offer support through education, outreach, and incentives. It ensures that minority- and women-owned businesses enjoy equal economic opportunities, particularly in state contracts. The MWBE program works to ensure state agencies practice equal treatment when awarding contracts so MWBES can get a fair share.
It might not provide direct business grants for women in NYC, but it’s an excellent resource to get your business off the ground or expand an existing one. Visit this website to see ways you can get support from the NYS government.
Black Founder Startup Grant (SoGal Foundation)
The Black Founder Startup Grant provides free business grants in New York to Black women and Black non-binary entrepreneurs seeking funding to grow their businesses. Committed to addressing the funding gap facing many Black founders, the SoGal Foundation awards up to $10,000 to successful applicants. You must have a legally registered business and demonstrate clear, long-term goals to be eligible to apply, and show a strong commitment to achieving these goals.
To get started, visit the SoGal Foundation’s Black Founder Startup Grant page, review the eligibility rules and required documents, and submit the application form and wait for follow-up instructions.
Women Entrepreneurs (WE) NYC
If you’re looking for substantial support for your business’s growth, this initiative may be helpful. It offers various free services and resources, including funding workshops, coaching, access to alternative lenders, and more. If taken seriously, these services can help women founders access small business grants in NYC.
To get started, visit the NYC government website, locate the WE NYC page, and choose one or more of the program’s services that can improve your business operations.
Global NY Fund Grant Program
The Global NY Fund is among the New York grants for women-owned businesses, and can award winners up to $25,000. If you run a nonprofit that supports export companies, you may be eligible for up to $50,000 in funding. It focuses on helping entrepreneurs with their product exports or enhancing their export activities.
As a female funder in NYC, this funding opportunity can help you access the global market and take your business to new heights.
To get started, visit the program’s page to learn about the guidelines and eligibility requirements. Confirm that your business is New York-based and export-ready (or working toward export readiness). Follow the application steps listed on the program page.
Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
If you’ve always wanted to grow into exporting and international trade, the New York State Program (STEP) can help you get there. Funded by the Empire State Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration, STEP offers up to $10,000 grants for small businesses, which you can use to finance various export activities, from digital marketing to trade missions and website localization.
The goal of the program is to help small enterprises increase export sales and access new global markets.
Ready to venture into the international market with your product or service? Search for the New York STEP Program page through Empire State Development. Confirm eligibility for your business type and export goals, and apply for funding support.
- The program’s funding period ends in April 2026
NYC Department of Small Business Services (NYC SBS) Programs
Through the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), you can access funding for your business. The department’s office supports a range of funding programs and initiatives, like Avenue NYC and Neighborhood Challenge, which can strengthen women-owned businesses which directly impact their local communities.
The department also connects founders with Free grants in NYC, among other financing options. They also provide various services, including preparing strong applications and supporting certification and expansion. Even if you don’t obtain direct funding, the services increase your chances of getting approved for other grant programs.
To get started, visit the NYC SBS website and explore grant programs and initiatives. Don’t forget to sign up for workshops, advising, or financing guidance.
Women’s Business Centers
Women’s Business Centers do not offer direct free business grants for women in NYC; they mainly focus on technical support, counselling, and training. However, they can connect you to various funding sources, including SBA grants, which actually fund the centers themselves.
Some of these centers partner with corporate sponsors or government programs to help women-owned businesses get access to capital. Moreover, their direct services, which range from free coaching to help with pitching and financial planning, can increase your chances of succeeding in your grant applications.
Start by searching for a Women’s Business Center serving your area. Subscribe to newsletters so you don’t miss short grant application windows. Attend workshops and ask for help preparing grant applications and budgets.
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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.