Starting or growing a business in South Dakota can take a lot of planning, but finding the right funding can make the next step much easier. Whether you’re launching a new company, adding a new product, expanding into international markets, or developing an agriculture-based business, there are funding programs worth exploring.
Some opportunities are available specifically to women, while others are open to any qualifying South Dakota business. We’ve rounded up some business grants for women in South Dakota worth knowing about, along with a few business funding programs that women entrepreneurs in the state can use.
South Dakota Grants and Funding Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
1. South Dakota STEP Grant
Funding: Reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible export expenses
Focus: International trade and exporting
Who it’s for: Eligible South Dakota small businesses
If your business is ready to sell outside the United States, the South Dakota State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) can help cover some of the cost of entering international markets.
The program reimburses up to 75% of eligible expenses related to export development. Depending on the project, that can include foreign trade missions, trade shows, and international sales trips. The current program supports eligible projects through September 29, 2026, as long as funding remains available.
To qualify, your business must be a South Dakota company that meets the SBA’s definition of an eligible small business. You must also have profitable U.S. operations and a product or service for export containing at least 51% U.S. content. The business must be in good standing with the South Dakota Department of Revenue and the IRS.
This is a reimbursement program, so you should understand the eligible expenses and process before spending money. Approved businesses submit receipts and other documentation after the activity is completed.
- How to apply: Complete the STEP application through South Dakota Trade and submit it by email or mail. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while funding is available.
2. USDA Value-Added Producer Grant
Funding: Up to $50,000 for planning and up to $200,000 for working capital
Focus: Agriculture, food products, processing, and new markets
Who it’s for: Eligible agricultural producers and producer-owned businesses
South Dakota has a strong agricultural economy, so women who run farms, ranches, or agriculture-related businesses should also look at federal programs available in the state.
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) helps agricultural producers turn raw commodities into higher-value products. Funding can support planning activities such as feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing plans, as well as working capital for activities including processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries.
Planning grants can provide up to $50,000, while working capital grants can provide up to $200,000. The program requires a 1:1 match, meaning the applicant must provide an equal amount of matching funds through eligible cash or in-kind contributions.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based businesses. The producer must own and produce more than 50% of the raw commodity used in the value-added product.
The FY2026 application period has already passed, but VAPG is an ongoing federal program, so it is worth keeping on your funding calendar and watching for the next application cycle.
How to apply: Submit applications through the USDA Grant Application Portal. You will also need an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
3. Tech2Launch
Funding: Up to $5,000 in business services
Focus: Technology-based businesses and commercialization
Who it’s for: Eligible University of South Dakota technology entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs connected to the University of South Dakota who are developing technology may have another option through Tech2Launch.
The program provides up to $5,000 per participant to cover approved business services, including accounting and bookkeeping, legal services, intellectual property support, marketing, branding, business insurance, and business planning. The assistance is provided on a reimbursement basis rather than as unrestricted cash.
Tech2Launch is designed for USD technology-based entrepreneurs, so it isn’t a general grant for every business in South Dakota. That narrow eligibility makes it especially important to check whether you qualify before applying.
- How to apply: Applications are submitted online through the University of South Dakota. There are no application or registration fees.
4. Governor’s Giant Vision Competition
Prize: Up to $20,000 for the open competition
Focus: Startups and early-stage businesses
The Governor’s Giant Vision Competition gives South Dakota residents the chance to compete for startup prize money and receive feedback from business leaders, investors, and other entrepreneurial professionals.
The open competition is for South Dakota residents with a new business idea or an existing business that has been operating for no more than three years and has annual sales of no more than $500,000. The first-place prize is $20,000, with additional prizes awarded through sixth place.
Applications are currently open for the 2027 competition, with a deadline of January 18, 2027. Finalists will present their business plans in person in Pierre in February 2027.
- How to apply: Complete the Giant Vision business competition application and prepare the required business plan and financial information.
National Grants South Dakota Women Can Apply For
If you are looking for business grants for women in South Dakota, consider adding these national funding programs to your list.
5. Amber Grant
Funding: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Women-owned businesses and startups
The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible national business grants for women because it accepts businesses at different stages.
WomensNet awards three $10,000 grants each month through its general, startup, and business category grants. The Startup Grant is specifically aimed at businesses still in the idea stage or those with less than $10,000 in gross sales. Winners of the monthly grants can also qualify for three $50,000 year-end awards.
One application puts an eligible applicant in consideration for the monthly grant categories. There is an application fee, so review the current requirements before submitting.
- How to apply: Complete the online application through WomensNet.
Read our Amber Grant guide for more information.
Related post: Amber Grant Application Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
6. Hey Helen Grant
Funding: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Women-owned, mission-driven businesses
The Hey Helen Grant provides $10,000 each month to women founders running for-profit businesses in the United States. The money is unrestricted, which means recipients can use it for business needs such as operations, marketing, hiring, technology, or growth.
The business must be at least 50% women-owned, legally registered in the United States, and have less than $1 million in annual revenue. Pre-revenue businesses are also welcome to apply.
Applications close on the last day of each month at 7 p.m. ET. A $15 administrative fee applies, and applications remain on file for 12 months, allowing eligible applicants to be considered for multiple monthly rounds.
- How to apply: Complete the online Hey Helen application through Visionaries.
7. HerRise MicroGrant
Funding: $1,000 monthly
Focus: Under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color
The HerRise MicroGrant gives $1,000 each month to women-owned businesses across the United States. It focuses on under-resourced women entrepreneurs and accepts businesses across a variety of industries, making it a great opportunity to explore if you are seeking business grants for black women.
Your business must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue. There is no stated minimum revenue requirement, which can make the grant relevant to some newer businesses as well.
A $15 nonrefundable administrative fee applies. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on the final day of each month to be considered for that month’s grant.
- How to apply: Submit the online HerRise application through HerSuiteSpot.
Related post: Business Grants for Women with No Revenue: Options to Consider in 2026
8. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
Funding: $10,000
Focus: Small business growth and digital skills
South Dakota women entrepreneurs can also look beyond women-specific programs. The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant is open to owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2026, Verizon and LISC will award $10,000 grants throughout the year. To unlock the grant application, you must register for the free Digital Ready platform and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events. Once you apply, your application remains eligible for monthly selections through the end of 2026.
Ten businesses are selected each month from June through December. Priority is given to businesses in under-resourced and low- to moderate-income communities, although qualifying businesses across the country can apply.
- How to apply: Create a free Digital Ready account, complete two eligible courses or events, and unlock the grant application.
How to Prepare for a Grant Application
- Once you find a grant that fits your business, give yourself time to prepare.
- Have a clear explanation of what your business does, who you serve, and what you want to achieve.
- Be specific about how you would use the money. A funder should be able to see exactly what the grant would help you accomplish.
- Gather any required documents before you start the application, especially financial records, registration documents, budgets, quotes, or business plans.
- And don’t forget to review your application before submitting it. Our grant application checklist can help you catch missing information.
Conclusion
There are several ways for women entrepreneurs in South Dakota to find business funding. Some opportunities, such as the South Dakota STEP Grant, are available because of what your business is doing. Others, such as the Amber Grant, are specifically designed for women-owned businesses.
The important thing is to search beyond a grant’s name. Start with your business stage, industry, location, and funding need. Then narrow your search to programs that actually match. That approach gives you a much better starting point than applying to every grant you come across.
Before applying, make sure you’re ready for funding and understand the program’s requirements. Our guide on how to know if you’re ready for funding can help you decide when it’s time to apply and when you may need a little more preparation.
