Women-owned businesses make up about 42% of all U.S. businesses, yet many still face challenges accessing financing to finance their operations. Business grants for women help meet essential entrepreneurial needs, such as equipment, staffing, product development, and more, without incurring debt.
But free funding opportunities are often highly competitive, so successful applications are not guaranteed. However, with adequate preparation and the right approach, there are grant programs and other valuable business resources worth exploring in 2026.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant, administered by Women’s Net, is one of the most well-known grant programs in the US, supporting women in various types of businesses, including early-stage startups.
The program awards three $10,000 grants every month: startup grants, category-specific grants, and general grants, plus three additional $50,000 Year-End Grants. The application process is straightforward; you’ll respond to a series of questions, including the purpose of your business and how you’ll use the funds if you succeed.
To apply, visit the official Women’s Net website, find the grant application page, and fill out the form.
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen is a marketplace where you can access many grant opportunities, typically made available through online fundraising. You’ll also have access to additional resources, including coaching and connections with other businesses or investors.
Each funding opportunity comes with different eligibility requirements and award amounts, but typically ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, and may include a grand prize of $100,000, usually for equity investment.
To get started, visit the IFundWomen website and locate the “apply for grants” section. Review active grant listings, select those you qualify for, and that meet your business needs. Follow the instructions for each grant and submit by the deadline.
Tip: Don’t forget to check this platform regularly, as grant opportunities rotate and some are only available for short periods.
Also Read: 11 Best Business Grants for Women in Alabama
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant (Founders First CDC)
If you are a mom who owns a business and is looking for funding to meet your practical entrepreneurial needs, consider the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant.
As its name suggests, this funding program is designed specifically for mother-led businesses in the US. Instead of offering a single large award, it provides multiple small-grant opportunities, usually $1,000, accessible to a broader range of applicants.
These microgrants can help with operations, equipment, or staffing. So, while it isn’t substantial funding, the Kitty Fund is one of the top business grants for women and can make a difference in your business. It’s essential to be informed about the opening date and have all your materials ready.
To apply, visit the Founders First CDC website and go to the Grants section. Select National Grants and then Kitty Fund. Review the Kitty Fund eligibility requirements and complete the application form.
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
The Women Founders Network hosts a Fast Pitch competition, inviting female entrepreneurs to apply and receive various awards, including cash prizes of $55,000, pitch coaching, mentorship, and capital.
Like any grant program, you’re required to submit details about your business, clearly explaining its purpose and how funding will benefit its growth. Once selected as a finalist, you pitch to the judges.
The program is also an excellent resource for networking and enhancing your business visibility.
To apply, you can go to the Women Founders Network website, locate the Fast Pitch application page, and submit the information you need about your enterprise and pitch materials. Follow the timeline for finalist selection and pitch if chosen.
HerRise MicroGrant
HerRise Microgrant is one of the US financial assistance programs that supports women of color who struggle to secure funding for their businesses.
The program uses donations and sponsorships to make its $1000 monthly grants available. This won’t be anything you’d be awarded in a big national grant program. Still, it can help you meet the immediate business needs, such as licensing, supplies, equipment, and marketing. You’ll have to pay a $15 fee to apply for funding.
The microgrant program operates regularly. During the application process, you’ll need to demonstrate how the funding will contribute to your business growth.
Visit the HerSuiteSpot website and locate the HerRise MicroGrant page. Complete the application form, clearly explaining what your business is about and how funding will improve its operations.
Also Read: 12 Best Business Grants for Black Women
NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed) Growth Grants
NASE offers some of the best business grants for women. While not specifically for female entrepreneurs, Growth Grants provide funding support of up to $4,000 for small businesses and self-employed individuals, which women can also apply for.
The funding, which is available to NASE members, can be used to meet specific business needs, including staffing, marketing, and equipment.
Since it’s a membership-based grant program, it’s essential to ensure you are eligible and meet membership requirements. It’s suitable for microbusinesses seeking small, yet practical funding.
To apply, become a NASE member and log in to your member account. Locate the Growth Grant section and review requirements. Apply with a clear explanation of how you’ll use the funds in your business.
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is dedicated to supporting female founders by providing access to tools that help them scale and succeed.
It’s better known as a fellowship program, providing year-long opportunities for education, business growth, and access to a supportive community; however, it also qualifies as a grant program worth considering in 2026, offering a $5,000 grant for business education. It also provides low-interest loans, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
To get started, you can visit the Tory Burch Foundation website and find the Fellows Program page. Review eligibility requirements and the current application timeline. Complete the online application and submit it before the deadline.
- Apart from the $5,000 grant, you can also participate in a pitch competition for a chance to win $100,000 grant investment.
Cartier Women’s Initiative (U.S. Applicants Eligible)
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is committed to supporting women-impact entrepreneurs, and US-based founders are also eligible to apply.
The organization only funds businesses focused on creating positive, sustainable social and/or environmental impact. The winner receives $100,000, while the second-place awardee and the third-place awardee get $60,000 and $30,000, respectively.
Apart from funding support, Cartier’s Women offers opportunities for networking, visibility, and coaching.
Eligibility requirements are specific, and successful applications require a clear explanation of what their business is about and how it’s creating sustainable social and environmental impact.
To apply, visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative website and review eligibility rules. Prepare the required documents, including business details, impact metrics, and a plan for using funds.
FedEx Small Business Grants Contest
FedEx’s contest offers one top business grants for women entrepreneurs. However, since the funding program is highly promoted, it attracts a large number of applicants, making it highly competitive.
The amount awarded typically varies from year to year, and you are required to submit your business story. You’ll also need to explain how this financing opportunity would help your business, and depending on the nature of the contest, you may participate in public voting.
If your brand has a compelling story and clear objectives, this may be a worthwhile opportunity to explore for funding. You can win up to $50,000 in the contest.
To get started, visit the FedEx small business grant contest website when applications open. Follow the instructions to submit your business details and story. Complete the required steps.
Hello Alice Small Business Grants
Hello Alice brands itself as the #1 resource for small business grants. And whether you are just starting or need help expanding, the platform hosts and lists a range of grant opportunities that could support founders, including those from female-owned businesses in the US.
These grants, which range from $5,000 to $25,000 and come from various sources, including corporate sponsors, are available year-round.
Each grant listing comes with its own eligibility rules, award amount, and deadline. Just like IFundWomen, some of these grants open and close quickly. Hence, it’s helpful to regularly visit the website and submit an application as soon as opportunities become available.
To apply for grants, create an account on Hello Alice and complete your business profile. Browse active grant opportunities, confirm eligibility, and submit the application materials required for each grant before the deadline.
Boundless Futures Foundation’s Grants
Bondless Futures Foundation is committed to empowering women founders through grants that finance early-stage businesses and like-minded nonprofits. The organization focuses on entrepreneurs whose businesses are centered around creating social impact.
Boundless Futures Foundation runs two grant programs: EmpowHer Grants, which award up to $50,000 to impact-focused, female-owned enterprises, and Her Village Grants, which fund nonprofits that support women business owners through a range of services, from education to financing and mentorship.
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant program supports women entrepreneurs with $1,000 monthly funding, which winners can use to finance any aspect of the business. In addition to the monthly microgrant, the program provides members with access to an online wealth-mindset coaching group and other business support services. You must be 18+ years old and have a US-based enterprise to qualify for funding.
Galaxy Grant for Growth
Galaxy Grant offers various grants for women-owned businesses. The Grant for Growth awards over $25,000 and also comes with essential business services meant to support your business growth, offering you everything you need to thrive. E
ven if you don’t win the grant, the full access to the program’s Hidden Star Master Class and the Free Entrepreneurial E-Book, valued at $99 and $33, respectively, are valuable resources that’ll propel your enterprise. So, as long as you are a member, there’s no way you are losing. Visit their website for more information.
Hay Helen Grant
Privately funded by Visionaries, Hey Helen is one of the best free business grants for women to consider in 2026. It awards $10,000 to women founders with impactful, mission-driven ventures. In addition to the funding, winners enjoy a feature on Visionaries platforms and optional press and visibility opportunities.
Whether you want to improve your operations, hire staff, enhance infrastructure, or market your products/services, the Hey Helen Grant can propel your business forward. To qualify, your business must be US-based and make below $1 million annually.
To apply, you’ll fill out an entry form, where you’ll respond to a few questions about your business and three additional questions that require long-form answers. The current application cycle will end on April 30, 2025.
Women Founders Grant
Through the Women Founders Grant program, female founders can have access to a monthly funding of $5,000, which is awarded on a rolling basis. Additionally, winners enjoy mentorship services to further support them in their ventures.
To apply, you are required to respond to explain how you are translating your passion into a business and how the financial assistance will help you reach your goals. Application deadlines are posted on the grant program’s website.
Grants.gov (Federal Grants Portal)
Grants.gov is the official U.S. government portal to source federal grants for women-owned businesses. While they aren’t specifically designed for female founders, you can qualify as long as the program’s purpose and your business structure align.
It’s worth noting that many federal grants are project-based and may focus on research, training, education, community programs, or specialized industries. Also, you may need more time than expected to complete the application for some of the funding opportunities, which makes it essential to start early.
To get started, search Grants.gov for opportunities related to your industry and project type. Then register for required accounts and complete verification steps early. Follow the agency’s instructions and submit all required forms by the deadline.
State and Local Government Grants
Many counties, cities, and towns offer grant programs for small businesses, including specific opportunities for women entrepreneurs. In most cases, these grants, unlike national grants, aren’t widely promoted and are always geared toward achieving specific goals, such as job creation, neighborhood revitalization, and community impact.
Grants from economic development offices vary widely, from microgrants of $2,000-$10,000 to larger awards of $50,000-$100,000.
Eligibility requirements vary, with some opportunities only accessible to residents of specific locations. Since they are not widely advertised, they attract fewer applicants than national grant programs and are thus less competitive.
To apply, visit your state, county, or city economic development office website, search for “small business grants,” and confirm eligibility for your location and business type. Apply through the official government portal and submit the required documentation.
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.