At nearly 1.5 million, California’s women-owned businesses make up 40% of all companies in the state. The Golden State offers numerous financial assistance programs, including grants that can help you grow and expand your startup. These funds are available through state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national programs, but they can be competitive. If you are up for the challenge, here are the top 10 California Business Grants for women you can apply for in 2026.
Note: This list isn’t exclusive to free grants in California; it includes valuable resources that can also support your business’s growth.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is a national grant program for women-owned enterprises. It awards successful applicants monthly and considers a wide range of businesses, including startups and well-established nonprofits. Amber grant requirements include an explanation of the company’s operations and how the grant funds will support its growth. It’s one of the most popular business grants for women, as it runs year-round and offers multiple opportunities to win.
To apply, visit the website and review Amber Grant eligibility requirements. Complete the online form, clearly explaining your business purpose and why you need funding.
- Amber Grant offers three different $10,000 monthly awards: one for startups, one for businesses in specific categories, and the other is general. There is also a chance to win one of three $50,000 grants at the end of each year.
CalOSBA Grant and Technical Assistance Programs
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) helps small businesses through grant and technical support initiatives. While it may not always issue funds directly to founders, it finances local centers that can help you access various grants, prepare applications, and provide other forms of business assistance. Whether seeking state or local funding for your startup, your business can benefit from CalOSBA’s programs. Visit the CalOSBA website and explore current programs.
California Capital Access Program (CPCFA) for Small Businesses
The California Capital Access Program insures loans given to small businesses by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). This allows female founders to operate smoothly and thrive. It operates several co-programs, some of which provide California business grants, while others focus on reducing barriers to financing through partnerships with lenders. The programs primarily focus on creating employment opportunities, expansion, or community impact, and women can leverage them to grow their enterprises. Visit the California Capital Access Program website, review current programs and eligibility criteria, and apply through the official program portal or partner organization.
Women’s Business Centers
One great way to access small-business startup grants for women in California is through Women’s Business Centers. There are over 21 centers offering a range of services, including training, advising, and funding opportunities.
Many of these centers may not always finance your business directly. Still, their services are helpful, especially for first-time entrepreneurs who could use guidance on business plans, budgeting, and meeting eligibility requirements.
Whether you are starting a business, expanding, or need support with funding, California Women Business Centers have the right tools and resources to help you realize your goals. To get started, locate a Women’s Business Center in California and sign up for advising or workshops. You can also ask about current or upcoming grant opportunities.
Local City and County Small Business Grants
You can have access to free business grants for women in California through various Local city and county funding programs. These programs are often run through economic development offices and may focus on specific goals such as job creation, neighborhood revitalization, or support for underserved communities. Check your local government websites regularly, as these grant programs often have limited funding and short application windows.
To apply, visit your city or county economic development office website, search for “small business grants” or “business assistance. When you find a program that suits your business needs, apply through the official local government portal.
Black Founder Startup Grant by SoGal Foundation
The Black Founder Startup Grant is one of the free grants for women-owned businesses in California and, as its name suggests, focuses on supporting Black female entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses. The funding program, offered by SoGal Foundation, also provides support for education and long-term planning. The Black Founder Startup Grant program is an ideal option for women who own active California-based businesses with clear growth goals.
To apply, visit the SoGal Foundation website and locate the SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant. Review the eligibility requirements carefully, then submit the online application and required information.
- SoGal awards up to $10,000 Black Founder Startup Grant
Hello Alice Grant Programs
Hello Alice is a platform where women entrepreneurs can apply for California business grants, which are made available through sponsorships by corporations or nonprofit partners. The organization has supported over 1.5 million small business owners and awarded over $52 million in grants. Each grant listing has its own specific rules, deadlines, and award amounts, so it’s essential to regularly check the platform and apply for open funding programs promptly.
To secure funding for your business, create a business profile on Hello Alice. Browse active grant listings, confirm eligibility, and submit applications before posted deadlines.
Industry-Specific Business Incentives in California
California offers various incentives to start or expand businesses within specific industries:
- Energy and environment
- Agriculture/timber
- Food processing
- Transporation
- Film and television
- Energy/environment
- Biotech/Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Recycling
If you are working in any of these fields, you may qualify for funding or other valuable resources. Incentives offered in these fields are often geared towards supporting innovation, sustainability, or economic development.
A clear business plan and measurable outcomes are among the core requirements for these programs, which can provide significant support for growth and expansion.
- Incentives range from sales and use tax exclusion to small business grant funding
Nonprofit and Corporate Grants Supporting Women in California
Numerous nonprofit organizations and private companies offer business grant programs in California. Such funding opportunities may be targeted at specific locations and cater to enterprises in particular industries and at specific stages.
The amount awarded varies widely, but you can use the funds for a range of purposes, including purchasing office equipment, marketing, or acquiring professional services. Since these programs are only open for short periods, preparation is essential. You can search for such funding opportunities at grant portals such as the California Grants Portal and GrantWatch.
Next Read: Top 9 Business Grants for Women in NYC: Free Funding for 2026
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.