Securing funding is one of the most common challenges women entrepreneurs face when starting or growing a business. While loans and investments are options, grants are invaluable because they don’t have to be repaid, which allows you to retain cash flow for your operations. This is especially important for women founders who find it difficult to access traditional funding. Small business grants for women in New York are available across local, state, and national programs that female founders can pursue.
Discover the best free funding opportunities in New York, including their basic eligibility criteria, how much they award, and how to apply.
Global NY Fund Grant Program
This New York State funding program offers small and medium-sized businesses grants and loans to help them expand into international markets. Eligible companies can receive reimbursable grants of up to $25,000 for activities like export marketing and trade show participation. To qualify, your business must be based in NYS and have a product or service ready for international promotion.
If you run a non-profit that helps entrepreneurs access the global market, you can qualify for up to $100,000. The program reimburses up to 50% of project costs for businesses and up to 75% for non-profits.
You must be located in New York State, have 500 or fewer employees, be in exports or interested in starting to export, and either be a certified local producer or have 51% of your finished product value or service originating from within the state.
You are required to apply electronically and send it to globalny@esd.ny.gov. Don’t forget to include supporting documentation. Find out more on the grant program’s page.
Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
STEP, offered in partnership with Empire State Development (ESD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), reimburses eligible New York businesses for export promotion costs, typically up to $10,000. These funds can cover export training, marketing materials, trade show fees, and travel related to global sales efforts.
The goal is to increase the number of small enterprises in the global market and enhance export value for those already in exports. Requirements include being in business for at least a year and meeting SBA small business size standards. Awards are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
To apply, complete the electronic application. Ensure you set aside about 45 minutes to complete the application because it can only be done in one session. Visit the program’s page to learn more.
Also Read: Top 9 Business Grants for Women in NYC: Free Funding for 2026
Market New York Tourism Grant
Offered by Empire State Development, this is one of the best small business grants for women in New York. The program promotes destinations, attractions, and special events to boost tourism and bring vacationers to the Empire State. In this regard, it focuses on supporting tourism-related marketing projects, festivals, expos, conventions, and conferences, and grant applicants may request a minimum of $50,000.
If your venture is travel-focused, whether it’s tours, lodging, or cultural experiences, this is one of the free grants for small businesses you can opt for. You can use these funds for campaigns, promotions, and partnerships that highlight regional attractions.
To be eligible, your business must be certified in the state. Not-for-profits can apply, but must provide proof of incorporation from the NYC Department of State or NYS Board of Regents.
To apply for funding through the Market New York Tourism grant, submit your project proposals through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Visit the program’s page to find out more about the program.
Rochester Area Small Business Funding Programs
If you live in the City of Rochester, you may be eligible for a range of financial support programs, including loans, business grants, and tax incentives to help you start or expand an existing enterprise. Whether you need support with capital purchases, expansion projects, or advertising, there are local programs that suit your needs. Visit the Rochester Area Economic Development website to learn more.
Troy Community Business Investment Grant
The City of Troy’s Community Business Investment Grant program awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to support property and commercial space enhancements in the city. This also includes the historic preservation of vacant and underutilized properties.
Businesses are looking for ways to fund other capital improvement projects, such as meeting shifting customer needs, enhancing operational efficiency, and acquiring fixed machinery/technology.
Individual, for-profit, and not-for-profit owners are all eligible to apply, as long as they are current on all taxes.
To get started, you are required to take an eligibility questionnaire, which a staff member will review and send you the application link via email. Visit the Community Business Investment Grant program’s page to learn more.
New York State Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program
You won’t get free small business grants for women in New York through the MWBE program, but certification through New York State unlocks preferential access to set-aside contracts, financial incentives, and supplier development programs that often act like funding by creating revenue opportunities.
To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements, such as the business being at least 51% woman- or minority-owned, having no more than $15 million in personal net worth, and having 300 or fewer employees.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is among the most well-known business grants for women, and founders in New York State are eligible to apply, provided they meet the qualifications. The program awards three $10,000 monthly and three $50,000 year-end grants, covering a range of businesses, including startups.
The application is straightforward, requiring a description of your business and how financial support will lead to its growth. You can use these funds for a range of purposes, including general business growth, marketing, equipment, and more.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
NASE Growth Grants provide up to $4,000 free grants for women entrepreneurs in New York. The funds can be used for business development expenses such as marketing, hiring, training, or equipment. It’s an ideal option for female founders in their early growth stage.
To apply for the funding, you must be a member, log in, and click the ‘get started’ link. Both monthly and silver members are required to have at least 90 days of membership to be considered for the Growth Grants.
Enthuse Foundation
Through Enthuse Foundation, you access business grants for women in New York. The foundation is committed to supporting female founders with critical business needs through a series of grants. In 2025, the grant program awarded $37,000 to eight women business owners.
Eligibility requirements include the business being your full-time job, explaining the use of funds, and not having received any financial support from the Enthuse Foundation before.
In addition to grants, the foundation runs a Pitch Competition, which gives participants a chance to win cash and prizes.
Also Read: 11 Grant Proposal Mistakes No One Warns You About (& What to Do Instead)
HerRise MicroGrant
Another national opportunity that benefits women across the U.S., including New York State, is the HerRise MicroGrant. These monthly $1,000 microgrants are aimed at women of color and underserved business owners.
To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned by a woman of color with annual revenue under $1 million. These awards are often easier to apply for and ideal for smaller capital needs.
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant
The YippityDoo Big Idea Grant offers a $1,000 monthly award to women entrepreneurs in the U.S., including those looking for free funding in New York State. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either running a business or planning to start one.
In addition to the cash award, winners receive a one-year membership to a business mindset and development community, which includes coaching and resources to help grow your business. There is typically a small application fee.
Faire Small Business Grant
For women retail entrepreneurs, the Faire Small Business Grant provides $5,000 to new or early-stage retail businesses, including pop-ups, boutiques, and online shops. Applicants should have launched recently or plan to open soon and be prepared to demonstrate how the funds will support inventory, merchandising, or marketing. Winners are often announced at the beginning of the year, and the application process includes a brief form outlining your retail concept and growth plans.
There are a good number of small business grants for women in New York, from monthly micro‑grants that offer quick support to larger programs that support export growth, trade expansion, and business resilience.
The best approach is to build a grant calendar, start with the easiest eligibility opportunities, and steadily work toward larger, more competitive grants over time. If you are stuck somewhere, read our guides on how to find business grants for women and how to write a small business grant proposal for women entrepreneurs.
With consistency, clarity, and the right strategy, these funding opportunities can help power your business growth, without giving up equity or taking on debt.
Next Read: 12 Best Business Grants for Black Women
