In recent years, there has been a huge movement towards funding female entrepreneurs. While some opportunities have always existed, there are now more players in the game offering women, and women of color, more access to grants and capital than ever before.
Why is this? It’s because female entrepreneurship has grown thanks to access of information, networks off and online and funders want to bridge the gap to support women business owners in their pursuit of entrepreneurship. This leads to job creation, something that only continues to help the economy locally and nationally.
Also, funding female entrepreneurs meets the objectives of many organizations, including banks. The bonus for women is that grants are not loans. There is some paperwork and reporting to show how the money was used, but they otherwise do not need to be paid back.
Still, many women believe that grant money is out of reach for them. The old adage, “How do you know if you don’t try?” is one that women need to live by. There are opportunities out there just waiting for you and they are all over. The list below is not exhaustive. Look at your local community as well.
Local organizations, like a chamber of commerce, have a vested interest in seeing your success. Business centers and women’s business groups and programs can help you define the kind of capital you need to raise and often make direct introductions to help you access money – grants to lines of credit.
An Expert Tip
A recent tip that I heard from fellow entrepreneur friend who raised more than $350,000 off of grant programs - TRUE STORY - is to write your first grant and save it for use on other grants. While each grant has its own set of questions and requirements, you can ensure that your brand messaging and story remain consistent by simply copying and pasting that information.
Again, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it shows that there are a lot of funding opportunities for female startup founders and business owners. At first, $10,000 might not seem like much but the more of those you collect, the bigger the impact. This is exactly how my friend grew her business into a national brand.
What funding opportunities are out there for female entrepreneurs? This list is fairly thorough and shows the kinds of opportunities that you might not know about for you, your startup or small business, even your industry niche, of grants, loans, angels, and more.
1. Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Amber Grant
Description: Monthly $10,000 grant and a year-end $25,000 grant to a female entrepreneur.
Eligibility: Open to all women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada.
Website: Amber Grant
Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Description: Annual grants up to $200,000 to support women-owned businesses focused on social and environmental change.
Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Website: Eileen Fisher Grant
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
Description: Grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 for women-led businesses with impactful and sustainable solutions.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs worldwide.
Website: Cartier Women's Initiative
2. Loans and Financing Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Description: Loans up to $5 million for small businesses, including women-led businesses.
Eligibility: U.S. small businesses.
Website: SBA 7(a) Loans
Kiva
Description: Crowdfunding platform offering 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Kiva
3. Investment Funds and Angel Investors
Astia
Description: Global organization providing capital, mentorship, and networking to women-led startups.
Eligibility: High-growth businesses with at least one woman in a leadership role.
Website: Astia
Golden Seeds
Description: Angel investor network funding women-led businesses in various sectors.
Eligibility: U.S.-based women-led startups.
Website: Golden Seeds
4. Accelerators and Incubators
Women’s Startup Lab
Description: Accelerator offering mentorship, funding, and resources for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women-led startups globally.
Website: Women's Startup Lab
Springboard Enterprises
Description: Accelerator that connects women-led businesses with investors, advisors, and strategic partners.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: Springboard Enterprises
5. Corporate Programs and Competitions
Women Who Tech Startup Grants
Description: Grants up to $50,000 for women-led tech startups.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the tech industry worldwide.
Website: Women Who Tech
Visa Everywhere Initiative
Description: Global innovation program offering cash prizes and mentorship for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Startups solving payment and commerce challenges.
Website: Visa Everywhere Initiative
6. Non-Profit and Government Programs
iFundWomen
Description: Crowdfunding platform offering coaching, funding, and connections for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: IFundWomen
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Description: Grants up to $4,000 for small businesses, including women-led businesses.
Eligibility: U.S. small businesses that are NASE members.
Website: NASE Growth Grants
7. Industry-Specific Funding Opportunities
InnovateHER Challenge (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Description: Annual competition that awards grants to innovative products and services that impact and empower the lives of women and families.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: InnovateHER Challenge
Pipeline Angels
Description: Angel investing bootcamp and network funding women and non-binary femme social entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Early-stage startups led by women or non-binary femmes.
Website: Pipeline Angels
Comcast RISE
Description: Grants and marketing services to women and minority-owned small businesses.
Eligibility: Small businesses in the U.S. that are at least 51% owned by women or people of color.
Website: Comcast RISE
8. Regional and Local Programs
Texas Woman’s University Center for Women Entrepreneurs Grant Program
Description: Annual grants of up to $5,000 for women-owned businesses in Texas.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs based in Texas.
Website: TWU Center for Women Entrepreneurs
Chicago Foundation for Women
Description: Grants supporting women-led initiatives and businesses in the Chicago area.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs and organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Website: Chicago Foundation for Women
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Description: Fellowship providing women entrepreneurs with $5,000 for business education and access to a network of peers and mentors.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. with a majority stake in their business.
Website: Tory Burch Foundation
9. International Opportunities
SheEO
Description: A global community of women who support, finance, and celebrate women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women-led ventures focused on social impact.
Website: SheEO
UN Women – WE Empower UN SDG Challenge
Description: Global business competition for women entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility: Women-led businesses worldwide.
Website: WE Empower Challenge
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women – Mentoring Women in Business Programme
Description: Mentorship and support program connecting women entrepreneurs from developing and emerging economies with mentors worldwide.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging economies.
Website: Cherie Blair Foundation
10. Resources and Networks
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Description: Provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women business owners in the U.S.
Website: NAWBO
Lean In Circles
Description: Community and support network for women in business.
Eligibility: Open to women worldwide.
Website: Lean In
Ladies Who Launch
Description: Offers resources, grants, and support for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: Ladies Who Launch
11. Educational and Training Programs
SCORE for Women Entrepreneurs
Description: Offers free mentoring, workshops, and educational resources specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: SCORE
Women's Business Centers (WBCs)
Description: A network of nearly 100 educational centers throughout the U.S. providing training, counseling, and resources to women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: WBCs
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Description: Provides women entrepreneurs around the world with business and management education, mentoring, and networking.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
12. Technology and Innovation Funding
Women in Technology Venture Fund (BDC Capital)
Description: Investment fund focused on women-led technology businesses in Canada.
Eligibility: Canadian women-led tech startups.
Website: BDC Capital Women in Technology
Google for Startups Women Founders Fund
Description: Provides equity-free funding, Google Cloud credits, and mentorship to women-led startups.
Eligibility: Women-led startups globally.
Website: Google for Startups
13. Minority and Underrepresented Women Funding
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Description: Offers grants, loans, and resources specifically for minority-owned businesses, including those led by women.
Eligibility: Minority-owned businesses in the U.S.
Website: MBDA
Black Women Talk Tech
Description: A collective that supports black women tech founders through funding opportunities, networking, and mentorship.
Eligibility: Black women tech entrepreneurs.
Website: Black Women Talk Tech
Navajo Women's Entrepreneurship Program
Description: Provides grants and support to Navajo women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Navajo women entrepreneurs.
14. Green and Sustainable Business Funding
Conservation International Ventures
Description: Investment fund for women-led businesses with a focus on environmental conservation and sustainability.
Eligibility: Women-led businesses globally focused on conservation.
Website: Conservation International Ventures
Echoing Green Fellowship
Description: Fellowships for social entrepreneurs, including women, working on environmental and social impact projects.
Eligibility: Social entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Echoing Green
15. Creative and Arts Funding
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants
Description: Grants supporting women-led arts projects and organizations.
Eligibility: U.S.-based artists and arts organizations.
Website: NEA
The Awesome Foundation
Description: Monthly $1,000 grants for creative projects, including those led by women.
Eligibility: Open to individuals and groups globally.
Website: The Awesome Foundation
16. Health and Wellness Industry Funding
Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM²D Scholars Program
Description: Grants for women pursuing research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design.
Eligibility: Women researchers globally.
Website: Women in STEM²D
Springboard Health Innovation Hub
Description: Provides mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources for women-led health and wellness startups.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in health and wellness.
Website: Springboard Health
17. Agriculture and Rural Development Funding
Annie’s Grants for Gardens
Description: Grants supporting school gardens and community gardens led by women.
Eligibility: Women-led initiatives in the U.S.
Website: Annie’s Grants
Rural Women’s Business Fund (USDA)
Description: Loans and grants for women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Eligibility: Rural women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: USDA Rural Development
18. Financial and Business Services
Female Founders Fund
Description: Early-stage fund investing in women-led businesses in e-commerce, media, platforms, and financial services.
Eligibility: U.S.-based women entrepreneurs.
Website: Female Founders Fund
All Raise
Description: A nonprofit organization focused on diversity and inclusion, providing funding and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in the tech and venture capital industries.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in tech and venture capital.
Website: All Raise
19. Networking and Community Support
Ellevate Network
Description: Global community of professional women providing networking, events, and funding opportunities.
Eligibility: Professional women globally.
Website: Ellevate Network
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Description: Grants for women entrepreneurs in the creative fields, awarded biannually.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: Girlboss Foundation
20. Startup Competitions
PitchHer Competition
Description: Pitch competition specifically for women entrepreneurs, offering cash prizes and exposure.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: PitchHer Competition
TiE Women
Description: Global initiative providing mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities through pitch competitions for women-led startups.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: TiE Women
21. Tech and Innovation Hubs
The Female Foundry (SAP)
Description: Accelerator program providing mentorship, funding, and networking for women-led tech startups.
Eligibility: Women tech entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Female Foundry
Microsoft Women in Cloud Accelerator
Description: Cloud accelerator program offering support and funding for women-led cloud businesses.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Microsoft Women in Cloud
22. Social Impact and Nonprofit Funding
Global Fund for Women
Description: Provides grants to women-led organizations and initiatives promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
Eligibility: Women-led organizations globally.
Website: Global Fund for Women
Vital Voices GROW Fellowship
Description: Fellowship program offering training, mentorship, and funding to women leaders with a social impact focus.
Eligibility: Women leaders globally.
Website: Vital Voices GROW
23. Research and Academic Funding
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program
Description: Awards and fellowships for women researchers in the sciences.
Eligibility: Women researchers globally.
Website: For Women in Science
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships
Description: Fellowships and grants for women in academic research and education.
Eligibility: Women researchers in the U.S.
Website: AAUW Fellowships
24. Creative and Cultural Funding
National Geographic Society Grants
Description: Grants for women-led projects in research, conservation, education, and storytelling.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: National Geographic Society
Creative Capital Awards
Description: Grants for women artists working on innovative and impactful projects.
Eligibility: Women artists in the U.S.
Website: Creative Capital
26. Veteran Women Entrepreneurs
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
Description: Provides training, mentorship, and funding opportunities specifically for female veterans.
Eligibility: Female veterans in the U.S.
Website: V-WISE
StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
Description: Awards grants to veteran-owned businesses, including those led by women veterans.
Eligibility: Veteran-owned businesses in the U.S.
Website: StreetShares Foundation
27. Microfinance and Community Lending
Grameen America
Description: Provides microloans, training, and support to low-income women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Eligibility: Low-income women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: Grameen America
Accion Opportunity Fund
Description: Offers small business loans and financial education to women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: Accion Opportunity Fund
28. Global Women Entrepreneurship Programs
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
Description: Provides mentorship, business skills training, and access to networks for women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Website: Cherie Blair Foundation
Vital Voices Global Partnership
Description: Supports women leaders with training, mentorship, and grants to help them grow their businesses and create positive social impact.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Vital Voices
29. Sector-Specific Funding for Women
Food and Beverage: The James Beard Foundation Women's Leadership Program
Description: Offers grants, scholarships, and mentorship to women in the culinary industry.
Eligibility: Women in the food and beverage industry in the U.S.
Website: James Beard Foundation
Fashion: CFDA + Lexus Fashion Initiative*
Description: Grants and mentorship for women-led fashion businesses focused on sustainability.
Eligibility: Women fashion entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: CFDA + Lexus
Education: Teach For America’s Social Innovation Award
Description: Grants and support for women-led ventures in the education sector.
Eligibility: Women educators in the U.S.
Website: Teach For America
30. Women in Energy and Cleantech
Women in Cleantech & Sustainability (WCS)
Description: Provides funding, networking, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in the cleantech and sustainability sectors.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: WCS
Clean Energy Trust
Description: Offers grants, investment, and support for women-led startups in the clean energy sector.
Eligibility: Clean energy startups in the U.S. Midwest.
Website: Clean Energy Trust
31. Women in Media and Entertainment
Women in Film Finishing Fund
Description: Grants and support for women filmmakers to complete their film and media projects.
Eligibility: Women filmmakers globally.
Website: Women in Film
Gotham Documentary Feature Lab
Description: Provides mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities for women documentary filmmakers.
Eligibility: Women documentary filmmakers.
Website: Gotham Film & Media Institute
32. Support for Women in E-commerce
Shopify Women Entrepreneurs
Description: Provides resources, grants, and mentorship to women running e-commerce businesses on Shopify.
Eligibility: Women e-commerce entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Shopify Women Entrepreneurs
Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grant
Description: Grants and support for women-led startups and small businesses selling innovative products on Amazon.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Amazon Launchpad
33. Additional Resources
FEM-START
Description: A community and accelerator program for female founders offering networking, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs globally.
Website: FEM-START
SheEO Radical Generosity Fund
Description: A funding initiative where women entrepreneurs support other women-led ventures through interest-free loans and mentorship.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: SheEO
Enterprise Ireland - Female Entrepreneurship Unit
Description: Provides funding, mentorship, and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs in Ireland.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs based in Ireland.
Website: Enterprise Ireland
34. Awards and Recognition Programs
Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit
Description: An invitation-only summit that provides women leaders with the opportunity to network and gain recognition.
Eligibility: High-profile women leaders and entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Fortune MPW
Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program
Description: Annual competition and executive education program that identifies and supports high-potential women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada.
Website: EY Winning Women
35. Women in Finance and Fintech
Fintech Innovation Lab
Description: Accelerator program offering mentorship, funding, and networking for women-led fintech startups.
Eligibility: Women-led fintech startups globally.
Website: Fintech Innovation Lab
SheEO Finance Program
Description: Provides financial support and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in the finance and fintech sectors.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: SheEO Finance
36. Arts and Culture Specific Funding
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grants
Description: Provides grants for women-led projects in the humanities, including research, education, and public programs.
Eligibility: U.S.-based humanities projects.
Website: NEH Grants
The Awesome Foundation for Arts and Sciences
Description: Monthly $1,000 grants to women-led projects in the arts and sciences.
Eligibility: Open to women globally.
Website: The Awesome Foundation
37. Advocacy and Policy Programs
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Description: Certification and support for women-owned businesses, providing access to large corporations and government contracts.
Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Website: WBENC
National Women's Business Council (NWBC)
Description: An advisory council to the President, Congress, and the SBA on economic issues of importance to women business owners.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: NWBC
38. Sector-Specific Awards
Women in Agribusiness Summit
Description: Annual summit offering recognition, networking, and funding opportunities for women in the agribusiness sector.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in agribusiness globally.
Website: Women in Agribusiness
Women in Construction Awards
Description: Awards program recognizing the achievements of women in the construction industry.
Eligibility: Women in the construction industry globally.
Website: Women in Construction
39. Innovation and Technology Funding
Intel Capital Diversity Initiative
Description: Investment initiative focused on women and underrepresented minority entrepreneurs in technology.
Eligibility: Women and minority entrepreneurs globally.
Website: Intel Capital
SAP.iO No Boundaries Initiative
Description: Accelerator providing funding and support for women and minority entrepreneurs in the tech industry.
Eligibility: Women and minority entrepreneurs globally.
Website: SAP.iO No Boundaries
40. Media and Communications Funding
Women Make Movies Production Assistance Program
Description: Provides fiscal sponsorship and funding for women filmmakers.
Eligibility: Women filmmakers globally.
Website: Women Make Movies
CineReach Grants
Description: Grants for women-led independent film projects focusing on innovative storytelling.
Eligibility: Women filmmakers globally.
Website: CineReach
41. Advocacy and Community Building
Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
Description: Provides programs and services to support women entrepreneurs, including funding, mentorship, and advocacy.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Website: WBDC
NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development
Description: Offers educational programs, resources, and support for women business owners.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs globally.
Website: NAWBO Institute
42. International Development Funding
Women’s World Banking
Description: Provides financial products and services to women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Website: Women’s World Banking
The Asia Foundation – Lotus Circle
Description: Provides funding and support for women entrepreneurs in Asia.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Asia.
Website: The Asia Foundation
43. Creative Writing and Publishing
PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship
Description: Provides mentorship, funding, and support for emerging women writers.
Eligibility: Emerging women writers in the U.S.
Website: PEN America
Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) Pannell Award
Description: Recognizes bookstores and organizations that enhance children’s literacy and promote women writers.
Eligibility: Bookstores and organizations in the U.S.
Website: WNBA Pannell Award
44. Women in STEM
Women in STEM Entrepreneurship (WISE) Program
Description: Offers funding, mentorship, and networking for women entrepreneurs in STEM fields.
Eligibility: Women in STEM globally.
Website: WISE Program
National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE Program
Description: Provides funding to increase the participation of women in STEM fields.
Eligibility: Women in STEM in the U.S.
Website: NSF ADVANCE
The bottom line when it comes to being an entrepreneur, especially a female entrepreneur, is that there are untapped resources for you and your business. It may take some work and dedication, but finding and securing funding for your business can be the one thing that takes your business to the next level. Not to mention the network you can build around you for support, mentoring, learning and growth.
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