Small Business Grants for Women: Your Complete Guide to Free Funding in 2026

Women now own more than 14 million businesses in the United States, yet access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. While women-owned businesses generate over $2.7 trillion in revenue annually, female founders receive only about 2% of venture capital funding. The good news? Grants offer a compelling alternative—free money that doesn't require giving up equity or taking on debt.

From federal programs to private foundations, billions of dollars in grant funding are available specifically for women entrepreneurs. The challenge isn't finding grants—it's knowing where to look, understanding eligibility requirements, and submitting applications that stand out.

This guide covers everything you need to know about grants for women-owned businesses in 2026, including specific programs, eligibility criteria, application strategies, and the certifications that can unlock even more opportunities.

Why Grants Matter for Women Entrepreneurs

Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid. Unlike venture capital, grants don't require giving up ownership. For women entrepreneurs facing funding gaps, grants can provide the capital needed to launch, grow, or pivot a business without the financial burden of debt or the dilution of equity.

Grant funding can be used for various business purposes:

• Startup costs and initial inventory
• Equipment and technology purchases
• Marketing and business development
• Research and product development
• Hiring and expansion
• Training and professional development

The key is understanding that grant money isn't free in the sense that it requires no effort—successful grant applications demand preparation, documentation, and often a track record of business activity.

Federal Grant Programs for Women

Grants.gov: Your Starting Point

Grants.gov serves as the central database for federal grants, hosting over 2,300 active opportunities at any given time. While these grants aren't exclusively for women-owned businesses, many support industries and initiatives where women entrepreneurs excel.

To access federal grants, you'll need:

• A D-U-N-S Number (free from Dun & Bradstreet)
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration
• An Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Important note: The SBA does not directly give grants to start or expand businesses. Instead, it provides grants to organizations that support entrepreneurs through training, counseling, and technical assistance.

SBIR and STTR Programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer competitive grants for businesses conducting research and development with commercial potential.

SBIR Funding Levels:

• Phase I: Up to $150,000 for feasibility studies
• Phase II: Up to $1 million over two years for R&D
• Phase III: Commercialization phase (non-grant funding)

Eligibility Requirements:

• For-profit business with 500 or fewer employees
• More than 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Principal researcher must be employed by the company

Eleven federal agencies participate in these programs, including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Health and Human Services.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

STEP grants help small businesses enter international markets by funding:

• International trade show participation
• Foreign market entry studies
• Export training programs
• Trade mission travel

These grants flow through state and territorial governments, so check with your state's economic development office for specific opportunities and deadlines.

Women's Business Centers

The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership oversees more than 140 Women's Business Centers (WBCs) nationwide. While these centers don't provide grants directly, they offer free counseling, training, and assistance with grant applications.

Businesses that work with WBCs show significantly higher success rates than those without similar support. Find your nearest center at sba.gov to access:

• Business plan development assistance
• Financial management training
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Federal contracting guidance

Private Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

Private foundations and corporations offer numerous grant opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses. Here are some of the most accessible programs:

Amber Grant

Founded in 1998 to honor Amber Wigdahl, this program has awarded over $1 million to women entrepreneurs.

Award Amount: $10,000 monthly grants (three winners per month), plus $25,000 annual award and $50,000 year-end prizes

Eligibility:

• At least 50% women-owned business
• Applicant must be 18 or older
• Business operates in the United States or Canada

Application Fee: $15

Application Tip: "Speak from the heart," advises WomensNet. Past winners are women who shared authentically rather than trying to sound corporate. One application automatically considers you for all eligible Amber Grant categories.

Cartier Women's Initiative

This prestigious international program supports women entrepreneurs making a positive social impact.

Award Amounts:

• First place: $100,000
• Second place: $60,000
• Third place: $30,000

All winners access the Cartier Women Initiative Loan Fund (up to $200,000) and participate in a fellowship program with personalized training.

Eligibility:

• For-profit, women-owned business
• Operating for 1-6 years
• Generated revenue for at least one year

Applications for the 2026 cycle are typically accepted in the spring—check their website for exact dates.

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation selects 50 women entrepreneurs annually for its Fellows program.

Benefits:

• $5,000 grant
• Week-long workshop in New York City
• Year-long fellowship with mentorship and resources
• Access to the Foundation's network of successful entrepreneurs

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

IFundWomen operates as a grant marketplace, connecting women entrepreneurs with funding from corporate partners like Visa, Unilever, and American Express.

How It Works:

1. Complete one Universal Grant Application
2. When corporate partners add grants, your application is automatically matched
3. If your business fits the criteria, you receive an invitation to apply

This platform streamlines the process by eliminating the need to complete separate applications for each grant opportunity.

Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant

Award Amount: $5,000

Eligibility:

• Currently operating a business
• Subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter

Halstead Grant (Jewelry Industry)

Award Amount: $7,500 startup grant plus $1,000 Halstead gift card

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs in the silver jewelry industry

Application Requirements: Answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio

Regional and Industry-Specific Grants

Chicago Foundation for Women: $15,000-$150,000 for organizations promoting economic security, violence prevention, and health access

Boston Women's Fund: $10,000-$50,000 for grassroots social justice initiatives

Eileen Fisher Environmental Justice Grant: $10,000-$40,000 (check website for current status)

WOSB Certification: Unlocking Federal Contracts

While not a grant program, the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program opens access to billions in government contracts set aside specifically for women-owned businesses.

WOSB Requirements

To qualify for WOSB certification:

• Small business by SBA size standards
• At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizen women
• Women must manage day-to-day operations
• Women must make long-term business decisions
• Good standing on all federal financial obligations

EDWOSB Additional Requirements

Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification provides access to additional set-aside contracts:

• Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding retirement accounts)
• Adjusted gross income under $400,000 (averaged over three years)
• Meets all standard WOSB requirements

Certification Process

1. Apply through MySBA Certifications (free)
2. Or use an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier
3. Submit required documentation proving ownership and control
4. Annual attestation required to maintain certification
5. Full program examination every three years

2026 Update: SBA has granted a one-year extension for firms whose three-year certification renewal dates fall between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2026.

The Numbers

The federal government aims to award 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. In fiscal year 2024, WOSBs received $26.64 billion in federal contracts—representing 3.44% of total federal spending.

How to Write a Winning Grant Application

Before You Apply

Research the grantor thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and what they've funded previously. Look up past winners to identify patterns in successful applications.

Verify your eligibility. Don't waste time on applications where you don't meet basic requirements. Pay attention to:

• Business ownership percentage
• Time in operation
• Revenue thresholds
• Industry restrictions
• Geographic limitations

Gather your documentation. Most grants require:

• Business plan
• Financial statements
• Tax returns
• Articles of incorporation
• EIN verification
• Proof of women ownership

Writing Your Application

Tell your story authentically. The most successful grant applications convey passion and purpose. Explain not just what your business does, but why it matters.

Be specific about fund usage. Grantors want to know exactly how their money will be used and what outcomes to expect. Vague responses like "for business growth" won't cut it.

Demonstrate impact. Whether it's jobs created, communities served, or problems solved, quantify the difference your business makes.

Follow instructions precisely. Incomplete applications or those that don't follow guidelines are often disqualified regardless of merit.

After Submitting

Track your applications. Keep records of what you applied for, when, and any follow-up deadlines.

Don't give up after rejection. Many successful grant recipients faced multiple rejections before winning. Use feedback to improve future applications.

Apply for multiple grants. Diversify your applications across federal, state, and private programs to increase your chances of success.

Common Grant Application Mistakes

Applying to mismatched grants. A tech startup shouldn't apply for agricultural grants just because money is available. Focus on programs aligned with your industry and stage.

Missing deadlines. Grant deadlines are typically firm. Set calendar reminders well in advance.

Underestimating preparation time. Quality applications take weeks, not hours. Start early.

Ignoring smaller grants. Local and regional grants often have less competition than national programs. A $5,000 local grant might be easier to win than a $100,000 national one.

Failing to track expenses. Many grants require detailed reporting on how funds were used. Establish tracking systems before receiving any grant money.

Beyond Grants: Additional Resources

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

Free consulting and low-cost training available at over 1,000 locations nationwide. SBDCs can help with:

• Business plan development
• Financial projections
• Market research
• Grant application review

SCORE Mentorship

SCORE provides free mentoring from experienced business professionals. Many mentors have successfully navigated grant applications and can provide guidance specific to your situation.

State and Local Programs

Many states offer grants, tax incentives, and other support for women-owned businesses beyond federal programs. Contact your state's economic development office or women's business center for local opportunities.

Track Your Finances from Day One

Whether you're applying for your first grant or your fifteenth, one thing remains constant: grantors want to see organized financial records. Strong bookkeeping demonstrates business maturity and makes reporting on grant usage straightforward.

Beancount.io provides plain-text accounting that gives you complete transparency over your financial data—essential when documenting grant expenditures or preparing financial statements for applications. With version-controlled records and AI-ready data formats, you'll have the documentation you need when opportunity knocks. Get started for free and build the financial foundation your business deserves.