10 Grants for Women-Led Businesses!

Let’s talk about women-led businesses. Did you know there are over 13 million female-led businesses in the U.S.? That accounts for 42% of all businesses in the country! Together, they generate over $3.9 trillion in annual revenue. And the number of women-led businesses continues to grow each day!

Now, let’s focus on grants for women-led businesses. Women entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital are looking for funding to launch and grow their businesses. As a result, many turn to platforms like GrantWatch to find the right grant opportunities. Thankfully, as the number of female entrepreneurs rises, so do the funding options. These grants are specifically for women-led small businesses or are starting new ventures, and they can be used for anything from developing a product to purchasing a building for a physical location.

Why Do Women-Led Businesses Need Grants?

You may have come up with an innovative, community-focused business idea—great! But that’s just the first step. Your idea might be transformative, but it won’t come to life without proper financial support. A lack of capital can quickly lead to the failure of any new business. It can also prevent a more established business from growing. Studies show that women entrepreneurs often struggle to qualify for traditional small business loans, and if they do qualify, they typically receive 31% less funding than their male counterparts.

Because of these challenges, women are turning to grants to launch and grow their businesses. It’s a wise decision since grants don’t need to be repaid. They also offer a valuable option for women who face difficulties qualifying for conventional funding. In fact, grant funding can sometimes be the only way for individuals to achieve the success they’re striving for.

Brants for Women-Led Businesses

1. Grants and In-Kind Support for Organizational Development: Up to $500 and in-kind support to women entrepreneurs to enhance business development. Funding supports improvement, expansion, and strengthening of businesses that impact families, girls, and women.
2. Engineering Education: Grants to nonprofits for engineering education. Funding is for programs that bring more women into the engineering profession.
3. Internet Commerce Development: Grants to women and minority-owned small businesses to develop their marketing reach through internet commerce projects. This program helps local businesses grow jobs and revenue through the enhancement or creation of e-Commerce Sites.
4. Advance Diversity in Entrepreneurship: Funding for nonprofit organizations to advance diversity in the fields of entrepreneurship and investments. Funding supports programs that benefit women and minority and under-represented communities.
5. Leadership Development Program: Opportunity for underrepresented women business founders to participate in a leadership development program so they can have a positive impact on their communities.
6. Development for Female Entrepreneurs: Grants up to $30,000 to nonprofits to support business growth and development for female entrepreneurs. Focus areas include capacity building, advancing ecosystems, strengthening resources, and providing educational opportunities for women and girls.
7. Business Start-Up Support: $2,000 to women for assistance in starting a new business. Funding prioritizes women starting businesses but also supports existing ones.
8. Mentorship Program: Opportunity for small businesses to participate in a mentorship program. The purpose is to help small businesses increase capacity, acquire development assistance, and compete for government contracts.
9. Support Businesses and Projects: Grant to women of Caribbean and African descent to support nonprofits, businesses, and projects.
10. Business Growth and Development: Grants and in-kind support to female entrepreneurs support women-led businesses that focus on social impact and societal benefit.

The Bottom Line

Women-led businesses are a powerful force in the U.S. economy, but accessing funding remains a significant challenge. Grants provide a lifeline that empowers women entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. With GrantWatch by their side, women find the support they need to thrive and continue driving innovation and economic impact.

About GrantWatch

With over 8,400 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.