28 Grants for Female Entrepreneurs in Colorado
Despite progress in recent years, all-female founding teams continue to face barriers in accessing investment, often receiving less than 3% of total VC funding. However, venture capital isn’t the only path to success. A variety of grants, competitions, and alternative funding programs exist specifically to support women-owned businesses, providing non-dilutive capital that can help scale operations without the pressure of repayment or equity loss.
Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or pursuing an innovative project, these funding opportunities can be game changers. Below is a curated list of 28 grants and financial programs designed to empower women entrepreneurs in 2024, covering federal, private, and corporate initiatives across different industries and business stages.
The Big Idea Grant
The Big Idea Grant was created with a strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs who are ready to transform their dreams into flourishing businesses. From the very beginning, its mission has been to offer not only financial support but also mentorship and guidance, helping women unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.
Once selected, recipients immediately gain access to mentorship, financial assistance, and resources customized to their business needs. Each month, one woman is awarded $1,000 to invest in her business, along with exclusive membership in a wealth mindset coaching group designed to nurture her growth.
Designed by women, for women, the Big Idea Grant is dedicated to helping passionate women turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
Amber Grants
WomensNet provides three $10,000 Amber Grants every month to women-owned businesses, with one specifically for startups. At the end of the year, the monthly winners become eligible for one of three $25,000 annual grants. To apply, you’ll need to explain your business and how you intend to use the funds, along with a $15 application fee. Selection is based on passion and the story behind your business, and it’s open to businesses in the US and Canada, regardless of their operational age.
Enthuse Foundation Grants
This non-profit organization offers funding to women entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, or consumer goods industries. Last year, $60,000 was awarded to 24 women-led businesses. To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens, have an established full-time business, and provide detailed plans for how the funds will be used.
EmpowHer Grant
The Boundless Futures Foundation’s EmpowHer grant is designed for women creating positive change in society. Female entrepreneurs in the US who are 22 or older and running a business for less than three years can apply for up to $25,000 in funding. The application process requires a credit score, a background check, and business plans, and winners also gain access to valuable mentorship in areas like finance and leadership. The grants are reimbursed after submitting proof of expenses for business-related costs.
Galaxy Grant
The Hidden Star foundation’s Galaxy of Stars program is a growing network of minority and female entrepreneurs. By joining Galaxy Plus Membership, women can enter for a chance to win the $2,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway with a brief 30-second entry. Additionally, members have access to a wealth of resources, including updated grant opportunities, funding sources, and a network of over 500,000 entrepreneurs.
Private Small-Business Grants for Female Founders
IFundWomen and Visa’s She’s Next Grants
In collaboration with Visa, IFundWomen has created the She’s Next grant to support female entrepreneurs across several countries, including Chile, Poland, and Vietnam. Grants typically start at $5,000 and often come with additional professional coaching services to help business owners advance their ventures.
She’s Connected by AT&T
AT&T’s She’s Connected program offers grants of $50,000 to female small business owners, along with a year of AT&T service and a new device. To apply, you’ll need to share your business story for a chance to be featured on their platform.
Comcast RISE
The Comcast RISE initiative provides grants aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2024, the program will award 500 grants across five states, offering packages that include $5,000 monetary grants, business consultations, educational resources, and media services. Eligible businesses must be operational for at least three years, independently owned, and employ fewer than 100 people.
inDrive’s Aurora Tech Award
This competition advocates for women-led tech startups facing disparities based on location. The $85,000 prize fund is awarded to the top five winners, who also gain access to networking opportunities and professional insights. To apply, the startup must be woman-led, have a functional prototype, be under five years old, and meet investment limits.
Stacy’s Rise Project
In partnership with Hello Alice, Stacy’sPita Chips offers grants to women entrepreneurs in the US, specifically those in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. This program provides financial aid, marketing resources, and virtual mentorship. Eligible businesses must have annual sales between $25,000 and $1 million and should not currently be enrolled in an accelerator program.
Grants Encouraging Minority Entrepreneurs’ Success
The Tory Burch Foundation’s Women of Color Grant
In partnership with the Fearless Fund, this grant offers $10,000 to $20,000 to women of color-owned businesses. To qualify, businesses must be based in the US, at least 51% women of color-owned, and in operation for 1-5 years with annual revenue of at least $100,000. Winners also gain access to educational resources, community, and support to help their businesses grow.
Dream Makers Founder Grant
Launched by the Fifteen Percent Foundation in 2020 amidst the Black Lives Matter movement, the Dream Makers Founder Grant focuses on amplifying Black and BIPOC female entrepreneurs. This initiative, which is part of a $1 million grant fund, offers $25,000 annually to five business owners. To qualify, businesses must be part of the Pledge’s Business Equity Community, have annual revenues between $100K and $1 million, employ 2-10 people, and be US-based. The business must sell a consumer product, excluding beauty items, and have at least 51% female ownership.
SheaMoisture’s Grants with Purpose
SheaMoisture, a Black-founded and Black-led skincare company, combats racial inequality by awarding $1 million annually to Black-owned small businesses. Through its Brown Girl Jane Grant, it offers $10,000 to $25,000 to Black and woman-owned beauty or wellness businesses. Other programs, including the SheaMoisture Community Impact Grant, provide $10,000 to Black-owned businesses that have been operational for at least one year. Over $400,000 in grants have been awarded since 2020 to amplify Black female entrepreneurs.
Invest in Progress Grant
Partnered with Sage, the BOSS Network launched the BOSS Impact Fund as part of the $1.5 million “Invest in Progress” program, offering $10,000 grants to Black women entrepreneurs. This fund helps Black women-led businesses scale, especially in response to challenges from the pandemic. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, Black woman-owned, based in the US, and demonstrate a clear need for funding.
Microgrants Making a Difference
HerRise Microgrants
These microgrants provide $1,000 monthly to under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color. The grants help overcome funding challenges and grow businesses with a social impact. To qualify, businesses must be 51% women-owned, registered in the US, and demonstrate a financial need for covering expenses like equipment or marketing.
The Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship Grant offers a $500 monthly grant to small business owners, with a focus on women and minorities. Participants are assessed using the 5C Framework and receive feedback with actionable growth recommendations. In addition to monthly funding, there is eligibility for a $2,500 end-of-year grant and an invitation to share their story on the Freed Stories Podcast.
Federal, State, and Local Government Grants
WOSB Federal Contracting Program
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program, managed by the US government, allocates at least 5% of its contracting budget to female entrepreneurs each year. While specific grant amounts are not disclosed, the program provides access to capital, business training, counseling, and federal contracts.
US Chamber of Commerce CO—100
The CO—100 awards program from the US Chamber of Commerce highlights small businesses, including female-led ventures, across ten categories such as Digital Innovators and Customer Champions. One business receives a $25,000 prize, and ten finalists receive $2,000 each. All 100 businesses on the list are granted a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, offering valuable resources and advocacy.
Operation HOPE
Operation HOPE, through the US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, provides Financial Wellbeing Coaching to women entrepreneurs. Additionally, it offers the Helping Hands Fund, which helps businesses behind on rent by providing direct payments to landlords. The program also includes business coaching to assist aspiring and current small business owners with education, personalized guidance, and access to funding opportunities.
Pitch Days to Enhance Competitiveness and Showcase Exceptional Stories
Enthuse Foundation Annual Pitch Competition
The Enthuse Foundation’s Annual Pitch Competition highlights the resilience of female entrepreneurs, particularly those in the food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. This year’s event offers $15,000 in cash, 20 hours of business services, and access to valuable resources like social media packages, coaching, and a year of brand-building training. To apply, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, have annual sales of at least $10,000, and generate no more than $750,000 in revenue.
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
This competition supports female entrepreneurs across two categories: tech-enabled businesses and consumer goods. The first-place winner in each category receives a $25,000 cash grant, with an additional $5,000 grant from Junior Venture Capitalists. Finalists benefit from one-on-one pitch coaching, financial mentoring, and networking opportunities with investors. Additionally, finalists get access to professional services and a chance to pitch at UCLA for a share of $55,000 in grants. To participate, businesses should not have raised more than $750,000 in outside funding and must be based in the US.
Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program
Black Girl Ventures offers a platform for Black and brown women entrepreneurs in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City to pitch their business ideas and potentially win crowdfunded cash prizes between $5,000 and $15,000. Winners also gain access to the BGV Connect Incubator and a network of investors and fellow entrepreneurs. To qualify, businesses must be revenue-generating, in good standing, and located in the eligible city.
Incubators and Accelerators Leveling the Playing Field
Founders First CDC Accelerator
Since 2015, Founders First CDC has supported diverse small business owners, particularly in service-based B2B sectors, by offering accelerator models that provide unrestricted grants, coaching, and resources. The program empowers business owners to achieve financial growth, scale their businesses, and drive community impact.
Halo Incubator
Halo is a virtual incubator that aids early-stage women entrepreneurs in the US and Canada. The 8-week program includes pitch coaching, networking, and guidance from industry experts. Participants also gain access to discounted services, legal office hours, and a strong network of mentors, investors, and potential partners.
Digital Undivided’s Big Pre-Accelerator
The Big Pre-Accelerator is a virtual program designed for pre-revenue tech-enabled startups led by women. The program helps founders refine their business models and prepare for market launches. It includes business pitch refinement, business management training, and networking with mentors and industry experts.
Other Niche Grants and Benefits
DWEN US Dream Tech Contest
The Dream Tech Contest, organized by the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), is open to US-based women founders of businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The contest equips businesses with cutting-edge technology and resources, offering $40,000 in Dell technology and rewards for the top three winners. Finalists must submit a 3-minute video, and voting is conducted by the public.
The Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant awards emerging silver jewelry artists with a grand prize of $7,500 in cash, along with a $1,000 Halstead gift card and industry recognition. This grant is designed to help small jewelers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, break into the competitive jewelry industry. Applicants must submit a design portfolio and answer business-related questions to develop strategies for their young businesses.
High-Five Grant for Moms
The Mama Ladder’s High-Five Grant supports mom entrepreneurs aiming for $1 million in revenue. The grand prize offers $10,000 in funding, professional services worth up to $10,000, and additional perks such as a $1,000 travel voucher and health products. Eligible applicants must own at least 50% of a for-profit business, have earned between $10,000 and $500,000 in the past year, and be based in the US or Canada. Since 2018, over $70,000 in grants has been awarded to help moms grow their businesses.