Top 25 Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in 2026
Finding free funding for your business can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But business grants for women exist—and they don’t require repayment like traditional loans. From monthly micro-grants to substantial annual awards, these 25 opportunities can help you launch or scale your women-owned business.
What to know before applying:
- Most grants require 51%+ women ownership
- Application deadlines vary (monthly, quarterly, or annual)
- Competition is fierce—apply to multiple programs
- Many have low or no application fees
Here are the top 25 grants worth your time in 2026.
#1. YippityDoo Big Idea Grant
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Fee: $15 Application Cycle: Monthly
YippityDoo leads our list for good reason: it’s accessible, affordable to apply for, and awards grants every single month. This makes it one of the most realistic opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
What makes it special: Beyond the $1,000 grant, winners receive a one-year membership to YippityDoo’s wealth mindset coaching group—a valuable resource for building the entrepreneurial confidence many women need.
Eligibility:
- U.S.-based
- Ages 18+
- Have (or plan to start) a women-owned business
Why it’s #1: Monthly awards mean better odds than annual competitions, and the coaching component addresses mindset barriers that often hold women entrepreneurs back.
#2. Amber Grant
Award Amount: $10,000 monthly grants; $50,000 annual grants Application Fee: $15 Application Cycle: Monthly with annual grand prize
WomensNet’s Amber Grant awards three $10,000 grants every month—one for startups, one for rotating categories (October: creative arts; November: STEM), and one for general small businesses.
The annual advantage: All monthly winners compete for one of three $50,000 year-end grants, giving you multiple chances to win big.
Eligibility:
- Women-owned businesses in the U.S. or Canada
- No minimum time in business requirement
Why we love it: Perfect for startups since there’s no revenue requirement, and the simple application won’t eat up hours of your time.
#3. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount: Varies by enterprise partner Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Rolling (matched to available grants)
IFundWomen operates like a grant matching service. Submit one application and IFundWomen automatically matches you with relevant grants from corporate partners like Visa, Neutrogena, and American Express.
The smart approach: Instead of applying to dozens of grants individually, let the platform do the heavy lifting.
Eligibility: Varies by partner grant Why it works: One application, multiple opportunities—efficiency wins.
#4. HerRise Microgrant
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Monthly
The Yva Jourdan Foundation provides monthly $1,000 microgrants specifically for under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color.
Eligibility:
- 51%+ women-owned
- Under $1 million in annual gross revenue
Why it matters: Focused on supporting entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers to funding.
#5. Faire Small Business Grant
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual (applications open until Dec. 31, 2025)
Faire’s grant targets new retail businesses, making it ideal for women launching brick-and-mortar or e-commerce shops.
Eligibility:
- Launched retail business in 2024 OR planning to open in 2025-2026
Why apply: Specifically designed for retailers, reducing competition from other industries.
#6. Galaxy Grant
Award Amount: $2,500 Application Fee: Varies Application Cycle: Quarterly (Next deadline: Nov. 30, 2025)
Hidden Star’s Galaxy Grant serves women and minority small-business owners.
Eligibility: Women and minority-owned businesses Why it’s worth it: Quarterly deadlines mean four chances per year.
#7. ZenBusiness Grant Program
Award Amount: $5,000 + free ZenBusiness products Application Fee: Free (for ZenBusiness users) Application Cycle: Quarterly
If you used ZenBusiness to launch your business within the past 3-6 months, you’re eligible.
Bonus: Free access to select ZenBusiness products for business formation and compliance.
Eligibility:
- Used ZenBusiness platform
- Launched within past 3-6 months
#8. Start.Pivot.Grow Grant
Award Amount: $2,500 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Quarterly (rolling applications)
This micro-grant is designed for established small businesses, not startups.
Eligibility:
- In operation for at least 2 years
- 1-2 employees
- At least $50,000 in annual revenue
Why we included it: Rewards businesses that have proven sustainability.
#9. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Award Amount: Up to $4,000 Application Fee: Requires NASE membership ($120/year) Application Cycle: Monthly
NASE Growth Grants help cover expenses like marketing, hiring, or technology.
Eligibility:
- NASE members only
- In business for at least 1 year
#10. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Award Amount: $5,000 + education and networking Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
This program combines grant funding with a year-long fellowship that includes business education and peer networking.
Eligibility:
- Women-owned businesses
- At least 1 year in business
#11. Cartier Women’s Initiative
Award Amount: $100,000 (regional winners); $30,000 (runners-up) Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
Cartier’s global initiative seeks women-led businesses creating positive social impact.
Eligibility:
- Women-led for-profit businesses
- Operating for at least 1 year
- Global applicants welcome
Why it’s competitive: International reach means more applicants, but the award is substantial.
#12. Halstead Grant
Award Amount: $10,000 cash + $7,500 in jewelry-making supplies Application Fee: $35 Application Cycle: Annual
The Halstead Grant specifically supports women in jewelry-making businesses.
Eligibility:
- Women jewelry artisans
- Use of sustainable/ethical practices preferred
#13. SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount: Up to $50,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
The SBA Growth Accelerator funds organizations that support startups and small businesses (not individual businesses directly).
Note: Apply if you run an accelerator, incubator, or co-working space.
#14. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Award Amount: $50,000 (grand prize); $20,000 (second place); $15,000 (third place) Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual (typically opens in spring)
FedEx’s contest rewards small businesses with strong stories and community impact.
Eligibility:
- U.S.-based for-profit businesses
- Operating for at least 6 months
#15. Visa She’s Next Grant Program
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Varies (check IFundWomen platform)
Visa partners with IFundWomen to award grants to women-owned small businesses.
Eligibility:
- Women-owned businesses
- Registered through IFundWomen
#16. Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount: $15,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual (typically opens in summer)
Girlboss awards grants to women-led businesses in design, fashion, music, and the arts.
Eligibility:
- Women in creative industries
- Early-stage businesses
#17. The Papaya Grant
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
The Papaya Grant supports businesses owned by women of color.
Eligibility:
- Women of color
- Running a business or planning to launch
#18. Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation
Award Amount: Varies Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Periodic
The Spanx Foundation provides grants and resources to women entrepreneurs, with a focus on underrepresented communities.
Eligibility: Varies by program cycle
#19. Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual (check for announcements)
Venmo occasionally runs grant programs for small businesses, including women-owned companies.
#20. Score Foundation Business Pitch Competition
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
SCORE runs pitch competitions where women can win funding plus mentorship from experienced business professionals.
#21. Ureeka Community Fund
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Quarterly
Ureeka provides grants to small-business owners who are part of their community platform.
Eligibility: Ureeka community members
#22. Dream Big Awards
Award Amount: Up to $15,000 Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Annual
The Dream Big Awards celebrate and fund women entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
#23. Enterprising Women of the Year Awards
Award Amount: Recognition + potential funding opportunities Application Fee: Paid nomination Application Cycle: Annual
Enterprising Women honors women business leaders, opening doors to funding and visibility.
#24. SoGal Foundation
Award Amount: Varies Application Fee: Free Application Cycle: Rolling or program-specific
SoGal supports diverse women entrepreneurs through grants, investment, and mentorship.
#25. Local Economic Development Grants
Award Amount: Varies by locality Application Fee: Typically free Application Cycle: Varies
Check with your city, county, or state economic development office for grants supporting women-owned businesses in your area.
How to find local grants:
- Search “[Your City/State] women business grants”
- Visit your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Contact your chamber of commerce
How to Maximize Your Grant Success
Apply strategically:
- Prioritize monthly grants (YippityDoo, Amber, HerRise) for frequent opportunities
- Use the IFundWomen platform for efficiency
- Set calendar reminders for quarterly and annual deadlines
- Tailor each application—no copy-paste submissions
Increase your odds:
- Tell your authentic story
- Show clear plans for the grant money
- Demonstrate community or social impact
- Follow application instructions exactly
- Proofread everything
The average grant applicant applies to 10+ programs before winning. Treat grant applications like a numbers game.
