Federal grants for women-owned businesses
The federal government has set-asides — not direct cash grants — for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB).
WOSB Federal Contracting Program
Reserves a portion of federal contracts for certified women-owned businesses. Apply free at certify.SBA.gov.
SBA Microloans
Loans up to $50,000 — not grants, but easier to qualify for than traditional loans, especially for women and minority owners.
Private grant programs to apply for
These have actually paid out in the last 12 months:
- Amber Grant for Women — $10K monthly + $25K year-end grant
- Cartier Women's Initiative — $30K–$100K + mentorship
- Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship — $5K education grant + capital access
- IFundWomen Grants — rotating partner-funded grants
- Hello Alice — multiple grant programs throughout the year
- Comcast RISE — grants and marketing services for BIPOC + women owners
- Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant
- Galaxy Grants — small monthly grants for early-stage founders
Want optional setup services?
Done-for-you technical setup is available as a separate service.
Grants for Black women entrepreneurs
Specifically funded programs for Black and BIPOC women-owned businesses.
- Fearless Fund Foundation
- SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup Grant
- Coalition to Back Black Businesses
- Comcast RISE Investment Fund
How to actually win a grant
Most applicants lose because of the same mistakes. Here's what wins:
- Have your LLC, EIN, and business bank account in place — applications ask for them
- Have a clean one-paragraph mission and a clear use of funds
- Apply consistently — winners apply to 10–30 grants over 6–12 months
- Keep your story tight: who you serve, why it matters, what funds will unlock
- Read the criteria — most grants reject 70%+ for missing eligibility
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