Starting and growing a business is soooooo freakin’ hard sometimes, y’all know this. But remember, you don’t have to do it all by yourself (even if you are a solopreneur). There are several grants out there designed to give women business owners the financial boost they need to succeed. Let’s dive into some of the best grants available and how they can help turn your business dreams into reality.
1. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a fantastic opportunity for women entrepreneurs. It was created in memory of Amber Wigdahl, who dreamt of starting her own business. Each month, they award $10,000 to a woman-owned business, and at the end of the year, one of the twelve monthly winners gets an additional $25,000. The application is super simple – just tell them about your business and what you’d do with the money.
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is a big deal on a global scale. It’s a business plan competition aimed at early-stage women-owned businesses making a social or environmental impact. Winners get financial support, business coaching, and tons of media visibility. The top seven laureates receive $100,000 each, and 14 finalists get $30,000 each, plus tailored mentoring and networking opportunities.
3. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is perfect for women looking for a mix of education, networking, and financial support. Every year, 50 fellows are chosen to receive a $5,000 grant for business education and participate in a one-year fellowship program. The program includes workshops, coaching sessions, and access to a huge network of business experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
4. Women Who Tech Startup Grants
Women Who Tech is all about closing the funding gap for women-led tech startups. Their grants program offers $20,000 in equity-free funding, along with opportunities for media exposure and networking. The application process includes a pitch competition, where finalists get to present their ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders.
5. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
If your business is focused on sustainability, the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program could be a great fit. Each year, they award $100,000 in total grants to up to 10 women-owned businesses that are environmentally sustainable and making a positive social impact. This grant aims to help you scale your operations and increase your impact.
6. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
IFundWomen is a fantastic platform that connects women entrepreneurs with multiple grant opportunities from corporate partners. Their Universal Grant Application is a single application that opens doors to various funding opportunities. Plus, IFundWomen offers coaching and a supportive community of fellow women entrepreneurs.
7. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
Although not exclusively for women, the SBIR and STTR programs are vital sources of funding for tech and research-driven businesses. These programs support small businesses in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization. They provide grants and contracts, focusing on businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including women.
Grants can be a game-changer for women business owners, providing the financial support needed to launch, sustain, and grow your ventures. With the right resources and a compelling application, you can unlock these opportunities and take your business to new heights. Keep an eye out for these grants, and don’t hesitate to apply – your entrepreneurial dreams are worth it!