10 Business Grants Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Know About
Starting or scaling a business takes capital, and not every founder wants to take on debt to get there. Unlike a loan, a grant doesn’t have to be paid back, which makes it one of the most beloved ways to fund a women-owned business. The catch is that competition is steep, and the application process can take real time and effort. Below are 14 grants worth putting on your radar, starting with Her Agenda’s own Breakthrough Grant!
1. Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: September 18, 2026
- Eligibility: U.S.-based women entrepreneurs who are at least 18 years old and have been in business for at least one year
- Application Fee: $25 (50% off for INSIDER members)
- How To Apply:grant.heragenda.com
Her Agenda‘s own Breakthrough Grant was built for women who are ready to take their business to the next level. The $5,000 award goes to a woman entrepreneur actively growing her business, and applicants must be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter to qualify. If you’ve been putting off applying to grants because the process feels overwhelming, this is a great place to start.
2. Amber Grant
- Amount: $10,000 monthly; three annual $50,000 grants
- Deadline: Applications accepted year-round
- Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian businesses that are at least 50% women-owned
- Application Fee: $15
- How To Apply:ambergrantsforwomen.com
WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants every month to women-owned businesses, and monthly winners become eligible for one of three $50,000 year-end grants. There’s no minimum time in business required, which makes this one especially appealing for brand-new founders.
3. HerRise Microgrant
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Last day of each month
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, for-profit businesses generating less than $1 million annually that are at least 51% women-owned
- Application Fee: $15
- How To Apply: hersuitespot.com
Offered by HerSuiteSpot, this microgrant is aimed at under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color, and is one of the more accessible options given its monthly cycle.
4. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
- Amount: Varies by program
- Deadline: Varies by program
- Eligibility: Varies by program
- How To Apply:ifundwomen.com
IFundWomen operates as a grant marketplace, partnering with brands like Visa and American Express to fund and coach women-owned businesses. Filling out the universal application means you’ll automatically be notified as new opportunities open up.
5. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: Applications typically open September 30th
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, majority women-owned businesses with revenue generally at or above $75,000
- How To Apply:toryburchfoundation.org
Beyond the cash award, 50 founders are selected each year for a full year of business education, mentorship, and access to the Foundation’s network, benefits many past fellows say end up mattering as much as the grant itself.
6. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
- Amount: $100,000 for first place; $60,000 for second; $30,000 for third
- Deadline: Applications open in Spring 2027
- Eligibility: Women-owned, for-profit businesses with annual revenue between $50,000 and $5 million and five to 250 employees
- How To Apply:cartierwomensinitiative.com
Cartier awards grants to women-owned businesses across nine global regions each year, with winners also receiving executive coaching and training workshops, making this one of the largest and most prestigious grants on this list.
7. Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant
- Amount: $25,000
- Deadline: Applications open in Spring 2027
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, for-profit businesses in the beauty and self-care industries
- How To Apply:naacp.org
L’Oréal partners with the NAACP to award six $25,000 grants to entrepreneurs across the beauty industry, from salons and spas to makeup artists and beauty schools.
8. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
- Amount: $25,000 for category winners; $5,000 for an additional finalist
- Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, women-owned businesses that have raised no more than $750,000
- How To Apply:womensfoundersnetwork.org
Selected founders pitch their businesses live, with winners chosen across Tech and CPG categories, making this a strong option for anyone comfortable presenting in front of an audience.
9. EmpowHER Grants
- Amount: Up to $50,000
- Deadline: Twice per year
- Eligibility: U.S.-based women founders at least 22 years old, with a revenue-generating business under five years old
- How To Apply:boundlessfutures.org
Structured as a reimbursement for business expenses, this grant is geared toward businesses tackling issues like poverty, hunger, sustainability, or the environment.
10. Dream Makers Founders Grant
- Amount: $25,000 for five business owners
- Deadline: Varies by cycle
- Eligibility: Businesses that are at least 51% women-owned, employ two to 10 people, and generate $100,000 to $1 million in revenue
- How To Apply:15percentpledge.org
Created in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, this grant is limited to CPG brands outside the beauty category and requires funds to go toward marketing, manufacturing, or research and development.
If none of these are the right fit today, don’t count yourself out! New grant cycles open throughout the year, and resources like Women’s Business Centers and Small Business Development Centers can help you track down additional funding as your business grows. And if you haven’t already, the easiest first step on this list is subscribing to the Her Agenda newsletter to stay in the running for the Breakthrough Grant.
