12 Business Grants Women Entrepreneurs Can Apply For

Women play a critical role in entrepreneurship and the United States’ economy. According to the Census Bureau, Women own over 14.2 million businesses across the country and continue to grow more rapidly than businesses owned by men. 

For women scaling or starting their business, accessing the right funding can make a big difference. Fortunately, business funding does not always have to come from loans or credit cards, which normally accumulate interest and must be paid back. Grants are an alternative way to fund a business and can be used for important business needs, including marketing, operations, technology, and expansion.

If you are looking for additional capital to help move your business forward, here are 12 grant opportunities worth exploring: 

Disclaimer: Grant amounts, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and application fees can change. Always review the official grant website before applying.

1. Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant — $5,000

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.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Application Fee: $25 (General Entry) / $12.50 (Her Agenda INSIDER Members)
• Deadline: September 18, 2026

2. Freed Fellowship — $500

The Freed Fellowship Grant awards a $500 monthly micro-grant to a business owner. Women and other underrepresented entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Every applicant will also receive feedback and recommendations on ways to grow their business.

• Grant Amount: $500
• Application Fee: $19 fee
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

3. Awesome Foundation — $1,000

The Awesome Foundation is offering $1,000 microgrants through independent local chapters. It isn’t specifically a women-only business grant, but women entrepreneurs and creators can apply with qualifying projects.

• Grant amount: $1,000
• Application Fee: Free
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

4. Business Freedom Grant — $1,000

The Business Freedom Grant provides up to $1,000 to entrepreneurs with a business idea or an existing business. This grant was created by Coach Darcy with one goal in mind: financial independence through business ownership.

• Grant amount: $1,000
• Application Fee: Free
• Deadline: December 31, 2026

5. HerSuiteSpot Hustler’s MicroGrant — $1,000

The HerSuiteSpot Hustler’s MicroGrant provides $1,000 grants to entrepreneurs and small-business owners across the United States. This monthly grant aims to help women overcome the struggle of generating early-stage capital.

• Grant amount: $1,000
• Application Fee: $15 fee
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

6. Galaxy of Stars Grant — $2,500

The Galaxy of Stars Grant is currently accepting applications from women and minority entrepreneurs. Winner(s) will be announced one week after the application deadline.

• Grant amount: $3,000 quarterly
• Application fee: Free
• Deadline: October 31, 2026

7. Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant — $3,000

The Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant currently awards $3,000 quarterly. Applicants are also automatically considered for a $10,000 bonus grant in November 2026. Recipients of this grant will also receive free weekly strategic coaching sessions for 30 days.

• Grant amount: $3,000 quarterly
• Application fee: $15 fee
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

8. Shophand Small Business Boost Grant — $5,000

The Shophand Small Business Boost Grant provides a total grant package valued at $5,000. Please note that the award is not all cash: the winner receives $2,500 cash plus $2,500 in Shophand technical support and services. This award is given twice a year.

• Grant amount: $5,000 total Cash portion: $2,500Services: $2,500
• Application fee: Free
• Deadline: November 30, 2026

9. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready — $10,000

Verizon and (LIC) have partnered to create the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant. This grant is awarded monthly to 10 eligible small businesses.

• Grant amount: $10,000
• Application fee: Free
• Deadline: Not Specified

Once submitted, an application remains eligible for monthly selections throughout the remainder of 2026.

10. Hey Helen Grant — $10,000

The Hey Helen Grant from Visionaries provides $10,000 each month to women founders building mission-driven businesses.

• Grant amount: $10,000
• Application fee: $15 fee
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

11. Amber Grant — $10,000

The Amber Grant for Women provides financial support to ambitious women at different stages of their business journey. Each month, they award three $10,000 grants and media exposure to selected participants.

• Grant amount: $10,000
• Application fee: $15 fee
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

12. IFundWomen Universal Funding & Grant Application — Amount Varies

The IFundWomen Universal Funding & Grant Application works differently from a traditional single grant. Entrepreneurs submit a universal application, and IFundWomen can match businesses with sponsored grant opportunities based on partners’ eligibility criteria.

• Grant amount: Varies by opportunity
• Application fee: Free for the Universal Funding Application
• Deadline: Varies by opportunity