Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to 25 Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
If you’re on a mission to elevate your business or kick-start an idea that’s been brewing, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of grants designed specifically for women like you—creative, driven, and ready to make waves.
- The Amber Grant: Your Chance to Shine
First up, we’ve got the Amber Grant, a gem from WomensNet. Picture this: every month, three women-led businesses snag $10,000 each. Whether you’re just starting out, belong to a niche market, or run a small biz, there’s a spot for you. And the cherry on top? Winners could grab an extra $25,000 at the year’s end. Application’s a breeze—share your story, your business dreams, and a tiny $15 fee. Open to U.S. and Canadian ventures, they’re on the lookout for passion and compelling stories. - IFundWomen: The One-Stop-Shop
Enter IFundWomen, the matchmaker of the grant world. It’s like a dating app but for funding. Fill out one application, and bam—you’re in the running for any grants that match your profile, thanks to their partnerships with big names like Visa and American Express. Keep an eye on your inbox; you never know when opportunity might knock. - Freed Fellowship Grant: Small But Mighty
Think of the Freed Fellowship as your monthly dose of encouragement—a $500 micro-grant that says, “We believe in you!” Plus, there’s a chance to win $2,500 annually. It’s a rolling party, so you can jump in anytime. - Galaxy Grant: Reach for the Stars
Hidden Star’s Galaxy Grant is all about empowering women and minority entrepreneurs with a sweet $2,750. Mark your calendar; the deadline’s March 31, 2024. - Giving Joy Grants: Spread Happiness and Business Vibes
For the ladies over 18 looking to make a difference, Giving Joy grants are here to help you start or grow your business or nonprofit. With grants between $250 and $500, it’s time to turn those ideas into reality. Ready, set, apply between January 1 and April 30, 2024! - EmpowHER Grants: Because You’re Worth It
Aimed at female small-business owners who’ve been in the game for up to three years, EmpowHER grants from the Boundless Future Foundation offer up to $25,000 to cover business expenses. Keep those applications rolling! - Her Village Grant: It Takes a Village
Supporting nonprofits that back female entrepreneurs, the Her Village Grant awards range from $5,000 to $30,000. Get your applications in by April 1, 2024, and let’s make it happen together. - The Kitty Fund: Moms Mean Business
To all the mompreneurs, the Kitty Fund is here with $1,000 grants to help you juggle diapers and deals. Small teams, U.S. based, and under $5 million in revenue? You’re perfect for this. Pre-registration is open now, with full applications due in March 2024. - Pitch Your Heart Out: Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition
Imagine standing in front of an audience, your business pitch ready, the air buzzing with potential. That’s the Enthuse Foundation’s Annual Pitch Competition. Since 2019, this event has been a launchpad for female entrepreneurs, offering ten winners a $2,500 grant each. Ready to make your mark? The next opportunity opens in March 2024. Bring your A-game and let your business shine! - Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards: Dream Big, Win Bigger
Dream of global recognition? The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards are your ticket. Annually, Cartier celebrates women-led businesses from nine regions worldwide, focusing on social, economic, and environmental impact. With prizes of $100,000, $60,000, and $30,000, plus executive coaching and workshops, this is more than a grant; it’s a growth accelerator. Applications for the next cycle open from May 22 to July 3, 2024. If you’re ready to make a global impact, this is for you. - Ignite: A Spark for Connecticut Businesses
For the women entrepreneurs in Connecticut, the Ignite WBDC Grant is calling your name. If your business is at least 51% women-owned, you could be eligible for a grant between $2,500 and $10,000 for projects that boost your growth and profitability. Remember, a 25% match is required for the funds awarded. Don’t miss out; the application window closes on March 14, 2024. - Job Creators Grant: Fueling Dreams in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Operating a small business in Pennsylvania or New Jersey? The Job Creators Grant from Founders First CDC might be your golden opportunity. Tailored for businesses run by women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, or those in low-to-moderate income areas, this grant offers $4,000 to 25 lucky business owners. Pre-registration is now open, with full applications launching in August 2024. Get ready to bring those job-creating dreams to life! - Olga Loizon Foundation Grant: Michigan Women, Make Your Mark
Michigan-based women entrepreneurs, this one’s for you. The Olga Loizon Foundation Grant could provide up to $10,000 to help your business soar. Just show them your business plan and your financial needs. It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to your hard work and potential. - StartHer Grant: Elevating Texas Entrepreneurs
Texas women, it’s your time to shine with the StartHer Grant. Texas Women’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs awards $5,000 to 25 businesses that are at least 51% women-owned. Applications for the next cycle open from September 3 to October 4, 2024. If you’re ready to take your Texas-based business to the next level, mark your calendar! - Beauty and Wellness Visionaries: Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant
In the beauty or wellness industry? The Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant celebrates Black and women-owned businesses with grants between $10,000 and $25,000. Stay tuned for the next application cycle opening in fall 2024. This is your chance to shine in the wellness and beauty world. - Women of Color Grant Program: A Tapestry of Talent
The Tory Burch Foundation and the Fearless Foundation are proud to support women of color entrepreneurs through their grant program, offering $10,000 or $20,000 to 75 businesses annually. While the 2024 cycle details are pending, keep this one on your radar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse talent and innovation of women of color. - Publish Her Business Impact Grant: Amplifying Voices
For businesses 100% owned by women of color, the Publish Her Business Impact Grant, in partnership with BankCherokee, offers a $5,000 grant. If you’ve been in business for at least a year and generate at least $50,000 in revenue, keep an eye out for the next cycle’s announcement. - Dream Tech Contest by DWEN: Tech-Forward Women Wanted
Join the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network and enter the DWEN US Dream Tech Contest for a chance to win $40,000 in Dell Rewards Points. Second and third places aren’t too shabby either, with $15,000 and $5,000 in points. Stay tuned for the 2024 deadlines. - Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship: A Year of Growth
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship program offers a year-long journey of education, networking, and a $5,000 grant to 50 women business owners. Though applications for the current cycle are closed, spring 2024 promises new opportunities. If you’re looking for a comprehensive growth experience, this is it. - Stacy’s Rise Project: For the Foodies
Operate a business in the food and beverage industry? Stacy’s Rise Project, in collaboration with Hello Alice, awards $25,000 to 10 businesses, favoring women-owned ventures. Participation in a 16-week virtual mentorship program is part of the deal, with applications for the last round closing soon and winners announced in March 2024. - NASE Growth Grant: Fuel Your Business Engine
Imagine a boost of up to $4,000 for your small business every quarter. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is handing out growth grants to make this dream a reality for up to four businesses. Think marketing magic, advertising that sings, or bringing on the team member of your dreams. Just keep your NASE membership shiny and apply anytime. Your business growth is in your hands! - Fast Break for Small Business: Score Your Business Goals
Ready for the assist of a lifetime? The Fast Break for Small Business grant, brought to you by the folks at Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, and the WNBA, is dribbling $10,000 grants to 150 small businesses. If your business has been bouncing around for at least three months and hasn’t hit the $1 million revenue mark, jump into the game. The play clock runs from Feb. 15 to Sept. 13, 2024. Shoot your shot! - L’Oréal Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant: Shine in the Beauty Game
For the beauty mavens out there, L’Oréal’s Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant is like the ultimate glam squad for your business. Whether you’re an extensions artist, a master of the braid, or running the coziest salon in town, this grant has got you. With 40 grants of $10,000 each, courtesy of the NAACP and Hispanic Federation, it’s time to let your beauty business glow. Applications are beautifying the world until March 29, 2024. Ready, set, glam! - FedEx Small Business Grant: Deliver Your Dream
Imagine FedEx knocking on your door, but instead of a package, they’re delivering a $50,000 grant to rocket your business forward. Sounds dreamy, right? With the FedEx Small Business Grant, this could be your reality, with one grand-prize winner and nine additional businesses receiving $20,000 each. Share your story, flaunt your business with some photos (and maybe a video), and get ready for lift-off. Applications are soaring from March 1 to April 1, 2024. Mark your calendars! - Halstead Grant: Sparkle and Shine in Silver Jewelry
To the artisans and creators who find their muse in the glimmer of silver, the Halstead Grant is your golden (or should we say, silver) ticket. With a $7,500 startup grant and $1,000 in jewelry goods, plus extra cash prizes for finalists, your jewelry dreams have never been closer. Dive into those business questions, polish your design portfolio, and let your creativity shine. The application window is wide open until May 1, 2024. Let’s make the world a more beautiful place, one piece of jewelry at a time.
Wrapping It Up with a Bow (or a Business Plan)
Alright, entrepreneurs, that’s the scoop—a buffet of grants just begging to be devoured. Whether you’re hacking the matrix of tech innovation or crafting artisanal bread that would make a French baker weep, these opportunities are your secret sauce. Jump in, sling those applications, and may your passion lead you to the promised land of business glory. Our team is here if you need us so connect with us on Instagram to get in touch!
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