Where women entrepreneurs can find real business grants, how to apply, and how to avoid fake grant offers.
Quick answer: Grants for women include private programs such as the Amber Grant from WomensNet, corporate grant contests, state and local programs, and federal research grants listed on Grants.gov. Grants are free money that does not need repaying, but they are competitive and often small. Combine grant applications with other support, such as free advice from SBA Women’s Business Centers and SBA loans, and never pay a fee to “unlock” a government grant.
Grants are one of the most attractive kinds of funding because you do not have to pay them back. That also makes them highly competitive, and the topic attracts scams promising easy free money.
This guide lists real places women business owners can look for grants, explains how to write an application that stands out, and shows how to spot fake offers. Grant programs change often, so always check the current rules on each official website.
In this article
- Where can women find business grants?
- What is the Amber Grant?
- How do you find local grants?
- Are there federal grants for women-owned businesses?
- How do you write a winning grant application?
- How do you avoid grant scams?
- What happens after you win a grant?
- What other funding can women entrepreneurs use?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
Where can women find business grants?
| Source | Examples | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private grants for women | Amber Grant (WomensNet), IFundWomen partner grants | Often monthly or yearly contests with set themes |
| Corporate programs | Grants and contests run by banks, tech firms and brands | Usually require a pitch or video |
| State and local programs | Economic development agencies, city grants | Often tied to location, industry or job creation |
| Federal grants | Grants.gov, SBIR/STTR research programs | Mainly for research, innovation and nonprofits, not general startups |
| Community foundations | Local foundations and chambers of commerce | Smaller amounts, less competition |
What is the Amber Grant?
The Amber Grant is run by WomensNet for women-owned businesses. According to its website, it gives away at least $45,000 every month, with monthly grants of up to $15,000, and three $75,000 year-end grants for monthly winners. One application can make you eligible for several related grants. Check the current amounts, categories and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Aisha runs a small skincare brand from home. She applied for a monthly Amber Grant with a short, clear story about how she would use $10,000 for packaging and safety testing. She did not win the first month, but she reused and improved her application for other grants and won a local foundation grant later that year.
How do you find local grants?
- Search your state’s economic development agency for small business or women-owned business programs.
- Check your city or county website for small business grants, especially for storefront improvements or job creation.
- Contact your local Women’s Business Center, which often knows about regional grants and deadlines.
- Ask your chamber of commerce about member grants and local sponsors.
- Follow local community foundations, which may fund businesses that support the community.
Local grants usually have fewer applicants than national contests, so your chances can be better, even if the amounts are smaller.
Are there federal grants for women-owned businesses?
The federal government does not offer general grants just for starting or running a business. Federal grants are mostly for research, innovation, nonprofits and specific programs. Grants.gov lists them, and SBIR and STTR programs fund small businesses doing research and development.
Women can, however, access other federal support, including SBA loans, free advice from Women’s Business Centers, and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) federal contracting program. Our guide to small business ideas for women covers these in more detail.
How do you write a winning grant application?
- Read the rules carefully: Check eligibility, deadlines and what the judges score.
- Tell a clear story: Explain who you serve, the problem you solve and why you started.
- Be specific about the money: Say exactly how much you need and what it will buy.
- Show impact: Explain what the grant will change, such as new customers, jobs or products.
- Keep it short and honest: Judges read many entries, so clear beats long.
- Prepare documents: Some grants ask for financials, a business plan or your registration details.
Write one strong “master” grant story, budget and impact section, then adapt it for each program. You will apply faster and improve each version as you learn what works.
How do you avoid grant scams?
- Never pay to receive a grant: Real government grants do not charge processing fees.
- Beware of unsolicited messages: Calls, texts or social posts saying you “qualify” for a grant are a common scam.
- Check official sources: Federal grants are listed on Grants.gov, not on paid lists.
- Protect your details: Do not share bank logins or your Social Security number with unknown “grant agents”.
Maria received a message saying she had been approved for a $20,000 women’s business grant if she paid a $250 fee. She checked Grants.gov and the FTC’s guidance on grant scams, realised it was fake, and reported it instead of paying.
What happens after you win a grant?
- Follow the rules: Use the money only for the purposes stated in your application.
- Keep records: Save receipts showing how you spent the grant.
- Report back: Some grants ask for updates or a short report.
- Check tax treatment: Business grants are often taxable income, so ask your accountant.
After winning a $5,000 local grant for new equipment, a bakery owner kept every receipt and sent the foundation a short thank-you update with photos. The foundation later featured her shop in its newsletter, bringing in new customers.
What other funding can women entrepreneurs use?
- SBA microloans: Up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders, often with training.
- Women’s Business Centers: Free or low-cost advice to strengthen applications.
- Crowdfunding: Raise money while testing demand.
- Business credit: Build credit to unlock better financing. See our guide on how to build business credit.
For a wider view, read our guide on how to get money to start a small business.
Make a simple spreadsheet of five grants you could apply for, with deadlines, amounts and requirements. Set a reminder a week before each deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grants just for women-owned businesses?
Yes. Private programs such as the Amber Grant and some corporate and local programs focus on women.
Does the government give grants to start a business?
Generally no. Federal grants mostly fund research, innovation and nonprofits, not general startups.
How much is the Amber Grant?
Its website lists monthly grants of up to $15,000 and three $75,000 year-end grants. Check current amounts before applying.
Do I have to repay a grant?
No, grants do not need repaying, but you must follow any rules on how the money is used.
How can I tell if a grant is a scam?
Be wary if anyone asks you to pay a fee or share bank details to receive a grant.
What else can women use besides grants?
SBA microloans, Women’s Business Centers, crowdfunding and business credit are strong options.
Final Thoughts
- Grants for women come mainly from private, corporate and local programs.
- Federal grants rarely fund general startups; use SBA loans and advice instead.
- Write a clear, specific application and reuse it across programs.
- Never pay a fee to receive a grant.
