The Amber Grant for Women: Eligibility, Deadlines and Tips
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Ten years in business banking before co-founding Lending Gurus. · Updated Nov 3, 2026
The Amber Grant is one of the best known grants for women business owners. It’s run by WomensNet, a private organization, not the government. Every month it awards three $15,000 grants, and at the end of the year three monthly winners get an extra $75,000. This guide covers who’s eligible, how the grant types and categories work, how judging works, deadlines, fees, and how to put together a strong application. All details below come from WomensNet’s own Amber Grant page and official rules, checked November 2, 2026. Rules can change, so always confirm on the official site before you apply. For more options, see our grants for women owned businesses guide.
What is the Amber Grant
WomensNet founded the Amber Grant in 1998 to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who died at 19 before she could realize her business dreams. Today, WomensNet says it gives away at least $45,000 every month in Amber Grant money. Over time it added Startup Grants, Business Category Grants and three $75,000 Year End Grants.
Who is eligible
Per the official rules, the Amber Grant is open to:
- Women 18 years or older
- Who own at least 50% of a business
- Based in the United States or Canada
- Including pre revenue ventures, idea stage startups and revenue generating nonprofits
Nonprofits whose main activity is charitable giving aren’t eligible. You have to complete the official online application.
The three monthly grants
| Grant | Amount | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amber Grant | $15,000 | Every women owned business that applies |
| Monthly Startup Grant | $15,000 | Businesses still in the idea phase or with under $10,000 in gross sales |
| Business Category Grant | $15,000 | Businesses in that month’s category |
At the end of the calendar year, three monthly winners receive an additional $75,000 Year End Grant, one from each of the three grant types.
Business Category Grant calendar
| Month | Category |
|---|---|
| January | Skilled Trades |
| February | Health and Fitness |
| March | Food and Beverage |
| April | Sustainability |
| May | Mental and Emotional Support |
| June | Business Support Service |
| July | Animal Services |
| August | Hair Care and Skincare |
| September | Education and Child Care |
| October | Creative Arts |
| November | STEM |
| December | Fashion and Interior Design |
Good news if your category is later in the year: the rules say applications stay eligible for up to 11 more months for any rotating Business Category Grant your business qualifies for.
Deadlines and when winners are announced
Each monthly grant runs from the 1st of the month until 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the last day of that month. Applications for the Monthly Amber Grant and the Monthly Startup Grant expire at the end of the month you apply in. WomensNet says it announces winners by the 21st of the following month. As of November 2, 2026, WomensNet lists the cutoff for the next $15,000 Amber Grant as November 30, 2026.
Is there an application fee
Yes. The official rules mention a fee and say that if it creates a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver application before you apply by emailing WomensNet. Check the current fee on the application page, since we don’t list amounts that can change. One application makes you eligible for every Amber Grant you qualify for.
How the Amber Grant is judged
WomensNet publishes six judging criteria. Here’s what each one means for your application:
- Clarity and purpose. Explain clearly what your business does or will do and the need it meets.
- Passion, vision and personal story. Judges look for authenticity, drive and why the business matters to you.
- Market understanding and strategy. Show you know your customers and competition, with a realistic growth plan, even if you’re early.
- Use of grant funds. Be specific and realistic about how the money gets spent and what it changes.
- Business viability and potential. Signs of initiative or traction help, like sales, prototypes or community impact. Projections should be realistic.
- Communication and professionalism. Clear, careful, on time applications stand out.
For selection, WomensNet says each application is reviewed independently, each judge picks top finalists for each grant type, and finalists go through a final review.
Tips for a stronger Amber Grant application
- Tell the real story. Why this business, why you, why now. Keep it honest.
- Put a number on the plan. Something like “$15,000 for a booth, inventory and a card reader for three spring markets” is easy for a judge to picture.
- Show proof. Mention customers, sales, a waitlist, a prototype or community impact.
- Fit the category. If your business matches a monthly category, say so clearly.
- Proofread it. Read it out loud before you submit.
- Get feedback. A Women’s Business Center or SCORE mentor, found through the SBA’s resource partners page, can review your draft for free or low cost.
Taxes and other rules
The rules say winners are responsible for any applicable taxes or reporting. WomensNet can disqualify applications with false, misleading or incomplete information, and its decisions are final. Talk to your CPA about how a grant affects your taxes.
Amber Grant vs other funding
The Amber Grant is competitive, so it’s smart to have a plan B. The SBA doesn’t offer grants to start or expand a business, per its grants page, but our small business grants guide covers where grants do come from. If you end up needing a loan, an SBA microloan goes up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders, and our business loan calculator helps you see the payment. Our grants vs loans breakdown compares the two.
If you need funding before a grant decision, you can compare multiple business funding offers through 1West. That’s a loan, so it has to be repaid, and partners make all funding decisions.
Not ready yet
Still in the idea stage? Open the Ask Guru chat and tell Guru you’re not ready yet. You’ll get a short email series with tips, and you can come back anytime.
FAQ
Can I apply more than once?
Monthly Amber Grant and Startup Grant applications expire at the end of the month you apply. Check the official rules for how to apply in a later month.
How much is the Amber Grant?
WomensNet awards three $15,000 grants each month, plus three $75,000 Year End Grants to monthly winners.
Who can apply for the Amber Grant?
Women 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the U.S. or Canada, including idea stage and pre revenue businesses.
When is the Amber Grant deadline?
Each month’s grant closes at 11:59 PM Eastern on the last day of the month. WomensNet lists November 30, 2026 as the next cutoff.
When are Amber Grant winners announced?
WomensNet says it announces winners by the 21st of the following month.
Is the Amber Grant legit?
It’s a private grant run by WomensNet since 1998, with published rules, judging criteria and named past recipients. As with any grant, read the rules before you apply and pay a fee.
This guide is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Lending Gurus is a referral service, not a lender. Lenders and grant programs set their own rules, and partners make all funding decisions. Talk with your CPA or attorney about your situation. Read our editorial policy and advertiser disclosure.
Sources
- WomensNet, Get an Amber Grant
- WomensNet, Amber Grant rules
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Grants
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Resource partners