Business Funding

Grants for Women Owned Businesses: What’s Real and How to Apply

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Chris Scarfo, Co-founder, Lending Gurus
Ten years in business banking before co-founding Lending Gurus. · Updated Nov 3, 2026

Grants for women owned businesses are real, but they’re not as easy to find as the ads make them sound. There’s no federal grant program that hands out money just because a business is owned by a woman. What does exist: private grants built for women founders, research and export grants open to any qualifying small business, federal contracting set asides for women owned firms, and free coaching through Women’s Business Centers. This guide walks through each one, how to apply, and how to avoid scams. It’s part of our small business grants guide. Want help figuring out what fits your business? Ask Guru in the chat.

Are there federal grants just for women owned businesses

Not for starting or growing a general business. The SBA says on its grants page that it “does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business.” Its grants go to nonprofits, resource partners and educational organizations, plus research, export and manufacturing programs. Those programs are open to women owned businesses that meet their rules, but they aren’t reserved for women.

On Grants.gov, the official federal grants site, most opportunities are for organizations, not individuals, and Grants.gov says none provide personal financial assistance. Small business grants there may go to companies that meet SBA size standards, per its eligibility guide.

Private grants for women business owners

This is where most women founders find real grant money. Private organizations and companies run grant programs aimed at women entrepreneurs. The best known is the Amber Grant from WomensNet. Per its official rules, it’s open to women 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the U.S. or Canada, and WomensNet awards three $15,000 grants every month plus three $75,000 year end grants. Our Amber Grant guide covers how it works, the categories and the judging criteria.

When you look at other private grants, check four things before you apply:

Official rules. A real program publishes eligibility, deadlines and how winners are picked.
Fees. Some legit programs charge an application fee. Know the amount and whether a fee waiver exists.
Past winners. Real programs name their recipients.
What they do with your data. Read the privacy policy, especially if you’re asked for more than basic business details.

Research and export grants women can win

SBIR and STTR. If your business does research and development, SBIR.gov explains these programs, which are coordinated by the SBA and funded through 11 federal agencies.
STEP grants. If you sell or want to sell overseas, your state may have State Trade Expansion Program funds to help with trade shows, trade missions and international marketing. See the SBA’s grants page for your state’s contact.

Federal contracts for women owned small businesses

This one isn’t a grant, but it can be worth more over time. The SBA’s Women Owned Small Business Federal Contract program lets certified firms compete for federal contracts set aside for the program. To be eligible, the SBA says a business must be small under SBA size standards, be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and have women manage day to day operations and make long term decisions. There’s also an economically disadvantaged version, called EDWOSB, with extra requirements.

The SBA notes that WOSB certification benefits apply only to federal contracting opportunities, not to private sector work. If you sell services or products the government buys, it’s worth a look.

Free help from Women’s Business Centers

Women’s Business Centers are part of a national network the SBA supports. Per the SBA’s resource partners page, WBCs provide free to low cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow and expand a small business. A WBC counselor can help you find local grants, tighten your business plan and get an application ready. SBDCs and SCORE mentors offer similar help.

How to win more grant applications

Apply to grants that fit. Match your industry, stage and location to the rules. A tight fit beats a pile of long shots.
Lead with a clear story. Say what your business does, who it serves and why it matters to you.
Be specific about the money. “$8,000 for a commercial oven so I can double catering orders” beats “growth capital.”
Show traction. Sales, a prototype, customer quotes or community impact all help.
Proofread. Clear, careful applications stand out.
Keep applying. Grants are competitive, and many programs let you apply again.

Grant scams that target women founders

Scammers know grant searches are popular. Watch out for anyone who says you’ve won a grant you never applied for, wants a fee to release your money, asks for bank logins or your Social Security number, or claims to be the SBA from an email that doesn’t end in @sba.gov. The SBA says it only communicates from @sba.gov addresses.

Loans built for the gap

Grants take time, and many owners need money sooner. If that’s you, compare grants with loans in our grants vs loans breakdown. Smaller needs may fit an SBA microloan of up to $50,000 through a nonprofit lender, and bigger ones an SBA 7(a) loan. Run any loan through our business loan calculator before you commit.

If you want to compare loan offers while you wait on grants, you can compare multiple business funding offers through 1West. That’s a loan that has to be repaid, and partners make all funding decisions.

Not ready yet

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FAQ

Can I apply for grants and a loan at the same time?

Yes. Many owners apply for grants while lining up a loan, since grant decisions can take months and aren’t guaranteed. Just make sure any loan payment fits your cash flow.

Does the government give grants to women owned businesses?

There’s no federal grant just for being a woman owned business. Research, export and some state and local grants are open to women owned businesses that meet their rules.

What’s the easiest grant for women to apply for?

Private grants like the Amber Grant have short online applications. Easy to apply doesn’t mean easy to win, since they’re competitive.

What is WOSB certification?

It’s an SBA program that lets certified women owned small businesses compete for federal contracts set aside for the program. It’s not a grant.

Where can women get free business help?

Women’s Business Centers offer free to low cost counseling and training. SBDCs and SCORE offer free help too.

Are grants taxable?

Grants can have tax consequences. The Amber Grant rules, for example, say winners are responsible for any applicable taxes. Ask your CPA.

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.

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