Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: 5 Small Business Grants for Women-Owned Businesses

Women owned businesses have been thriving and making significant contributions to the global economy. However, accessing financial resources and capital remains a challenge for many women entrepreneurs. To bridge this gap and foster the growth of women-owned businesses, various organizations and institutions offer small business grants specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs. In this article, we highlight five notable small business grants that provide financial assistance, resources, and mentorship to empower women-owned businesses and drive their success.

1. The Amber Grant: The Amber Grant is a renowned grant program that awards $10,000 in funding to women-owned businesses each month. It was established in memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who had a passion for entrepreneurship. The grant aims to support women entrepreneurs in pursuing their business ventures by providing financial assistance and visibility. Applicants are required to share their business story and vision, and one recipient is selected monthly.
2. The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program: The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is an intensive business education program that offers women entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, support, and mentorship. The program provides financial grants of up to $5,000, along with a year-long fellowship that includes access to resources, networking opportunities, and tailored guidance from industry experts. This program aims to empower women-owned businesses through education and mentorship, fostering sustainable growth and success.
3. The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program: The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program supports women-owned businesses that embrace sustainability and social consciousness. This grant program awards a total of $200,000 in grants annually to innovative women entrepreneurs who are dedicated to environmental and social responsibility. The grants range from $10,000 to $40,000, enabling women-owned businesses to expand their impact and further their mission.
4. The Cartier Women’s Initiative: The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an international program that provides support and recognition to women entrepreneurs globally. The program awards grants to female founders from diverse regions and industries. It offers financial resources, mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities to foster sustainable growth. Each year, the program selects seven laureates, one from each of the seven regions, who receive a cash prize and personalized support for their business endeavors.
5. The InnovateHER Challenge: The InnovateHER Challenge is an annual competition organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The challenge seeks to identify and support innovative women entrepreneurs whose businesses address critical issues impacting women and families. While not a traditional grant, the InnovateHER Challenge offers a chance to compete for cash prizes and gain exposure for women-owned businesses with a focus on social impact and market viability.

Small business grants dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in bridging the financial gap and empowering women-owned businesses. The grants highlighted in this article, including The Amber Grant, Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program, Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program, Cartier Women’s Initiative, and InnovateHER Challenge, provide valuable resources, funding, mentorship, and recognition for women entrepreneurs. By taking advantage of these opportunities, women-owned businesses can access the necessary support to fuel their growth, innovation, and overall success.