Here is a list of resources to help women entrepreneurs fund and launch successful companies through grants, investors, and certifications.
Table of Contents
- Resources to Find Sources of Grants and Funding
- 18 Grants Supporting Women-Led Ventures
- Women-Owned Business Certifications and More
Navigating the landscape of grants, funding, and certifications can be daunting for women-owned businesses. There are numerous resources available to support our sisters on their journey to success, but they can be difficult to find.
This article compiles a list of resources and websites, such as Grants.Gov, Grantify, IFundWomen, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), to help women entrepreneurs launch successful companies. (We need more women business leaders!)
This list is a work in progress, so if you know of any other valuable resources we should add, let us know in the comments!
Resources to Find Sources of Grants and Funding
Grants.Gov
Grants.gov is a centralized platform for finding and applying for federal grants. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, it consolidates information on over 1,000 grant programs and offers more than $500 billion annually.
Grantify
Grantify aims to simplify and demystify the grant application process. They’ve helped secure over $100M in funding through the AI-driven portal. All you need to do is fill out a quick questionnaire to help Grantify find grants that best match your business, and they will help you along the application process.
IFundWomen
IFundWomen is a website that houses grant opportunities for women-owned businesses. To apply, you must fill out their universal grant application. They offer women-owned businesses access to capital, coaching, and connections.
Galaxy of Stars Plus
Galaxy of Stars is a grant listing page that is updated weekly with new grant opportunities. While this is a great resource, there is a membership fee of 7.99 a month to view the list of grants.
37 Angels
37 Angels has over 100 angel investors who are former entrepreneurs. They offer global investor training and have a page dedicated to female founder funding opportunities. They mainly focus on investing in early-stage startups.
Ladies Who Launch
Ladies Who Launch provides grants and networking events. It aims to empower women entrepreneurs and offer free resources such as business plan templates and marketing materials.
Association of Women's Business Centers
The AWBC has over 150 Women's Business Centers that offer training, mentoring, business development, and financing opportunities. Find your closest WBC here.
18 Grants Supporting Women-Led Ventures
1. The Amber Grant
Supports women-owned businesses in any industry.
Apply here
2. Amber Monthly Startup Grant
Monthly grant opportunity for woman-owned small businesses.
Apply here
3. Amber Business Category Grants
Grants are awarded monthly based on varying business categories for women entrepreneurs.
Apply here
4. Annual Amber Grant
Winners of monthly Amber Grants are automatically entered to win this larger annual award.
Apply here
5. EmpowerHer Grant
Supports woman-owned businesses focused on social impact.
Apply here
6. Her Village Grant
Provides funding to woman-owned nonprofit organizations with a social mission.
Apply here
7. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
A general application for multiple funding opportunities for woman-owned businesses.
Apply here
8. Galaxy Grants
Grants for any woman-focused business, open to all industries.
Apply here
9. Brown Girl Jane x SheaMoisture Grant
Designed for Black, woman-owned businesses in beauty or wellness.
Apply here
10. Texas Rural Woman Grant
Supports rural, Texas-based, woman-owned businesses.
Apply here
11. StartHer Grant
Startup funding for woman-owned businesses based in Texas.
Apply here
12. Southern California Job Creators Grant
For women, LGBTQIA+, and veteran entrepreneurs in California.
Apply here
13. Boston Women's Fund
Funding for woman-owned businesses located in the Boston area.
Apply here
14. The Asian Women Giving Circle
Funds Asian American women-led projects in New York City.
Apply here
15. Digital Undivided Breakthrough Program
For woman-owned startups with a functioning website or app.
Apply here
16. Fund Her Future H&R Block Grant
General grant opportunity for woman-owned small businesses.
Apply here
17. SHE CAN Fund McBride Sisters Grant
For Black, woman-owned businesses in the wine industry.
Apply here
18. She's Connected by AT&T
Grant support for woman-owned businesses across industries.
Apply here
Women-Owned Business Certifications and More
WBENC
WBENC has many resources. They use their CORE (Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement) platform to help develop women-owned businesses. You can obtain a WBENC certification if your business is at least 51% women-owned. They also offer opportunities for networking events, programs, and tools for any business to grow and succeed.
SBA Women-owned businesses
The SBA helps women-owned businesses get access to training and funding opportunities. This page has an array of resources specifically targeted for women-owned businesses. You can also apply for a WOSB or EDWOSB certification. Here is the list of requirements and eligibility.
National Women Business Owners Corporation
Through the NWBOC you can apply for a women's business enterprise (WBE) certification.
Have you pursued any grants or certifications for your business? Share your experience in the comments!
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