Women entrepreneurs are rocking the corporate world. According to Female entrepreneurship statistics in 2021, women own 31% of small businesses in the US. Fortunately, the government is also supporting females by offering business grants for women.
Many other staggering statistics show women’s empowerment in the business sector. And the government has a huge role in this.
Let’s learn about these grants at the Federal, state, and private levels:
Federal Grants for Women
Grants.gov
It’s a database containing federally sponsored grants of all kinds, including small business grants for women. You need a DUNS number, a unique 9-digit identification number, for your business to apply. Then, register your business or business idea with the U.S. government through System Award Management.
Finally, create your account at Grants.gov. You should be able to view grants for small businesses. Shortlist grants based on your eligibility.
The Girlboss Foundation Grant
A leading entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso launched the Girlboss Foundation in 2014. It provides grants twice yearly to female entrepreneurs working in fashion, music, design, and the arts. In addition, each grant offers funds of $15,000. The foundation selects recipients based on their innovation, creativity, business acumen, and need for finances.
State/Local Small-Business Grants
Economic Development Administration
Every state in the USA and many cities provide resources for economic development. However, these resources are mainly focused on encouraging local economies. For instance, there are several economic development districts in California. One of them is the Superior California Economic Development District that funds local entrepreneurs.
Website: https://www.eda.gov/resources/
Women’s Business Centers
The SBA sponsors 100+ Women’s Business Centers across the USA. These centers help female business owners with business development and access to sufficient capital. For example, the California Capital Financial Development Corp. gives money directly. On the other hand, some centers help these entrepreneurs find small-business grants and loans.
Private Small-Business Grants for Women
Amber Grant Foundation
WomensNet launched the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998 to honor Amber Wigdahl. Wigdahl, a special young woman, died at just 19 before she could fulfill her business goals. Today, the foundation gives away at least $10,000 monthly in Amber Grant money.
In addition, the advisory of the foundation selects winners based on passion and a valuable business story. People from both the U.S. and Canada can apply for Amber Grants.
Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grants Program
Eileen Fisher is a reputed clothing brand with a mission to support other women entrepreneurs. The brand awards $200,0000 to up to 10 female business owners every year.
To be eligible:
- Make up a minimum 51% of your business’s ownership and leadership
- Own an operational business for minimum of three years
- Less than $1 million annual revenue
- Focused on social or environmental change
You can use these funding for any kind of business, an eCommerce store or even setting up a government contracting business. You just need a unique business idea.
Other Grant Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
FedEx Small Business Grant
FedEx awards funding of about $25,000 to ten small businesses every year. In your application, you’ve to explain your business story and how do you plan to use funds. Moreover, you need to show your business photos and a short video introducing your business optionally.
In addition, to be eligible for FedEx Small Business Grant, you must run a for-profit business with fewer than 99 employees. In addition, the business must have been operating for at least six months.
Finally, find the right program according to your eligibility and grab funds for your business.
