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Women-owned business guide

Business Grants for Women: The Complete 2026 Guide

Federal and private grant programs for women-owned small businesses (WOSB) — including the Amber Grant, Cartier Women's Initiative, and Fearless Fund — with amounts, eligibility, and links to apply.

Who qualifies

Most women's grant programs require majority ownership (51%+) by one or more women. Women of color, veterans, and economically disadvantaged founders unlock additional set-asides — certify at certify.sba.gov before applying to federal programs.

Federal programs

SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification

U.S. Small Business Administration

Access to set-aside contracts

Eligibility: 51%+ women-owned and controlled

Program details

Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Set-Asides

SBA / Federal agencies

Contract awards (varies)

Eligibility: EDWOSB-certified firms

Program details

Women's Business Centers (WBC) Grants & Training

SBA WBC network

Training + technical assistance

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs at any stage

Program details

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

U.S. Department of Agriculture

$10,000 – $500,000

Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses in rural areas

Program details

Private grants for women

Amber Grant for Women

WomensNet

$10,000 monthly + $25,000 year-end

Eligibility: Any women-owned business in the U.S. or Canada

Program details

Cartier Women's Initiative Award

Cartier

$30,000 – $100,000 + mentorship

Eligibility: Women-led, for-profit, early-stage businesses with social impact

Program details

Fearless Fund Grant

Fearless Fund

Up to $20,000

Eligibility: Women-of-color-owned small businesses

Program details

IFundWomen Universal Grant Program

IFundWomen

$1,000 – $25,000 (varies by cycle)

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses on the IFundWomen platform

Program details

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

Tory Burch Foundation

$5,000 grant + education + network

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs with 1–5 years of revenue

Program details

How to apply

  1. Get your SBA WOSB or EDWOSB certification finalized for federal opportunities.
  2. Register in SAM.gov to unlock federal set-asides and contract vehicles.
  3. Prepare a one-page business summary, use-of-funds breakdown, and financials.
  4. Match your business to grants by industry, stage, and demographic eligibility.
  5. Submit before deadline and follow up with the program officer within two weeks.

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