Owning a small business is hard, but it can be even harder for people who are part of minority groups. Whether it is due to race, religion, gender, or anything else that may differ from what’s considered “normal,” people from minority groups have to jump through extra hurdles to get the resources they need. And with organizations like Fearless Fund no longer providing their grants, it has only made it harder. Here are ten grants for women-owned businesses that can be applied for almost immediately.
10 Grants For Women Entrepreneurs
HerRise
The HerRise MicroGrant gives away $1,000 each month to woman-owned businesses. To be eligible, your business must be at least 51% woman-owned. It must be based in the US, and it must have made less than $1,000,000. As long as the participant applies by 11:59pm on the last day of the month, they are eligible. There is a $15 fee for grant applications. You can also become a member and gain perks including monthly workshops, exclusive business tools, group coaching sessions, and more.
Sengo Grant
The Sengo Grants rotate month to month, open to women owned businesses with different themes. So far this year they’ve had the Black History Month themed grant and the Women’s History Month grant which were $1000 each for various winners. They are currently offering the Sengo Sprint Grant ’25 in partnership with the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit Center.
The current rolling grant program is the $500 Sengo Sprint Mini grant to support founders who are making a positive impact in their communities and industries. You have to be a member of the Sengo community to apply, but membership also includes events and other opportunities to connect with other founders.
Parle Endeavors Alta Grant
This grant is unique because it is open exclusively to high school juniors and seniors, and college freshmen. The Parle Endeavors Alta Grant is for grant seekers who are looking to launch a business before May 2026. Grantees will receive $2500 and be paired with a mentor and given help to create a business plan. The grant is not exclusive to women.
Fast Pitch Competition
To be eligible for the Fast Pitch Competition by the Women Founders Network, participants must hit multiple criteria including having raised no more than $750,000 in outside funding, they must have gone to the Fast Pitch Event that took place in late October, their business must be based in the US, and more that are listed on the site. Applications are open from April 1st to May 31st. There are two different tracks participants can follow called the Tech/Tech-Enabled track and the Consumer/CPG/Other Non-Tech track. The first is for companies that heavily rely on technology and its growth to keep their company going, and the second is for companies that sell physical products, thing having to do with media and e-commerce, or service companies. Finalists receive multiple perks including financial mentors, pitch coaches, practice pitches events, and more. 1st place winners get $25,000.
StartHer Grant
The StartHer Grant is for Texas businesses who are at least 51% women-owned with five or less employees. The business must be for-profit (no non-profits), and it must be less than five years old. Applications are open from August 26th to September 26th. Applicants must answer all questions and upload all necessary documents to be eligible. Some of the information that is needed includes what the grant will be used for, company background information, and more. Grant winners will receive $5,000.
Amber Grant
Following the passing of Amber Wigdahl who wanted to own a business, WomensNet founded the Amber Grant program. The Amber Grant(s) are special in the way that is you apply, your application goes to all associated grants that your business fits the criteria of. The application is quite easy and straight forward, as all you have to do is enter your name, email, your business name or webpage if you choose to, your business idea, and what you plan to do with the grant money if you win. Applications are $15, so you must include card or PayPal information as well. Winners are announced on a monthly basis around the 23rd of each month.
High Five Grant For Moms
The High Five Grant For Moms is for woman-owned businesses where the entrepreneurs also happen to be mothers. Applications are open from September 1st to September 30th. Applicants are asked to share the story of their businesses on social media. They must then tag their sponsor and using the #highfivegrant. From October 1st to October 10th, judges will review the applications and pick eight finalists. From October 10th to October 17th, the finalists are announced, and the public gets to vote for their personal favorite. The winner is announced on October 20th. First place gets $10,000, second place gets $5,000, and third place gets $2,500. There are also five honorable mentions of $1,000.
EmpowerHer
EmpowerHer grants are available for woman entrepreneurs that are at least 22 years old, and have a business only operating in the US. The business or product must be doing something to help with societal issues, and the business itself must be less than three years old. Applicants must also provide their credit scores, and allow a background check to be ran on them. The grant also supports woman-owned businesses by providing business advisors that can help with finances, marketing, and more. The provide grants up to $25,000.
Yippitydoo
Yippitydoo grants are available to applicants who are at least 18, and have a business or business idea that will operate in the US. Judges look for the vision of your business, why it’s important to you, and what you will use the money for. Applications are fast and simple as they ask for basic information including your name, email, and a few other business-related questions. Winners receive free coaching and an opportunity for business growth. Winners also receive $1,000.
IFundWomen
IFundWomen is special in the way that it will match the applicant with a grant once she fills out the Universal Funding Grant Application. Some of their partnerships include the IFW Botox Cosmetic Grant Program that gave away $25,000 to 20 women business owners, the Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland that gave away 10,000 euros to five women, and the Vista x IFW Refer Her Program that gives coaching, guidance, and other resources to small businesses.
Image Credit: RDNE Stock project
