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December 7, 2025

Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Grants in 2025

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The business world is shifting. Women are starting businesses at unprecedented rates, yet funding remains a massive hurdle. Venture capital is great for the lucky few, and loans are risky for new startups.

This is why women entrepreneur grants 2025 are so vital. They provide the fuel free funding for startups without the pressure of repayment or giving away equity.

Whether you are a solo founder baking cookies in your kitchen or a tech CEO building the next big app, there is likely a grant out there for you. This guide curates the top small business grants for women, helping you navigate the noise and find women-owned business funding that is actually legit.

Eligibility Basics: Who Can Apply?

Before you dive into the list, make sure you are ready. How to apply for business grants successfully starts with preparation.

  1. Business Type: most grants require you to be a for-profit business.
  2. Ownership: You usually need to be at least 51% woman-owned.
  3. Status: Some grants are for ideas (pre-revenue), while others require existing sales.

Top 10 Grants for Female Founders

Here is your list of business funding opportunities 2025.

1. The Amber Grant

  • What it is: One of the most famous grants for women. They award $10,000 every single month and a $25,000 year-end grant.
  • Best for: Simple, story-driven businesses. The application is famously easy no complex charts, just your passion.

2. Cartier Women’s Initiative

  • What it is: A massive international program focusing on women-run businesses that drive social or environmental change.
  • The Reward: Awards can go up to $100,000.
  • Best for: Impact-driven businesses with a few years of operation.

3. Grants.gov (Federal Programs)

  • What it is: The database for government grants for women. Look specifically for grants from the SBA (Small Business Administration) or agencies related to your field (e.g., USDA for farming).
  • Best for: Tech, research, and agricultural businesses.

4. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

  • What it is: IFundWomen is a marketplace for women empowerment grants. You fill out one universal application, and they match you with corporate partners (like Visa, Caress, etc.) when grants open.
  • Best for: Everyone. It’s a “set it and forget it” strategy.

5. SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program

  • What it is: While not a direct cash grant, this certification allows you to compete for federal contracts specifically set aside for women-owned business funding.
  • Best for: B2B businesses or those who can serve the government.

6. Women Founders Network (WFN)

  • What it is: A pitch competition for female founders in tech or consumer goods.
  • The Reward: Cash prizes plus mentorship.
  • Best for: High-growth potential startups.

7. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

  • What it is: Focuses on environmental sustainability and social impact.
  • Best for: Women empowerment grants focused on fashion, sustainability, or eco-friendly products.

8. Visa She’s Next Grant

  • What it is: A global advocacy program that offers funding and coaching to small businesses owned by women.
  • Best for: Grants for minority women entrepreneurs often have specific cohorts within this program.

9. WomensNet Grants

  • What it is: In addition to the Amber Grant, WomensNet offers specific “Startup Grants” and “Business Category Grants” (like marketing or nutrition).
  • Best for: Niche businesses.

10. Tory Burch Foundation

  • What it is: The Fellows Program offers a $5,000 grant for business education, plus access to a 0% interest loan.
  • Best for: Early-stage entrepreneurs seeking community and education alongside funding.

How to Apply Successfully

Competition for startup grants for female founders is fierce. Here is how to stand out:

  • Write a Killer Proposal: Don’t just say what you do. Say why it matters. How will this money help your community?
  • Show the Numbers: Even if you aren’t profitable yet, show that you understand your budget.
  • Don’t ignore the “small” grants: Local state & city-specific programs often have less competition than national ones.

Common Application Mistakes

  1. Rushing: Typos and missed questions are automatic rejections.
  2. Generic Answers: Copy-pasting the same answer to the Amber Grant and the Cartier Grant won’t work. Tailor it.
  3. Missing Attachments: If they ask for a business plan or tax return and you forget it, you are out.

Bonus: Alternatives If You Don’t Get a Grant

Didn’t win? Don’t quit.

  • Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or IFundWomen allow you to raise small amounts from many people.
  • Microloans: Non-profit lenders (CDFIs) offer loans with better terms than banks for entrepreneurship support programs.

Final Thoughts

Winning women entrepreneur grants 2025 is a numbers game. You might apply to ten and get rejected by nine. But that one “yes” changes everything. Keep your documents ready, keep your story clear, and keep applying. The world needs your business.