Receive free Money: Top Grants to Fuel Your Female-Founded Startup

Funding a business can be a hurdle for any entrepreneur and as a female entrepreneur, securing funding can be one of the biggest challenges in starting and growing your business. Thankfully, there are several grant programs specifically designed to support female founders. Fuel your female-founded business with these launch and growth grants.

What is a grant?

A grant is essentially financial assistance awarded to an individual, business, or organization. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid. Grants are typically given for specific purposes, like funding research, starting a business, or supporting a social cause.

Grants for Black Female Founders

• 1 Amber Grant:

  WomensNet's Amber Grant offers three $10,000 grants monthly to women-owned businesses, including Black female founders, across various industries.

• 2 IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database:

  The platform streamlines grant applications for Black female founders, connecting them with relevant opportunities from partners like Visa, Neutrogena, and American Express.
• Eileen Fisher Women-owned Business Grant: Eileen Fisher's grant program awards up to $40,000 annually to eligible women-owned businesses, including Black female founders, providing vital financial support.

• 3 Tory Burch Foundation Women of Color Grant Program:

  Tailored for women of color, including Black female founders, this program offers grants of $10,000 or $20,000 to businesses meeting specific criteria, fostering growth and success.

• 4 The Kitty Fund:

  The Kitty Fund was created in honor of Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, mother to Founders First’s CEO Kim Folsom. The Kitty Fund awards micro-grants of $1,000 to eligible businesses. These grants, though not a fortune, offer a crucial boost to help female founders overcome initial challenges and invest in their business dreams.

• 5 37 Angels:

  Instead of a grant, 37 Angels teams up with angel investors to financially support women-owned small businesses. Every two months, eight companies have the opportunity to pitch to 37 Angels’ network of investors in person in New York. 37 Angels is a venture capital firm is aimed on angel investing, this in simple terms means they invest directly in startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. However, 37 Angels do play a significant role in supporting female founders through their investment activities and network.

• 6 Small Business Growth Fund:

  The Small Business Growth Fund, a collaborative effort between Hello Alice, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Etsy, and Progressive, is awarding grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to support the growth of established small businesses. While open to all qualifying businesses, this program can be a great fit for women-owned ventures.

  Eligibility:

  • Operate a for-profit business within the US.
  • Have a gross revenue under $1 million in 2022.
  • Possess a clear plan for using the grant to propel your company forward.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to both your customers and the community you serve.

• 7 Wish Local Empowerment Program Grant:

  Wish strives to make the business world more just. Through the Wish Local Empowerment Program Grant, we're dedicating $2 million to support Black-owned shops and stores across the U.S. Eligible businesses can receive grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to help them thrive.

  Eligibility:

  • Be Black-owned
  • Have a physical location in the United States
  • Have 20 or fewer employees
  • Maintain an average annual revenue under $1 million

• 8 HerRise Micro-Grant:

  The HerRise Micro-Grant is an organization dedicated to empowering women of color entrepreneurs. Its goal is to offer community, coaching, and capital to women of color who own businesses. Every month, a female business owner of color receives a $500 micro-grant, which will help them strengthen their business and fulfill their goals of positively impacting their communities.

Remember:

1. Grant Criteria: Each grant program has its own eligibility criteria. Carefully review the requirements before applying to ensure your business is a good fit.
2. Application Process: Grant applications typically involve a detailed plan and supporting documents. Highlight your business's strengths and how the grant will fuel your success
3. Deadlines: Many grants have application deadlines, so stay organized and submit your application well in advance.

Beyond Grants:

While grants offer valuable financial support, they are just one piece of the funding puzzle. Consider exploring other options like small business loans, crowdfunding, or angel investors to fully finance your venture.

By leveraging grant opportunities and other funding sources, female founders can get the resources they deserve to make their dreams come true. So get out there, research your options, and don't be afraid to apply! With hard work, determination, and a little grant power, you can watch your business flourish.