Key Takeaways
Women own or co-own approximately 13.6 million businesses in the United States, representing roughly 43 percent of all employer firms and generating over $2.1 trillion in annual revenue. Despite this scale, women-owned businesses continue to face lower financing approval rates and smaller approved amounts than male-owned counterparts. Grants, loans, and alternative financing options exist to help close that gap.
This guide covers the most accessible and competitive funding programs available to women-owned small businesses in the United States in 2026, including private grants, federal programs, state resources, and grant discovery platforms along with a comparison of your options when you need capital faster than a grant can deliver it.
Private grants are funded by corporations and non-profit organizations who aim to support women entrepreneurs.
Here are the benefits of applying for a private-owned business grant in comparison to government grants.
While government grants can be lengthy, with complicated applications, long waiting times and strict eligibility rules, with private-owned business grants, it’s possible you could get your money in less than 6 months as opposed to 6–12 months, and the process is much simpler.
Government grants are tied to one specific use (like R&D, hiring, and exporting) while private grants can be used for more than one purpose and are flexible among categories like marketing, inventory, and general business expenses.
If you’re a start-up or budding entrepreneur, private grants also include mentors who will open up doors for you in networking and media exposure.
Organizations who offer private grants want to support businesses who align with their mission. So if you have a strong mission and unique point of view, your business could stand out in the applications.
Here are some private grants that support women entrepreneurs.
The Amber Grant is set up to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl who died at just 19 years old. It provides monthly grants of up to $10,000 each per month, plus three $50,000 year-end grants to women entrepreneurs across North America.
To apply, simply share your business story, vision, and how funding will be used on their online portal.
Eileen Fisher is a women’s clothing brand established 30 years ago that also offers a business grant. They provide annual funding from $10,000 to $40,000.
Cyrille Vigneron, the Chairman of Cartier Culture Philanthropy says that: “The best thing you can do in business is to empower women. It changes everything.”
The Cartier Women's Initiative not only gives funding to women entrepreneurs, but they also provide academic training programs, access to a community of leaders and mentors. If you're an entrepreneur leveraging your business as a force for good, you could be eligible to apply.
Comcast RISE offers grants and business support services to small businesses owned by women and people of color. The program includes monetary grants, media production services, and technology upgrades.
When you receive a Comcast RISE grant, you also get coaching on improving branding, digital presence, and operational efficiency. You may find it especially valuable if you're a service-based or retail businesslooking to expand your customer reach.
The Tory Burch Foundation provides women entrepreneurs, with a special focus on women of color, access to capital, education, and networking opportunities through its fellowship program.
They offer two grants, $10,000 and $20,000 and many of their programs include education and mentorship opportunities.
A collaboration between Stacy’s Pita Chips (PepsiCo) and Hello Alice, this annual program awards $25,000 grants to 15 small businesses, with a preference for women of color in the food and beverage industry. Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned and typically generate between $25,000 and $1 million in annual revenue. Winners also receive mentorship and a feature on the FoundedByHer directory.
This grant provides $5,000 to women-led U.S. businesses that have been operating for at least one year and generated $100,000 or more in annual revenue. It’s designed for founders who are ready to scale and invest in growth-focused initiatives. Applications are typically due in June each year.
Open to U.S. small businesses with under 99 employees, the annual FedEx grant awards $15,000 to $50,000 to finalists. Women-owned businesses have historically been well-represented among winners. Applications open in early spring each year.
Offered by HerSuiteSpot, the HerRise Microgrant awards $1,000 monthly to U.S.-based, majority women-owned businesses generating under $1 million in annual revenue. Rolling applications are accepted monthly with a $15 application fee. A straightforward, accessible option for businesses earlier in their funding journey.
TIP: Private grants are competitive — most programs fund a handful of recipients per cycle. While you wait on a grant decision, Magenta’s revenue-based financing can give you access to up to $250,000 as soon as the same day. Approval is focused on your revenue and performance, not personal credit score.
Grant platforms let you apply once and get matched to multiple grant opportunities as they open. These are among the most practical resources for women entrepreneurs because they reduce the time spent searching and improve your chances of finding relevant programs.
IFundWomen is a grant marketplace that partners with corporations like Visa, American Express, and Neutrogena to fund women-owned businesses. By filling out one universal application, you’re automatically considered when a partner organization launches a grant that matches your profile. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. IFW also offers coaching and fundraising support.
Hello Alice is a free platform that matches small business owners with grants and resources, with a strong focus on women-owned and underrepresented businesses. Grants hosted on the platform range from $5,000 to $25,000 and come from corporate sponsors year-round. Create a profile, browse active opportunities, and apply directly through the platform. Check back frequently as listings rotate.
Federal grants are more competitive because the funds distributed are higher than private programs, sometimes reaching $2 million; there's also more funding available. In fact, it's predicted that 2.5 million small businesses will receive federal grants this year in 2026.
The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer many direct grants for general business operations, but it does administer grant-based programs that support specific groups and industries.
Women entrepreneurs can benefit from SBA initiatives such as:
While SBA funding is indirect, its resources are critical for accessing other federal and private grants.
To get started with a federal grant, you need to choose grants that best align with your business.
Grants.gov is the central federal platform for discovering and applying to government grants across multiple agencies, including the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services.
Women-owned businesses can use this platform to search for funding opportunities based on industry, eligibility, and location.
Keep in mind that applying through Grants.gov requires detailed documentation, including business plans, financial statements, and compliance records.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs known as America’s Seed Fund, provide non-repayable funding to small businesses engaged in scientific research or technological innovation. Phase I awards reach up to $300,000; Phase II awards can reach up to $2 million. These are well-suited for women-owned businesses in technology, health, biomedical research, and clean energy.
MAGENTA TIP: Federal grant applications are time-intensive and outcomes are uncertain. Many businesses pursue federal grants for R&D or innovation costs, then layer revenue-based financing to cover operational needs and growth. Magenta provides offers typically within an hour and funding as soon as the same day - no lengthy application required.
If you aren't able to obtain a federal grant, state and local governments offer targeted grant programs for women entrepreneurs.
These programs are less competitive than national grants and can provide critical early-stage funding you need to grow.
Most states maintain small business development offices that publish grant opportunities throughout the year.
These may include:
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), supported by the SBA, are another key resource. These centers offer free or low-cost training, funding guidance, and application assistance.
Grants are not the only funding option available to women entrepreneurs. The right choice depends on your timeline, how much capital you need, and what stage your business is in.
Grants are worth pursuing, but they take time. If your business needs capital now to cover inventory, payroll, equipment, or a growth opportunity, revenue-based financing is one of the fastest paths available.
Magenta provides revenue-based financing designed for established U.S. small businesses already generating revenue.
There are 4 main sources of grants and funding available to women-owned small businesses in the United States. The right option depends on your goals, timeline, and stage of business.
Grants are a valuable resource, but they are competitive, restrictive, and slow. If your business needs capital sooner, Magenta provides revenue-based financing with an approval process focused on your revenue and performance, not personal credit score.
Apply today and get an offer in as little as an hour.