Top Small Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs to Boost Your Business Growth
Starting a small business can be challenging, especially for women entrepreneurs who may face gender biases and limited financial resources. As such, small business grants can be a game-changer to help women entrepreneurs kickstart their businesses or take them to the next level. In this article, we explore some of the top small business grants for women entrepreneurs to boost their business growth.
1. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The NASE provides growth grants of up to $4,000 to help women entrepreneurs purchase new equipment, hire employees, or invest in marketing their businesses. Applicants must be NASE members for a minimum of three months and must demonstrate how the grant money could help their businesses grow.
2. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a monthly grant of $1,000, with an annual grant of $10,000, that’s specifically for women entrepreneurs. To apply, women entrepreneurs must write a compelling essay about their businesses, pay a $15 application fee, and wait for the judges’ decision. The grant committee considers factors such as the business’s potential to grow and contribute to the community when selecting the winners.
3. FedEx Small Business Grant
The FedEx Small Business Grant is open to all entrepreneurs, but women entrepreneurs have a higher chance of winning since only 28% of applicants are women. The grant offers a grand prize of $50,000 and ten other grants of $10,000 each. To apply, entrepreneurs must submit their business plans and a creative photo or video explaining their businesses’ potential.
4. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards offer $100,000 in funding to support women entrepreneurs’ businesses in any industry. The program provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and business coaching to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses sustainably. To apply, entrepreneurs must be women and own at least 51% of their businesses, and the businesses must have annual revenue of less than $2 million.
5. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is a one-year fellowship program that supports women entrepreneurs through a $5,000 grant, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program also provides access to business education and the chance to pitch their businesses to potential investors. To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be women, own at least 51% of their businesses, and have annual revenue of less than $500,000.
In conclusion, small business grants can bridge the financial gap for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. These top small business grants for women entrepreneurs provide funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, and business education to help women entrepreneurs overcome the challenges and build sustainable businesses. If you’re a women entrepreneur, apply for these grants today to boost your business growth.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)