5 Women-Owned Business Grants You Need to Know About
Starting a business is an exciting and empowering experience, especially for women entrepreneurs who are venturing into new horizons. For many women, however, obtaining the necessary funding to jumpstart their business can be a challenge. Fortunately, a variety of grants are available exclusively for women-owned businesses. In this article, we will explore some of the most lucrative grants that can help women entrepreneurs realize their business dreams.
1. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a grant exclusively for women-owned businesses. Administered by Womensnet, the grant is available to women who are passionate about their business idea, have a solid business plan, and need funding to take their business to the next level. The grant awards $10,000 to one woman-owned business each month. In addition, the winner of the Amber Grant is automatically entered into an annual competition for an additional $25,000 grant.
2. Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an international business plan competition that supports women entrepreneurs in their endeavor to turn their business dreams into reality. The initiative provides financial support, coaching, and exposure to a large network of influential mentors. The program is open to women entrepreneurs from all over the world with businesses that have been in operation for at least a year. The program selects seven winners, who are awarded $100,000 in funding and comprehensive business coaching.
3. Eileen Fisher Grant
The Eileen Fisher Grant is a grant that awards up to $100,000 to women entrepreneurs who are working to improve environmental and social conditions. The grant supports women-owned businesses that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and social consciousness. The grant is open to businesses in the U.S. and Canada that have a female founder or co-founder, are between one and three years old, and have not exceeded $1 million in annual revenue.
4. Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant is a grant that supports women entrepreneurs in the field of jewelry design. The grant is awarded to emerging jewelry artists who demonstrate exceptional skill and distinct design aesthetics. The grant awards $7,500 in cash, $1,000 in supplies, and a feature article in a leading jewelry industry publication. The grant program is open to women entrepreneurs who have been in business for fewer than three years.
5. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants is a grant program that provides up to $4,000 in funding to women entrepreneurs who are members of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). To qualify for this grant, women entrepreneurs must have been a member of NASE for at least three months and have a solid business plan. The grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing, equipment, and website development.
Conclusion
Obtaining funding for a business can be a challenge, but for women entrepreneurs, the challenge can be even greater. Fortunately, there are several grants available exclusively for women-owned businesses. From the Amber Grant to the Eileen Fisher Grant, each grant offers unique benefits that can help women entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. By applying for these grants, women entrepreneurs can access the funding they need to take their businesses to the next level.
