Top 3 Business Grants for Women in U.S. [2026]

Author: Taylor Latendre

Editor: Maryam Ajorloo, CPA

Starting or growing a business as a woman founder in the U.S. comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to securing capital without taking on debt or giving up equity. The good news is that there are several powerful business grants for women entrepreneurs in the U.S. designed to help women-owned businesses access funding, mentorship, and business resources. These programs provide more than financial support, they offer visibility, education, and community to help women founders grow and scale successfully.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your operations, or bringing an innovative idea to life, these grant programs can give you the momentum you need. Below, we break down the top 3 business grants for women in the U.S. for 2026, along with practical application tips to help you stand out.

Table of Contents

1. Amber Grant for Women

2. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

3. IFundWomen Universal Grant Program

4. What to Know Before You Apply for Business Grants

   • Review Eligibility Requirements Carefully

   • Prepare Required Documents in Advance

   • Understand the Grant’s Purpose

   • Align Your Application With Your Growth Plan

   • Track Deadlines and Submission Windows

5. How to Use Grant Funding to Grow Your Women-Owned Business

   • Start With a Clear Growth Plan

   • Invest in High-Impact Areas

   • Strengthen Your Business Infrastructure

   • Track Your Use of Funds

   • Leverage Mentorship, Training & Networking Opportunities

6. How ReInvestWealth Helps Women Entrepreneurs Manage Grant Funding

   • Tracking Income

   • Tracking Expenses

   • Financial Reporting

   • AI Bookkeeper

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8. Conclusion

   
   

Top 3 Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S. (2026)

1) Amber Grant for Women - Monthly Funding for Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S.

The Amber Grant for Women, offered by WomensNet, is one of the most well-known business grants for women in the U.S. and offers monthly funding for early-stage, growing, and established women-owned businesses across the U.S. Each month, WomensNet awards a $10,000 grant to a woman-owned business, with all monthly winners automatically considered for an additional $25,000 year-end grant. The Amber Grant was created to help women turn their business dreams into reality, whether that means launching a new venture or scaling an existing one.

Applications are accepted year-round, with new recipients selected each month.

Eligible applicants include women-owned businesses (51% or more female ownership) across the U.S. that demonstrate passion, purpose, and a clear vision for growth.

Amber Grant - Summary

• Amount: $10,000 monthly + $25,000 annual

• Eligibility: 51%+ women-owned, U.S.

• Best for: Founders looking for flexible funding to launch or scale

• Deadline: Monthly

2) Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition invites female founders to deliver their best startup pitch to an audience of industry founders and venture capitalists for a chance to win $5,000 or $25,000 in grant funding. Winners also receive professional services, mentorship, and networking opportunities through the program’s online alumni community. Fast Pitch is run by the nonprofit Women Founders Network, which supports entrepreneurial education and advancement for women and girls, and is held annually.

To be eligible, businesses must be women-led or majority women-owned, based in the United States, and have raised no more than $750,000 in outside funding. Founders must attend the in-person Fast Pitch event in Los Angeles.

Fast Pitch Competition - Summary

• Amount: $5,000 or $25,000 + coaching + business resources

• Eligibility: Women-led or majority women-owned, U.S.-based startups

• Best for: Early-stage founders seeking funding, mentorship, and investor exposure

• Deadline: Annual

3) IFundWomen Universal Grant Program

The IFundWomen Universal Grant Application (UGA) is a specialized "marketplace" database that connects female entrepreneurs with a rotating list of corporate-funded grants. By completing a single application, women-owned businesses are entered into a matching system used by major enterprise partners such as Visa, Neutrogena, and American Express. When a brand launches a new grant that fits the founder’s profile, the applicant is automatically considered or invited to apply for specific funding opportunities. This model is designed to streamline the fundraising process, allowing founders to remain in the running for multiple grants throughout the year without submitting individual applications for every corporate program.

Eligible businesses must be women-led or majority women-owned, based in the U.S., and at any stage. Applicants apply through the Universal Grant Application.

IFundWomen Universal Grant Program - Summary

• Amount: Varies by grant opportunity (often includes funding, coaching, and business resources)

• Eligibility: 51%+ women-owned U.S. businesses with growth potential

• Best for: Founders at any stage looking for funding opportunities, mentorship, and grant matching

• Deadline: Rolling (varies by grant cycle)

  
  

What to Know Before You Apply for Business Grants

Review Eligibility Requirements Carefully

Before you begin any application, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements for each grant program. Many business grants for women require at least 51% women ownership, specific industry classifications, or U.S. business registration. Checking these details early ensures you focus on grants that are the best fit for your business.

Questions to confirm:

• Does your business meet the women-ownership requirement?

• Are there revenue, industry, or location restrictions?

• Is the grant intended for startups, growing businesses, or scaling companies?

Understanding these criteria upfront helps you avoid wasting time on applications you may not qualify for.

Prepare Required Documents in Advance

Grant applications vary in complexity. Some require simple form submissions, while others request detailed documentation such as:

• Financial statements

• A business plan or growth strategy

• Letters of recommendation

• Proof of incorporation

• Pitch decks or product descriptions

Gathering these materials ahead of time streamlines the application process and reduces last-minute stress.

Understand the Grant’s Purpose

Each program is designed with a specific mission, whether it’s supporting early-stage founders, funding innovation, or helping women entrepreneurs scale.

Before writing your application, take time to review:

• The goals of the grant

• What types of businesses they highlight

• Past winners and their stories

This helps you frame your application in a way that clearly aligns with what reviewers are looking for.

Align Your Application With Your Growth Plan

A strong grant application clearly shows how funding will move your business forward. Grant reviewers want to understand:

• What you plan to accomplish

• How the funds will be allocated

• Why this timing is crucial for your business

  
  

Outlining your immediate goals and longer-term vision can significantly increase your chances of success.

Track Deadlines and Submission Windows

Many grants for women-owned businesses have specific application periods, which may be monthly, quarterly, or annual. Missing a deadline typically means waiting another full cycle.

Staying organized will help you submit strong, timely applications without rushing through the process.

How to Use Grant Funding to Grow Your Women-Owned Business

Receiving a business grant is an exciting milestone, but what you do next is what truly determines the long-term impact. Grant funding gives women entrepreneurs the opportunity to accelerate growth without taking on debt or giving up equity, making it crucial to use the funds strategically and intentionally.

Start With a Clear Growth Plan

Before spending any of the grant money, outline exactly what the funding will support. Identify your top business priorities, such as marketing, product development, hiring, or technology upgrades, and estimate how the grant will help you reach specific goals. Having a clear roadmap keeps your spending focused and aligned with the results you want to achieve.

Invest in High-Impact Areas

Grant funds are most effective when used on projects that drive long-term growth. This could include:

• Expanding your product or service offerings

• Building or improving your online presence

• Increasing production or upgrading equipment

• Entering new local or international markets

• Strengthening operational efficiency

  
  

Prioritizing high-ROI initiatives ensures the grant continues to benefit your business well beyond the initial investment.

Strengthen Your Business Infrastructure

Many women-owned businesses use grant funding to build a stronger operational foundation, something that directly influences long-term growth. Investing in the right systems early on can save time, reduce errors, and position your company for bigger opportunities down the road.

This often means upgrading your financial infrastructure with reliable bookkeeping software, improving cash-flow management, refining internal workflows, or bringing in expert advisors who can help you scale strategically. These investments don’t just make day-to-day operations smoother, they show future investors, grant reviewers, and partners that your business is organized, financially disciplined, and ready for growth.

A strong foundation sets the stage for expansion, helping you operate like a well-run company—not just a growing one.

Track Your Use of Funds

Clear financial tracking is essential, not only for staying organized but also for meeting grant reporting requirements. Maintain detailed records of how funds are used and monitor key performance indicators to measure progress. Transparent tracking helps you understand what's working and strengthens future grant applications.

Tools like ReInvestWealth make this process effortless. By automatically categorizing income and expenses, storing receipts, and generating real-time financial reports, ReInvestWealth ensures every grant-related transaction is documented and easy to access. This level of accuracy gives women entrepreneurs the confidence to stay compliant, stay organized, and clearly demonstrate the impact of their grant funding.

Leverage Mentorship, Training, and Network Opportunities

The best grant programs offer far more than financial support, they connect women entrepreneurs with mentorship, education, and networks that can dramatically accelerate growth. These resources often become more valuable than the funding itself.

Take advantage of every opportunity offered:

• Join mentorship sessions to refine your business strategy with experienced leaders.

• Participate in workshops and training to strengthen skills like marketing, financial literacy, or operations.

• Engage with the grant community, which often includes previous winners, industry experts, and potential partners.

  
  

Building relationships within these networks can lead to new customers, strategic partnerships, investor introductions, and even eligibility for future grants. Fully participating in these non-financial benefits ensures the grant continues to create momentum for your business long after the funds are spent.

How ReInvestWealth Can Help Women Entrepreneurs Manage Grant Funding

1. Tracking Income

Once grant funds are deposited, keeping your income records clear and accurate is essential. ReInvestWealth connects directly to your bank accounts and automatically records every transaction, from grant deposits to regular business revenue.

This automation eliminates the need for manual entry, ensuring you never miss an incoming payment or lose track of your available funds. Having your income updated in real time helps you stay on top of your cash position and make informed financial decisions with confidence.

2. Tracking Expenses

Accurate expense tracking is key when using grant money responsibly. With ReInvestWealth’s Smart Receipt Shoebox, you can upload and categorize receipts instantly, keeping all records stored safely and organized.

This feature helps ensure that every dollar spent, whether on marketing, equipment, or product development, is properly documented. You’ll always know exactly how your grant funds are being used, making it easy to stay compliant with reporting requirements or prepare for future funding opportunities.

If you’re organizing your finances for the first time, you may also find our guide to the "Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses in the U.S. (2026)" helpful.

3. Financial Reporting

ReInvestWealth provides detailed financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and expense summaries, giving you a clear overview of your business finances.

These reports help you measure the impact of your grant funding and maintain transparency when sharing updates with investors, partners, or grant organizations. By having accurate financial data at your fingertips, you can easily demonstrate how your grant has contributed to growth and stability in your business.

4. AI Bookkeeper

ReInvestWealth’s AI Bookkeeper automates your bookkeeping, saving you valuable time and reducing the stress of manual financial tracking. It is trained from professional accountants (CPAs) to categorize transactions and generate reports automatically, so you can focus on running your business instead of reconciling receipts.

With your financial data kept organized and up to date, you can manage your grant funding confidently, stay tax-ready, and maintain the professional financial standards that grant providers and partners expect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women in the U.S. have a variety of options available to support their ventures. These business grants for women not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a testament to the empowerment and growth of female-led businesses. Grants can be an amazing opportunity to start, grow, or support your business. Don't underestimate their potential, and don't be afraid to apply!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can you apply for business grants?

The frequency at which you can apply for business grants depends on the specific grant program. Some grants have an annual application process, while others may have quarterly or biennial cycles. It's important to review the guidelines and application timelines for each grant program to ensure you apply at the appropriate time.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in grant applications?

Common mistakes to avoid in grant applications include: submitting incomplete or inaccurate information, not tailoring the application to the specific grant program, failing to meet the eligibility criteria, and not providing sufficient supporting documentation. It's important to carefully review the application guidelines and requirements and seek feedback from advisors or mentors to avoid these mistakes.

How long does it take to receive financing after application submission?

The timeline for receiving grant funding varies depending on the specific grant program. Some grants may have a shorter processing time and provide funding within a few weeks, while others may have a longer review and approval process.

What has the U.S. government done to assist women in business?

The U.S. government has taken significant steps to support women in business. Initiatives include funding programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA), mentorship opportunities via Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), and federal contracting programs designed for women-owned businesses.

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Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute accounting, tax, business, or legal advice. While ReInvestWealth offers professional accounting and tax advice through paid consultations with a CPA, the information provided here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your specific circumstances.