How often is the Amber Grant awarded?

WomensNet awards a $10,000 Amber Grant every month, and three of the monthly winners receive an additional $50,000 at year end. One application is considered in every grant category for twelve months.

Why are there fewer programs here than on other lists?

Many lists still include programs that ended years ago. We only show a program as open when its own website still describes it, and we list the ones that have ended at the bottom of the page.

Grants and free programs for women-owned businesses

Women-owned businesses have a few dependable sources of grant money, from the monthly Amber Grant to IFundWomen's universal application and fellowships such as the Tory Burch Foundation's. Some corporate programs that used to headline these lists have ended. Stacy's Rise Project, for example, ran from 2019 to 2024. So we've separated what's open from what isn't.

We checked every program below against its own website. Women-owned businesses are also eligible for almost everything in our small-business guide, which isn't limited to any group.

Cash grants and founder funds

Money you do not pay back. Some come with credits, coaching or marketing on top.

Open now · closes November 17, 2026Cash grantWomen-owned

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

Tory Burch FoundationFor businessesNationwide

A year-long fellowship for women entrepreneurs: coaching from experts, a network of 500+ founders, access to capital and education. The 2026-27 cycle opened on 22 September 2026 and closes 17 November 2026, with fellows announced in May 2027.

What you get: Not published — see the program page
Who qualifies: Woman entrepreneur with the largest or an equal ownership stake and a significant management role
At least 21 years old by 17 November 2026 and a U.S. legal resident
For-profit company in any industry, at least 51% women-owned and controlled
Minimum $75,000 in annual revenue, no maximum
How to apply: Apply through the program page below; it has the current form and dates.

Apply Program details

Program page checked on September 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Apply any timeCash grantWomen-owned

Amber Grant for Women

WomensNetFor businesses, nonprofits and individualsNationwide

WomensNet awards a $10,000 Amber Grant every month to a woman-owned business, and three of the 36 monthly winners receive an additional $50,000 year-end grant. One application is considered for every grant category for twelve months.

What you get: $10,000 monthly, plus $50,000 year-end grants
Who qualifies: Business at least 50% owned by women
Based in the United States or Canada
All business categories, including nonprofits, are eligible
Startups in the idea phase or with under $10,000 in sales may apply
How to apply: Apply through the program page below; it has the current form and dates.

Apply Program details

Checked against WomensNet's own page on September 16, 2026.

Apply any timeCash grantWomen-ownedMinority-owned

Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal FoundationFor businessesNationwide

SoGal Foundation and its sponsors award grants of up to $10,000 to Black women and nonbinary founders building scalable, venture-track businesses, together with help navigating the fundraising environment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

What you get: Up to $10,000
Who qualifies: Founder self-identifies as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur
Legally registered business
Scalable, high-growth business that plans to seek investor financing
Rolling applications; only selected applicants are contacted
How to apply: Apply through the program page below; it has the current form and dates.

Go to the program

Program page checked on September 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Apply any timeCash grantWomen-owned

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database

IFundWomenFor businessesNationwide

One application that IFundWomen matches against every corporate-funded grant in its database for women-owned businesses. Programmes, amounts and deadlines rotate through the year.

What you get: Not published — see the program page
Who qualifies: Women-owned business in the United States
IFundWomen account with a completed universal application
Individual programme requirements vary by sponsor
How to apply: Apply through the program page below; it has the current form and dates.

Go to the program

Program page checked on September 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Opens in roundsCash plus in-kindWomen-owned

BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program (U.S.)

BMOFor businessesCheck the program page for where it's available

BMO, in collaboration with Deloitte, awards 15 grants of $10,000 to U.S. small businesses in its footprint that support the advancement of women. Recipients also get coaching from a BMO business advisor and access to BMO workshops, seminars, events and business organization memberships. The 2026 window ran April 2-23, 2026, and recipients were announced July 27, 2026.

What you get: $10,000 grant plus a BMO business advisor and resource package (15 grants in 2026)
Who qualifies: U.S. small business owner within BMO's U.S. footprint
Business supports the advancement of women (applicants share their growth plans and how the business does this)
Must meet the program's eligibility criteria (published in the program FAQ)
How to apply: Review the program's eligibility criteria and FAQ
Apply online at bmo.com/grantprogram during the application window (most recent: April 2-23, 2026)
In the application, share your business growth plans and how your business supports the advancement of women

Apply Program details

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesCash grantWomen-owned

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

CartierFor businessesNationwide

An annual international award programme for women-run and women-owned businesses with a strong social or environmental impact, offering regional awards, a Science & Technology Pioneer award and Impact Awards alongside a fellowship programme.

What you get: Not published — see the program page
Who qualifies: Business is women-run and women-owned
Any country and any sector
Demonstrable social and/or environmental impact
Early-stage, revenue-generating business (stage requirements vary by award)
How to apply: Apply through the program page below; it has the current form and dates.

Go to the program

Program page checked on September 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesCash plus in-kindWomen-owned

WBENC Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Kroger and WBENCFor businessesNationwide

Kroger and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) run a cohort accelerator with virtual sessions led by Kroger team members, a 1:1 Kroger mentor and a review of capability statements by Kroger supplier diversity staff and buyers. It ends with a live virtual pitch competition in which one business owner receives $10,000. It ran in 2023 and 2025; applications are closed and no next round is announced.

What you get: $10,000 to one pitch winner, plus free Kroger-led sessions and a 1:1 Kroger mentor
Who qualifies: Applicant must be an owner of the company; only one representative per company
Company registered in Kroger's Supplier Hub before applying
Pitch features an existing business solution that is ready for market or already in market
Run by WBENC, which offers programs for women-owned businesses (this page does not state a women-ownership or certification requirement)
How to apply: Use "Subscribe for Updates" on the program page to hear about the next round (applications are closed)
Register your company in Kroger's Supplier Hub before applying
Submit the application with an elevator pitch video of 60 seconds or less (one owner per company)
If accepted, attend all sessions and pitch live to Kroger judges for the $10,000 award

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Programs for specific states

These are only open to organizations in (or serving) the states listed. Open your state to see them.

Arizona1 program

Check datesCash grantMinority-ownedBlack-ownedWomen-ownedDisability-owned

NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Leslie's and NAACPFor businessesOnly in 5 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, TX

Leslie's and the NAACP award one-time $5,000 grants to help small businesses pay for business certifications such as MBE, WBE and DOBE. It is for businesses led by people of color, women or people with disabilities (or qualifying HUBZone businesses) in the consulting or food services industries and headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas. The page gives no current application window, and NAACP's grants page says all grant applications are closed for this season.

What you get: $5,000 one-time grant for certification costs (17 grants)
Who qualifies: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more African-American individuals or other persons of color, OR by one or more women, OR by one or more persons with a disability, OR a qualifying HUBZone business
Operates in the consulting and/or food services industries
Headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas
Funds may be used for state and/or federal certification application costs, including legal/consulting fees (not personal use, debt, marketing, payroll or fixed assets)
How to apply: Apply through the program page: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

California1 program

Check datesCash grantMinority-ownedBlack-ownedWomen-ownedDisability-owned

NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Leslie's and NAACPFor businessesOnly in 5 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, TX

What you get: $5,000 one-time grant for certification costs (17 grants)
Who qualifies: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more African-American individuals or other persons of color, OR by one or more women, OR by one or more persons with a disability, OR a qualifying HUBZone business
Operates in the consulting and/or food services industries
Headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas
Funds may be used for state and/or federal certification application costs, including legal/consulting fees (not personal use, debt, marketing, payroll or fixed assets)
How to apply: Apply through the program page: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Florida1 program

Check datesCash grantMinority-ownedBlack-ownedWomen-ownedDisability-owned

NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Leslie's and NAACPFor businessesOnly in 5 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, TX

What you get: $5,000 one-time grant for certification costs (17 grants)
Who qualifies: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more African-American individuals or other persons of color, OR by one or more women, OR by one or more persons with a disability, OR a qualifying HUBZone business
Operates in the consulting and/or food services industries
Headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas
Funds may be used for state and/or federal certification application costs, including legal/consulting fees (not personal use, debt, marketing, payroll or fixed assets)
How to apply: Apply through the program page: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Georgia1 program

Check datesCash grantMinority-ownedBlack-ownedWomen-ownedDisability-owned

NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Leslie's and NAACPFor businessesOnly in 5 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, TX

What you get: $5,000 one-time grant for certification costs (17 grants)
Who qualifies: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more African-American individuals or other persons of color, OR by one or more women, OR by one or more persons with a disability, OR a qualifying HUBZone business
Operates in the consulting and/or food services industries
Headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas
Funds may be used for state and/or federal certification application costs, including legal/consulting fees (not personal use, debt, marketing, payroll or fixed assets)
How to apply: Apply through the program page: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Massachusetts1 program

Apply any timeFree credits or servicesWomen-ownedMinority-ownedBlack-ownedNative / Indigenous-ownedAsian American-ownedLGBTQ+-ownedDisability-ownedVeteran-owned

MVYRADIO Business Diversity Initiative

MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)For businesses and nonprofitsLocal programs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island

MVYRADIO gives a bank of free 15-second underwriting messages to businesses in its broadcast area owned by women, BIPOC, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities and veterans. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the station's Diversity Committee, which picks three applicants each round. Businesses apply through an online form linked from the program page.

What you get: A bank of free 15-second underwriting messages on MVYRADIO (in-kind, not cash); value not stated
Who qualifies: Businesses owned by women, Black, Indigenous or people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, or veterans
Located in MVYRADIO's broadcast area (Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts and Newport, RI)
Not already an active MVYRADIO client; priority to newer businesses without resources for paid advertising, and to registered businesses over nonprofits
Messages must follow FCC underwriting rules; some categories (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, firearms, gambling, political) are excluded
How to apply: Read the program information and underwriting guidelines on the MVYRADIO diversity page
Submit the online application form linked from the page
The Diversity Committee reviews applications quarterly and selects three applicants each round

Apply Program details

Checked against MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)'s own page on October 16, 2026.

Rhode Island1 program

Apply any timeFree credits or servicesWomen-ownedMinority-ownedBlack-ownedNative / Indigenous-ownedAsian American-ownedLGBTQ+-ownedDisability-ownedVeteran-owned

MVYRADIO Business Diversity Initiative

MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)For businesses and nonprofitsLocal programs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island

What you get: A bank of free 15-second underwriting messages on MVYRADIO (in-kind, not cash); value not stated
Who qualifies: Businesses owned by women, Black, Indigenous or people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, or veterans
Located in MVYRADIO's broadcast area (Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts and Newport, RI)
Not already an active MVYRADIO client; priority to newer businesses without resources for paid advertising, and to registered businesses over nonprofits
Messages must follow FCC underwriting rules; some categories (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, firearms, gambling, political) are excluded
How to apply: Read the program information and underwriting guidelines on the MVYRADIO diversity page
Submit the online application form linked from the page
The Diversity Committee reviews applications quarterly and selects three applicants each round

Apply Program details

Checked against MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)'s own page on October 16, 2026.

Texas1 program

Check datesCash grantMinority-ownedBlack-ownedWomen-ownedDisability-owned

NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Leslie's and NAACPFor businessesOnly in 5 states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, TX

What you get: $5,000 one-time grant for certification costs (17 grants)
Who qualifies: At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more African-American individuals or other persons of color, OR by one or more women, OR by one or more persons with a disability, OR a qualifying HUBZone business
Operates in the consulting and/or food services industries
Headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas
Funds may be used for state and/or federal certification application costs, including legal/consulting fees (not personal use, debt, marketing, payroll or fixed assets)
How to apply: Apply through the program page: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Common questions

How often is the Amber Grant awarded?: WomensNet awards a $10,000 Amber Grant every month, and three of the monthly winners receive an additional $50,000 at year end. One application is considered in every grant category for twelve months.
Why are there fewer programs here than on other lists?: Many lists still include programs that ended years ago. We only show a program as open when its own website still describes it, and we list the ones that have ended at the bottom of the page.

Programs that have ended

Still widely listed elsewhere, so here for the record. Don't apply to these.

Stacy's Rise Project (Stacy's (Frito-Lay North America, PepsiCo))

Every program here was checked against the provider's own website on the date shown on its card. Offers change, so confirm the details on the program page before you apply. GrantFinder isn't affiliated with these companies.