RoxanneAre you thinking of taking out a loan to start your own business? While a loan can front you the cash to get started, you’ll have to pay that money back with interest. Instead of going into deep debt, have a look at the following grants for women to see if any catch your eye. While grants can fund your business dream, they won’t have to be paid back, unlike loans, which makes them a much more attractive alternative.
Women’s Business Grants
Grants exist for many purposes. You can find grants specifically meant to help women start their own businesses, while others can help students of specific fields get their degrees. A quick online search will open your eyes to all the grants that are currently available. For the purpose of this guide, though, let’s look at women’s business grants. And if you want more resources to help you get started, don’t forget to check out the Women’s Business Centers page on the Small Business Administration’s website.
InnovateHER Grants From The Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) holds the InnovateHER Challenge each year to find products from businesses that check the following boxes:
- They positively help women’s lives.
- They can be commercialized.
- They fill a need in the market.
If you believe your business has such a product, participate in the InnovateHER Challenge by going here. The challenge’s top prize is a $40,000 grant. Second place will get you $20,000, while finishing third will give you a $10,000 grant.
$15,000 Girlboss Foundation Grants
Are you a female entrepreneur looking to make a splash in the art, music, design, or fashion industry? Then apply for the Girlboss Foundation grant. The winner gets $15,000, a feature on the Girlboss website and newsletter, plus a pair of tickets to the Girlboss rally to network and make industry connections.
You can learn more about the Girlboss Foundation grant and other grants for women here.
The Halstead Grant For Silver Jewelry Designers
Do you have a gift for designing silver jewelry? Then you can convert that gift into a full-fledged business with the help of the Halstead Grant. Win the grant, and you’ll get the following:
- $7,500 to start your business
- $1,000 in jewelry supplies
- Instant recognition in the jewelry industry
Go here to apply for the Halstead Grant now.
The Amber Grant For Women
Amber Wigdahl died at 19 years old before she could make her dream of starting her own business a reality. The Amber Grant was created in her honor in 1998 and continues to this day.
Women who want to become their own boss can apply for the Amber Grant, which rewards at least $30,000 per month.
How To Find Other Grants
As mentioned, grants exist for nearly everything under the sun. To find more grants, visit Grants.gov, a massive government database of free money for various purposes.
