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Loans and Grants Available for Women Entrepreneurs
Access to capital has long been one of the biggest hurdles for women entrepreneurs. Despite running nearly half of all businesses in the U.S., women-owned companies often receive less funding, smaller loans, and fewer investment opportunities. Thankfully, that’s changing—thanks to an increasing number of loans and grants available specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, there are funding programs designed to meet your needs. From low-interest loans to non-repayable grants, here’s a breakdown of the most impactful funding sources available in 2025.
Why Women-Specific Funding Matters
Studies consistently show that women receive less venture capital and smaller bank loans compared to men. The gap is even wider for women of color. But gender-specific loans and grants aim to:
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Bridge the funding gap
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Empower more women to become financially independent
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Support underrepresented founders with coaching and resources
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Encourage innovation and economic growth led by women-owned businesses
Access to capital isn't just about money—it's about opportunity. And these programs are designed to unlock both.
Top Grant Programs for Women-Owned Businesses
Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment—making them incredibly valuable for early-stage businesses or those needing a cash infusion without long-term debt. Here are some of the best options available:
Amber Grant (WomensNet)
This long-standing program awards a $10,000 grant to one woman-owned business every month, with a bonus $25,000 annual award to one of the winners.
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Simple application
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$15 fee
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Open to U.S.-based women entrepreneurs
HerRise Microgrant
Designed to support women of color, this program offers $1,000 microgrants monthly to help fund everyday business expenses.
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For businesses earning under $1 million annually
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen partners with brands to offer grant opportunities across various industries, and their grant match tool connects you with open applications.
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Varies by grant
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Includes coaching and crowdfunding tools
Fund Her Future Grant (Block Advisors)
Launched in 2024, this grant awards $50,000 to one grand prize winner and $10,000 to five runners-up.
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For businesses with $20,000+ in 2024 revenue
Loan Options for Women Entrepreneurs
If you need a larger amount of capital or more flexibility in how you use funds, loans are a smart option. The following lenders and programs are well-suited for women-owned businesses:
SBA Microloan Program
Administered through nonprofit intermediaries, this loan offers up to $50,000 to small businesses, with an average loan size around $13,000.
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Interest rates between 8%–13%
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Up to 6-year terms
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Ideal for working capital, equipment, or supplies
Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, along with business coaching, especially for women and minority-owned businesses.
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Flexible qualifications
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No prepayment penalties
Grameen America
Focused on underserved communities, Grameen provides microloans (starting at $2,500) to low-income women entrepreneurs, with no credit or collateral required.
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Requires participation in a peer group
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Financial education included
Kiva U.S. Loans
Kiva offers zero-interest, no-fee microloans of up to $15,000 through a crowdfunding model that emphasizes community support.
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0% interest
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Ideal for startups or new ventures
How to Decide Between a Loan or a Grant
Choosing the right type of funding depends on your needs, business stage, and risk tolerance. Here's a quick guide:
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| You need fast, flexible cash | Microloan |
| You have a strong mission or niche | Grant |
| You're just starting out with little credit | Kiva or Grameen |
| You're launching a new product | Amber Grant or Fund Her Future |
| You're scaling a profitable business | SBA loan or Accion |
7-Step Checklist for Securing Funding as a Woman Entrepreneur
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Define your funding needs and timeline
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Create or update your business plan
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Prepare financial documents (bank statements, tax returns, etc.)
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Improve your credit score if applying for loans
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Research grants and check deadlines monthly
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Tailor your applications to each program
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Follow up and track results for future funding efforts
Real Example: From Microloan to Franchise Expansion
Jasmine, a salon owner in Atlanta, started her business with a $10,000 microloan from Accion. After repaying it in 18 months and growing her clientele, she used that success to apply for a $75,000 SBA loan to open a second location. Today, she employs 11 women and mentors other beauty professionals through IFundWomen.
Resources Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Bookmark
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Grants.gov (search “women-owned business”)
Conclusion: Your Business Deserves to Be Funded
As a woman entrepreneur, you have more funding options today than ever before. Whether you’re applying for a grant to test a new product or securing a loan to scale, support is out there—and it’s growing. Don’t let lack of capital hold you back. Tap into the grants, loans, and mentorship programs designed to help women like you succeed.
