SBA programs for women-owned businesses
Thousands of women start businesses each year. Many of them turn to women business grants for assistance. These grants are open to businesses that are mostly woman-owned. If over 50 percent of a business belongs to a female, it is considered so and is eligible for various forms of financial assistance. Business grants for women are a highly desired type of financial aid, because the awarded funds do not have to be returned. They are gifts that can help you succeed if used wisely. Because of their many benefits, they are in high demand. If you are interested in these grants, you have to take a few steps before you apply. First, make sure that your credit standing is acceptable and free of red flags. Second, prepare an organized and clear business plan. Next, certify that you are a woman-owned business through a third party like the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA sets guidelines on what is considered a small business. In order to qualify for business grants for women, your company needs to be within the set limitations. A mining or manufacturing company must have less than 500 employees. A wholesale trade business must have less than 100 employees. Retail and service companies must not go over $6 million in annual revenues. Construction companies must not go over $28.5 million each year, and the revenues of special trade contractors must not exceed $12 million. The limit is $0.75 million for agriculture businesses. If you need help covering startup expenses or equipment financing, always remember that you can apply for business grants for women.
Current programs & official sources
The text above is preserved from the original grantsandwomen.com article. The information below is added to bring it up to date with current, official sources.
Today, the SBA supports women-owned businesses through free counseling and training at Women's Business Centers, federal-contracting certification, and SBA-backed loans through partner lenders — see the official SBA women-owned business resources. Direct federal cash grants to start a business are rare; most founders use SBA-backed loans.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: U.S. Small Business Administration — Women-owned businesses. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for sba programs for women-owned businesses?
Women entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses meeting SBA size standards.
Does sba programs for women-owned businesses have to be repaid?
This is mostly loans (repaid); some grant-funded training is free. Grants generally do not have to be repaid, but they are competitive and eligibility-bound.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for sba programs for women-owned businesses?
Find a Women's Business Center at sba.gov; apply for SBA-backed loans through participating lenders.
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