Women-owned companies have access to several grants that help them to fund research, building, and other business ventures. Grants aren’t always easy to find, but we’ve narrowed down your search. These are the top grants that you can apply for as a women-owned business.
Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Eileen Fisher is a grant that supports innovative, women-owned companies that are beyond the start-up phase. This grant awards $120,000 in grants for up to 10 applicants with the minimum grant being $12,000 on an annual basis. The recipients are invited to New York City for the two-day award ceremony. The program requirements are that the business must be women-owned, in operation for three years minimum, have revenues that don’t exceed $1 million per year, and the company must be founded on creating environmental or social change.
FedEx Opportunity Knocks Grant
Every year, FedEx offers the opportunity for a small business to enter a contest and win a $25,000 grand prize grant. Other grants awarded to additional applicants include a $15,000 grant for one recipient and $7,500 grants for eight winners. The entry period is May 3rd through May 30th and is available for all small businesses. Companies must be in good standing when they submit their application, have between 1-50 employees, and not under bankruptcy protection.
Idea Café Small Business Grant
Idea Café has been running a cash grant for small businesses for 18 consecutive years. Entry is simple. All you need to do is register with Idea Café, prepare an application or shoot a 2-minute video, and submit your entry by January 9th. The grant is $1,000 in cash, $1,500 in advertising credits, and free publicity from the site. The community chooses the winner, and it’s acceptable to encourage fans to vote for you through social media, email/mobile lists, blogs, websites, forums, and other methods.
InnovateHER Challenge Grant
The United States Small Business Administration wants to encourage women entrepreneurs through the InnovateHER Challenge grant. The challenge awards three winners for businesses that have made an impact in the lives of women. The prize amount has changed in the last two years, so it's difficult to estimate the 2017 grant amount. In 2015, first prize got $15,000, second place was awarded $10,000, and third place received $5,000. In 2016, the grants were $40,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third.
The Amber Grant
The Amber Grant began in 1998 to help women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Every month, WomensNet awards a qualifying grant of $500. Additionally, the 12 winners have the chance to get another grant where they can receive another $1,000 at the end of the year. To apply, you just need to explain your business, explain what you plan to use the grant for and submit a $7 application fee. Since the award is given every month, there is no deadline period, and you’re able to continuously apply as long as you didn’t win a previous month.
