Top 5 Entrepreneur Grants for Female Founders in the US - 2026 Edition
Accessing non‑dilutive capital (money you don’t have to give up equity for) can make a real difference for early‑stage and growing female‑led businesses. These grants are competitive, but if you plan your applications strategically, they can be a meaningful part of your funding strategy.
Key Funding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in the USA
1. Amber Grant for Women
One of the most accessible and well‑known entrepreneurship grants for women in the United States. It awards monthly $10,000 grants to women‑owned businesses year‑round with a very simple application. At the end of the year, selected winners are eligible for additional larger awards, making it excellent for early founders. Apply anytime - no industry restrictions, and a great first grant to target.
More Info: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/
2. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
IFundWomen runs a grant marketplace that matches one application to multiple potential funding partners and offers business coaching and crowdfunding support. This can be especially helpful if you’re short on time and want to maximise exposure to various corporate grant opportunities with one process.
More Info: https://www.ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants
3. Women Founders Grant
A monthly $5,000 grant open to women‑owned businesses in the U.S. It’s straightforward: answer a few questions about your business and how you’ll use the funds. This grant suits early‑stage founders and can be a foundational funding source while you build momentum.
More Info: https://womenfoundersgrant.com/apply-now-women-grants
4. Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
A $5,000 grant offered by Her Agenda for women entrepreneurs who are currently running businesses and looking to grow. It’s a good option if you already have traction and want focused support. Currently open through January 18, 2026 - HURRY on this one!
More Info:https://mailchi.mp/heragenda/breakthrough
5. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship & Grants
The Tory Burch Foundation provides education grants ($5,000) and additional support including 0% interest loans, workshops, and peer networking opportunities for women founders. This mix of funding plus education/community has helped many founders go beyond early hurdles and build more sustainable businesses.
More Info: https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/
Best Practices for grant success
Here’s what works when applying for competitive funding:
1) Tailor your story:
Grant reviewers want clarity, focus, and impact. Explain exactly what you’ll do with the funds in as much detail as you can. Show you’re absolutely rock solid on how to make the impact you dream of.
2) Prioritise deadlines:
Start with grants that have rolling or early deadlines to get some wins under your belt.
3) Build support documents early:
Have your business plan, one‑pager, and projections ready so you can apply to multiple opportunities without starting from zero each time.
Final Thoughts
These five grants are just the starting point. There are dozens of funding programs across the U.S. that support women-led businesses, often quietly and with little fanfare.
The key is to stay proactive, apply consistently, and tailor each application to show how your business will grow with the support. Non-dilutive capital is out there, but it rarely finds you.
Make grant-seeking part of your monthly routine, and combine it with strong storytelling, clear financials, and a confident belief in what you’re building. You’re not just applying for money, you’re opening a door.