Grants & Funding for Women-Owned Businesses
Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy, yet they still receive a disproportionately small share of business funding. A range of federal programs, certifications, and grants exist specifically to close that gap.
Most government support for women entrepreneurs comes in three forms: set-aside federal contracts (reserved for certified women-owned firms), low-cost loans, and free one-on-one counseling. True cash grants from the federal government are rarer and usually tied to a specific industry or research goal, so it pays to combine grants with contracting and lending programs.
Below we explain the programs that matter most, how to get certified, and how to position your business — followed by the women-focused opportunities currently in our database.
Key Programs to Know
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Reserves certain federal contracts for women-owned small businesses, with additional set-asides for economically disadvantaged women-owned firms (EDWOSB). Certification is free through the SBA.
Visit official program page →Women's Business Centers (WBC)
SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership
A national network of ~150 centers offering free or low-cost training, business plan help, and grant-application counseling for women entrepreneurs.
Visit official program page →SBA Microloan & 7(a) Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration
Government-backed financing (microloans up to $50,000; 7(a) loans up to $5 million) widely used by women founders to start and expand.
Visit official program page →How to Get Certified as a Women-Owned Business
- 1
Confirm your business is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
- 2
Make sure it qualifies as 'small' under the SBA size standard for your industry (NAICS code).
- 3
Gather ownership documents, financial statements, and proof of citizenship.
- 4
Apply for free WOSB/EDWOSB certification through the SBA (or use an approved third-party certifier).
- 5
Register in SAM.gov so you can bid on set-aside federal contracts.
Insider Tips
- ✓Stack programs: pair a WOSB contracting certification with an SBA microloan and free WBC counseling.
- ✓Don't pay for certification — SBA WOSB certification is free. Treat anyone charging a mandatory fee with suspicion.
- ✓Many of the largest women-focused grants are industry-specific (tech, health, agriculture) — filter by your industry too.
Women-Owned Businesses: Opportunities in Our Database
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there real government grants just for women?
Pure federal cash grants exclusively for women are uncommon; most are tied to a specific industry or research objective. The biggest federal advantages for women are the WOSB contracting set-asides, SBA-backed loans, and free counseling through Women's Business Centers. State and private grants for women are more common.
How much does WOSB certification cost?
Certifying directly through the SBA is free. Some approved third-party organizations charge a fee, but you are never required to use a paid certifier.
Can I apply for women's grants and other programs at once?
Yes. Women-owned firms can hold WOSB certification while also pursuing 8(a), HUBZone, veteran, or general small-business programs they qualify for, and can apply for multiple grants at the same time.
Explore more funding
GrantPlain is an independent directory and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm eligibility and certification requirements on the official program pages linked above. Government grant and certification programs never charge a fee to apply.