13 Grants for Women Founders to Apply for in August 2026

Women founders excel at making limited resources work harder. You stretch the budget, take on another responsibility, and push the hire, campaign, or new system a little further down the road. But resourcefulness alone shouldn’t have to fund your business growth.

Access to capital continues to shape which founders can move quickly when the right opportunity comes along. According to Carta’s 2024 Annual Equity Report, companies founded exclusively by women received only 5.3% of the capital invested through priced equity rounds in 2024. While an improvement from the year before, it still represents only a small share of the funding available to founders.

Courtney and I know what it feels like to be clear on exactly what your business needs, but not yet have the funding to make it happen. That’s why we created the Entreprenista Evolve Grant presented by IT Cosmetics.

One woman founder will receive $5,000 to invest in what her business genuinely needs right now. Whether that’s strengthening your marketing, building better systems, making a key hire, or moving forward with an idea that’s entirely your own, we want to help make it happen.

Below, you’ll find the Entreprenista Evolve Grant, along with additional small-business grants for women and other funding opportunities that are accepting applications in August 2026.

Your business has places to go. Let’s fund your next move.

Shophand Small Business Boost Grant - Apply here💵

Get the cash and hands-on support you need. One founder will receive funding plus personalized help with technology, marketing, and automation efforts..

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 8/01/26

Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund - Apply here💵

Put flexible funding behind your business growth. Four Black and Brown founders will receive $5,000 to invest in marketing, technology, inventory, hiring, or your next meaningful step.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 8/6/26

The Sky Is Not the Limit Social Impact Grant - Apply here💵

Your mission deserves greater reach. Receive branding, marketing, website, and AI support to strengthen your visibility and expand your impact.

• Grant Amount: $10,000 in design, marketing, and AI services
• Due Date: 8/19/26

Related: How to Get Funding for a Business as a Woman Entrepreneur Before Profitability

HerRise MicroGrant - Apply here💵

No matter your industry, this grant meets you there. It’s designed to support women of color founders with capital you can actually use right now.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

YippityDoo Big Idea Grant - Apply here💵

For the woman founder with a strong idea and the courage to move it forward. A 4-figure opportunity to put a little more momentum behind your next move.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Related: Meet the Investors Funding the Next Generation of Women Founders

Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge - Apply here💵

Building a business that solves a real social or environmental problem? This global competition gives founders ages 18 to 30 the funding, support, and visibility to bring an impact-driven idea to life.

• Grant Amount: Up to $15,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Freed Fellowship Grant - Apply here💵

Equity-free funding for U.S. small business owners who want funding, feedback, and a little extra support as they build.

• Grant Amount: $500
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Related: How to Actually Read Your P&L (And What to Look For)

Amber Grant for Women - Apply here💵

The world needs what you’re building. One application gives you a shot at 5-figure monthly and larger annual grant opportunities.

• Grant Amount: $10,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

SpringWell360 Health Equity Grant - Apply here💵

Fund your health equity mission. Demonstrate a clear path to bring your project or initiative idea to life for this 5-figure grant.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Women Founders Grant - Apply here💵

No strings attached funding for the women founder with a big idea and a clear plan to make it happen.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Related: The Grant Winning Blueprint | Find and Win Grants for Your Business

Hustler’s MicroGrant - Apply here💵

Where passion meets planning. This is your strategic funding boost for what’s next in your business.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 8/31/26

Entreprenista Evolve Grant with IT Cosmetics - Apply here💵

​​Ready for funding that matches your momentum? Our seasonal grant is for revenue-generating women founders ($100K+ annually, in business 1+ year) who are ready to scale with real resources behind them.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 11/11/26

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant - Apply here💵

Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $15 million in grants to small business owners nationwide - and they're back. Complete just two free courses or events to unlock your application, then stay in the running all year long.

• Grant Amount: $10,000
• Due Date: Apply once and remain eligible for the opportunity to be selected for a $10k grant all year long.

Ready to see what’s possible inside the Entreprenista League? Sign up here for a free info session.

Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Grants for Women Founders

Q: Why are grants especially valuable for women founders?

A: Grant funding can help you act sooner on a decision you already know your business needs. It may allow you to make a key hire, invest in better tools, strengthen your marketing, increase inventory, or improve the systems supporting your growth.

Q: Should I apply for a grant before I need the money?

A: Yes. Grant applications, reviews, and award timelines take time, so it helps to apply before you need the funding right away. Think about your priorities over the next 3 to 6 months and look for grants that align with those plans.

Q: How specific should my funding plan be?

A: The more specific, the better. Instead of saying you want to grow your business, explain what you plan to fund, why it matters now, and what result it can help create. A clear plan shows that you understand exactly how the grant can move your business forward.

Q: Can I apply for more than 1 business grant at a time?

A: Yes, unless a grant’s rules say otherwise. Applying for multiple well-matched opportunities can increase your chances of receiving funding. Keep each application tailored to the specific grant, rather than submitting the same generic answers every time.

Q: Are grants only for businesses that are struggling financially?

A: No. Many grants are designed for growing businesses that need capital to support a clear next step. A strong application can show what is already working, where the opportunity is, and how funding can help you build on that progress.

Q: What should I do when I know what my business needs but cannot fund it yet?

A: Start by defining the exact investment, its cost, and the projected results. Then explore grants, financing options, and other funding resources that fit your business stage. Knowing your next move makes it easier to identify the opportunities that will help you make it happen.

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