Small Business Grants for Women to Apply for in May 2026
May 1, 2026
Written by
Finding funding opportunities can feel overwhelming, especially for founders trying to grow a business while managing day-to-day operations. That’s why we’re rounding up the best small business grants for women available in May 2026 to help women entrepreneurs discover funding opportunities that support growth, expansion, and new ideas.
From startup grants and microgrants to industry-specific funding and mentorship opportunities, these grants for women entrepreneurs are designed to support founders across a wide range of industries and business stages. Whether you’re launching your first business, scaling an existing company, or looking for additional resources to fuel your next chapter, these opportunities can help provide meaningful financial support.
Here are the small business grants for women founders currently accepting applications.
Halstead Grant - Apply here💵
If you’re an emerging jewelry brand founder, this is one of the most established industry-specific grants out there. Complete this 15-question application for a strong mix of funding and industry credibility.
- Grant Amount: $7,500
- Due Date: 5/1/26
Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program - Apply here💵
Real heroes don’t always wear capes. If you’re showing up with courage, perseverance, and integrity to make a local community impact, this 5-figure reward is for you.
- Grant Amount: $20,000
- Due Date: 5/15/26
Related: How to Get Funding for a Business as a Woman Entrepreneur Before Profitability
Dream Makers Founders Grant - Apply here💵
Elevate your innovation. 5 underrepresented founders will have the opportunity to receive $25K in funding to scale their business success.
- Grant Amount: $25,000
- Due Date: 5/30/26
WomensNet Startup Grant - Apply here💵
Still early in your founder journey? This 5-figure funding can bring your big idea to life.
- Grant Amount: $10,000
- Due Date: 5/31/26
Amber Grant for Women - Apply here💵
Real support for the woman founder who is building with heart. Keep moving without overthinking every next step with 1 application that gives you a shot at 5-figure monthly and larger annual grants.
- Grant Amount: $10,000
- Due Date: 5/31/26
Hustler’s MicroGrant - Apply here💵
You’re doing the work and just need an extra boost of capital to support what’s next. U.S.-business owners, this is yours for the taking!
- Grant Amount: $1,000
- Due Date: 5/31/26
Related: Hindi Marciniak of Empowered Ventures Champions Women-Owned Businesses Nationwide
HerRise MicroGrant - Apply here💵
If you’re building with intention and resourcefulness, 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: 5/31/26
Related: Ash Grewal on Her Community That Amplifies Women Changemakers
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant - Apply here💵
Ambition rewarded. Access the funding, hands-on mentorship, and support you need to launch or grow your business.
- Grant Amount: $1,000
- Due Date: 5/31/26
Freed Fellowship Grant - Apply here💵
Funding without the fine print. Unlock no-strings-attached funding, along with podcast visibility, community support, and strategy coaching.
- Grant Amount: $500
- Due Date: 5/31/26
Entreprenista Evolve Grant with GIMME Beauty - 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: 6/19/26
Related: The Grant Winning Blueprint | Find and Win Grants for Your Business
Women Founders Grant - Apply here💵
The buck starts here. A two question app with no-strings-attached funding and mentorship.
- Grant Amount: $5,000
- Due Date: Rolling
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.
Curious about joining the Entreprenista League? Sign up here for a free info session.
FAQs
Q: What are the best small business grants for women in 2026?
A: Some of the top small business grants for women in 2026 include the Amber Grant, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant, WomensNet Startup Grant, and the Entreprenista Evolve Grant.
Q: Are there grants specifically for women entrepreneurs?
A: Yes. Many organizations offer grants specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs, female founders, and women-owned businesses across industries and business stages.
Q: Do women-owned businesses have to repay grant funding?
A: Most business grants do not require repayment, though eligibility requirements and reporting expectations may vary depending on the organization offering the funding.
Q: What types of grants are available for women founders?
A: Women founders can apply for startup grants, microgrants, industry-specific grants, growth-stage funding opportunities, and mentorship-based grant programs.
Q: How can women entrepreneurs improve their chances of winning grants?
A: Strong applications typically include a clear business mission, measurable traction, thoughtful use of funds, and a compelling founder story that demonstrates growth potential and impact.
Updated on: May 19, 2026
About the Author
Stephanie Cartin
Stephanie Cartin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, community builder, and a champion for women founders. She created the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, to provide resources and support necessary at all business stages. She’s also the Co-founder of Socialfly, one of the first social media marketing agencies, as well as Entreprenista Media and Pearl Influential Capital which was recently acquired by Cherub. Stephanie has shared her journey managing her health challenges with Multiple Sclerosis, Infertility, and a complicated pregnancy and is an advocate for women going through similar challenges. Her story and businesses have been featured on the Today Show, Bloomberg and Forbes. Consider Stephanie your biggest business cheerleader.
