Small Business Grants for Women in September 2026

Quarter 3 is quickly coming to a close. You can see exactly where your year stands, and the finish line for your end-of-year goals is in sight. You have enough time to close the distance, but it may require more spending than you anticipated.

If you’re feeling the financial burn, you're in good company. The most common challenge for founders this year is the rising costs of goods, services, and payroll, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2026 Report on Employer Firms.

So, if inventory still needs to be ordered or your holiday marketing campaign needs a budget, you may need more funds to make it happen.

60% of small businesses pursued financing in the last 12 months, and nearly half needed the funds to pursue expansion or new opportunities. Still, only 42% received the full amount requested, according to the same 2026 report.

The following grants are open for application this month. You can still make your quarter 4 plans happen without taking on debt or giving up equity. The right resources make all the difference.

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

Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant - Apply here💵

Your business breakthrough is an application away if you're a U.S.-based woman founder who's been in business for at least 1 year.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 9/18/26

NCI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Innovative Concept Award - Apply here💵

If you’re making a dent in pediatric or rare cancer technology, the National Cancer Institute is funding high-risk, high-reward ideas, preliminary data not required.

• Grant Amount: $300,000
• Due Date: 9/21/26 at 5 PM EST

Related: The Exact Playbook for Winning Grants for Startups ($1K-$250K Without Giving Up Equity)

HerRise Microgrant - Apply here💵

Unlock your next step. For women of color with big dreams, ready to break barriers, and make an impact. Grab your business plan (and pitch) to apply.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 9/30/26

Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant - Apply here💵

No insider access required. Women founders and nonprofit leaders at any stage can get the support they need to sidestep burnout and build sustainable success.

• Grant Amount: $3,000
• Due Date: 9/30/26

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

Credibly Small Business Award - Apply here💵

If you’re all about impact, this grant is for you. U.S.-based business owners who are passionate about shaping community can enter for this five-figure award.

• Grant Amount: $10,000-$30,000 (3 winners!)
• Due Date: 9/30/26

Freed Fellowship Grant - Apply here💵

Funding without the fine print. Unlock funding alongside podcast visibility, community support, and strategy coaching.

• Grant Amount: $500
• Due Date: 9/30/26

The High Five Grant - Apply here💵

You can build a business and raise babies. Ambitious moms have 8 opportunities at no-strings-attached funding.

• Grant Amount: $1,000-$10,000
• Due Date: 9/30/26

Related: How to Build Wealth as an Entrepreneur: 7 Power Moves for Women Founders

Secretos™ Small Business Grant - Apply here💵

The push you need. Think of this quarterly grant as your financial boost, helping you clear hurdles and fast-track your success.

• Grant Amount: $2,500
• Due Date: 9/30/26

Giving Joy Microgrant - Apply here💵

If you’re all about initiative, creativity, and real community impact, this global grant fuels women founders who are passionate about empowering women and girls.

• Grant Amount: $500
• Due Date: 9/30/26

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

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: How can grant funding help me reach my Q4 goals?

A: Grant funding can help cover the investments required to close the distance between where your business stands and where you want it to finish the year. Depending on the grant’s rules, that may include inventory, marketing, equipment, technology, professional services, or additional support.

Q: How should I choose which Q4 goal to include in my application?

A: Focus on a goal that is specific, achievable, and connected to a clear business result. Explain what you need to fund, how much it will cost, and what the investment could help you accomplish by the end of the year or shortly after.

Q: Will I receive the grant money in time to use it during Q4?

A: Award timelines vary, so check when each grant plans to notify winners and distribute funding. Avoid committing money you haven't received yet, and consider how the grant could support your plans even if the award arrives later than you’d want.

Q: Can a grant help offset rising business costs?

A: Some grants can provide additional room in your budget as the cost of inventory, services, and payroll rises. A stronger application goes beyond covering a general shortfall and shows how the funding will help you make a purposeful investment that creates business growth.

Q: Can I combine grant funding with money already in my business budget?

A: Make sure you are clear about a grant’s rules and how you can use the funding. Combining a grant with existing funds can help you move forward faster, keep more cash on hand, or reduce the amount you need to borrow.