Closing the Funding Gap: Small Business Grants for Women in November 2026

Your next growth move may be clear. But the money to make it happen is already spoken for. A key hire, holiday promotions, or better systems all compete with today’s expenses.

This funding gap can slow growth and inevitably take a toll on you and your business. A 2023 Kauffman Foundation report, drawing on 2022 survey data, found that 68% of former women founders who struggled to access capital said it was a primary reason they closed their business.

That’s why we created the Entreprenista Evolve Grant with IT Cosmetics. Courtney and I believe every founder deserves access to funding, resources, and a supportive community.

Our $5,000 quarterly grant helps eligible U.S.-based, woman-owned or woman-led businesses invest in their next phase of growth. If your business has operated for at least 1 year, earns $100,000 or more in annual revenue, apply by November 30th.

Look no further for more grants designed for women and other funding opportunities with application deadlines this November.

Sephora Beauty Grant - Apply here💵    

Beauty founders, go big. This 6-figure grant backs an underrepresented founder ready to bring her beauty brand to more customers and scale with serious support.

• Grant Amount: $100,000
• Due Date: 11/6/26

Verizon Disaster Resilience Mitigation Grant - Apply here💵

A storm doesn't wait for you to be ready. Complete one of two free courses on Verizon's Digital Ready platform (10-15 min or 25-30 min), and you're eligible to apply for funding to cover the equipment that gets your business through a disaster. Applications are reviewed on project feasibility, disaster risk identification, and community benefit. Past Digital Ready grant winners can apply again.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 11/15/26

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

Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship - Apply here💵

Your next level starts here. This yearlong fellowship gives women founders a $2,000 education grant, expert coaching, powerful connections, and access to capital.

• Grant Amount: $2,000
• Due Date: 11/17/26

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: 11/30/26

Related: 5 Smart Tax Tips for Entrepreneurs to Maximize Deductions

Hey Helen Grant - Apply here💵

Fund your bold vision. Unrestricted funding for the mission-driven woman founder ready to invest in her team, marketing, operations, or infrastructure for her next move.

• Grant Amount: $10,000
• Due Date: 11/30/26

IFW Startup Accelerator Grant - Apply here💵

Make your next move. Unrestricted, equity-free funding for the U.S.-based founder ready to achieve her next milestone. Idea-stage and pre-revenue businesses are welcome to apply.

• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: 11/30/26

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

Shophand Small Business Boost Grant - Apply here💵

Put cash and hands-on tech support behind your systems, automation, marketing, or operations to help your business run smarter.

• Grant Amount: $5,000, including $2,500 cash and $2,500 in services
• Due Date: 11/30/26

Threadneedle Alley Foundation Grant - Apply here💵

Your second act matters. Founders 40+ facing financial barriers can pair $5,000 with mentorship and expert support to keep building with confidence.

• Grant Amount: $5,000 each, at least 5 winners
• Due Date: 11/30/26

Related: Cash Flow Management for Small Businesses: 7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

HerRise MicroGrant - Apply here💵

Your impact deserves backing. This monthly microgrant helps under-resourced women founders invest in the tools, marketing, equipment, or systems to move their businesses forward.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 11/30/26

Freed Fellowship Grant - Apply here💵

Funding meets real feedback. Get a cash boost, thoughtful business feedback, strategy support, and additional year-end grant consideration.

• Grant Amount: $500 monthly grant, plus consideration for a $2,500 year-end grant
• Due Date: 11/30/26

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

Hustler’s MicroGrant - Apply here💵

Give your idea momentum. A monthly microgrant for U.S. business owners with a bold vision and a clear plan to turn $1,000 into meaningful progress.

• Grant Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: 11/30/26

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Grants for Women Founders

Q: What does the funding gap mean for women founders?

‍A: The funding gap describes barriers women face when pursuing capital to start, operate, or grow a business. The gap can make it harder to fund a promising next step, from hiring to reaching new customers.

Q: How can small business grants help women founders access capital?

‍A: Grants provide funding for eligible business needs without requiring founders to give up ownership. Each grant sets its own rules, so check what the funds support before applying.

Q: Can a grant replace a loan or investment?

‍A: Grants can be one part of your funding plan, but they’re competitive and aren’t guaranteed. Consider your timeline, eligibility, and business needs when weighing grants alongside other funding options.

Q: Who is eligible for the Entreprenista Evolve Grant?

‍A: Our grant is open to eligible U.S.-based, woman-owned or woman-led businesses that have operated for at least 1 year and generate $100,000 or more in annual revenue. Review the Entreprenista Evolve Grant details and apply by Monday, November 30th, 2026.

Q: What makes a grant application even stronger?

‍A: Connect your funding request to a clear business priority. Explain how you’ll use the money, why the investment matters now, and what it’ll help your business accomplish. Follow the application guidelines and answer each question directly.