It can be difficult to launch and expand a business, especially for single moms who frequently encounter extra barriers to obtaining capital and resources. Thankfully, there are numerous small business grants for single mothers. Moreover, there exist supplementary grant initiatives exclusively accessible to Black women entrepreneurs.
Small Business Grants For Single Mothers: Types of Grants
It’s critical to comprehend the many grant options when it comes to funding for women-owned small companies. The qualifying criteria, award levels and application procedures for these grants can change.
Certain grants can be restricted to particular sectors or phases of company growth, while other awards might be available to a larger pool of applicants.
Furthermore, funding is offered to non-profit organizations headed by female leaders. The following are the primary grant categories accessible to women who own small businesses:
Federal funding: These funds come from the government and include initiatives like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) awards.
State grants: A lot of states have small business grant programs that may include financing for women-owned enterprises.
Local grants: Small enterprises, especially those run by women, may be eligible for subsidies from cities and counties.
Industry-specific awards: Certain areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, or technology, are the focus of some programs.
Non-profit funding: Certain awards are intended exclusively for female-led non-profit groups.
Small Business Grants For Single Mothers: List Of Small Business Grants For Single Mothers
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1. Amber Grant
With its monthly award program, the Amber Grant Foundation presents a special opportunity for female entrepreneurs. Two $10,000 grants are given out by the foundation to various women-owned enterprises each month.
Two of the 24 monthly grant recipients receive an additional $25,000 at the end of each year. Throughout the year, the foundation also provides a range of supplementary grants.
The application procedure is quite easy; candidates just need to submit a $15 application fee, explain how they would utilize the grant money and give an explanation of their firm. The foundation’s advisory council selects the winners, seeking out passionate women with interesting backstories.
Additionally, since there is no time requirement for the firm, this is an excellent choice for women seeking beginning business subsidies. Companies that are based in the United States and Canada can apply.
 2. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
An annual project, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award program seeks to assist women-owned enterprises in their early stages that prioritize the advancement of social, economic, and environmental conditions.
Businesses in nine distinct global regions are given three grants each. A grant of $100,000 is given to the winning company; second place gets $60,000; and third place gets $30,000. Additionally, winners have access to executive coaching and a range of training sessions.
3. Programs for Small Company Innovation Research and Technology Transfer
These two competitive programs, which offer grants to small firms that support federal research and development, are facilitated by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Opportunities for business grants are posted on the websites of eleven government agencies, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Defense and Health and Human Services.
Entrepreneurs can visit the SBIR website to look for available grants. The company must meet other eligibility conditions and function as a for-profit organization with no more than 500 employees to be eligible.
Companies can apply for a $150,000 grant through the Small Business Innovation Research program to set goals for research and development. Up to $1 million in funding may be awarded over two years.
Eligible businesses can receive up to $250,000 for the Small Business Technology Transfer program during the starting phase and an additional $750,000 if research findings are encouraging.
4. FedEx Small Business Grant
Every year, 10 small firms are given up to $50,000 each through the FedEx Small Business Grant program. The competition offered a total prize pool of more than $300,000 in 2022. Winners receive a monetary award as well as credit toward business services and print from the FedEx Office.
An explanation of the firm, a plan for using the grant money, company pictures, and an optional short film introducing the business are required for the application process. The company needs to be a for-profit venture with less than 99 workers and at least six months of operational experience to qualify.
5. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), a nonprofit trade association, is offering this funding program. The organization gives small enterprises growth subsidies of $4,000 each month, which they can spend for employing staff, marketing, and other company needs.
The company must have been a valid NASE member for at least three months to apply for this grant. Annual members may apply at any time.
 6. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
Every year, early-stage, women-owned businesses with significant growth potential are invited to participate in the Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition. The company must be headquartered in the United States, have no more than $750k in outside capital, and have a female founder, co-founder, or CEO.
The top five finalists compete to earn over $100,000 in professional services and over $55,000 in cash awards by pitching their businesses to angel and venture capital investors.
7. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database
A grant marketplace called IFundWomen focuses on providing capital and mentoring to women-owned enterprises. Entrepreneurs can apply for funds through its universal grant application with only one application and their businesses will be paired with funding from several enterprise partners.
Entrepreneurs will be notified and invited to apply when a match is made. This is a fantastic resource for enterprises seeking money from a variety of sources, as past grant partners have included organizations like Visa, Neutrogena, and American Express.
8. Halstead Grant
An annual prize for businesspeople wishing to enter the silver jewelry market is the Halstead Grant. The winner gets $1,000 in jewelry products in addition to a $7,500 startup prize. In addition, five semi-finalists and finalists will get $250 or $500 and assistance in advertising their enterprises.
Small enterprises owned by men and women are both eligible for this subsidy. The entrepreneur must submit a design portfolio and respond to fifteen questions about the business to apply. Annual applications must be submitted by August 1st.
9. Fast Break for Small Businesses
The Fast Break for Small Businesses grant program, administered by the Accion Opportunity Fund and supported by LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, pays out $10,000 grants twice a year. Above and beyond the monetary prize, the winners receive $500 worth of LegalZoom services.
Entrepreneurs who wish to be informed when applications open can register on the LegalZoom website. The program’s goal is to provide small businesses with the capital they require to expand and prosper. The program is a fantastic chance for entrepreneurs searching for capital and tools to grow their companies, as it is accessible to companies of all shapes and sizes.
It’s crucial to remember that grant availability can fluctuate; therefore, it’s critical to consistently look for and apply for grants. Furthermore, a lot of grants have deadlines, so it’s critical to stay aware of these and make plans appropriately.
10. The Red Backpack Fund
The creator of Spanx, Sara Blakely, is a supporter of the Red Backpack Fund. Her foundation has made it its mission to promote and assist women who choose to become entrepreneurs.
In the wake of COVID-19, the foundation gave $5 million to encourage female entrepreneurs, and it partnered with GlobalGiving to launch The Red Backpack Fund. To lessen the effects of the crisis, GlobalGiving is giving at least 1,000 grants, each worth $5,000, to American women entrepreneurs who are also business owners.
11. Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)
Small firms are often not eligible for direct grant assistance from the SBA. However, under the PRIME program, the SBA gives government money to groups that support microenterprise development so they can help underprivileged small company owners by providing them with mentoring, technical support and training.
Nonprofit, commercial, state, local, or tribal groups are eligible to apply for these awards; those that specialize in assisting women-owned small enterprises are especially welcome.
A grant of $200,000, for instance, was given to the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation in 2022. For entrepreneurs and small business owners searching for tools and training to expand their enterprises and overcome challenges, this program offers a great chance.
12. Women’s Business Centers
To help women entrepreneurs with business development and capital access, the Small Business Administration (SBA) funds more than 100 Women’s Business Centers across the nation. These organizations provide a variety of services, including networking opportunities, training courses, and business counseling.
While some organizations, like the California Capital Financial Development Corp., offer direct loans to business owners, others assist them in locating potential small-enterprise grants and loans.
13. Economic Development Administration
Resources for economic development are available in every state and in many communities, to foster robust local economies. Local businesses can benefit from these tools, which include assistance in obtaining state and federal financing.
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, for instance, assists small enterprises in submitting grant applications to the federal and state levels.
14. Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which are usually located at colleges and universities, are numerous around the nation. Free, one-on-one business counseling is provided by SBDCs. Services include assistance with creating company plans, market research, and money acquisition through grants, loans, and crowdsourcing.
A few SBDCs provide training on certification initiatives such as the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certifications and the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. Businesses can level the playing field when competing in the public and private sectors with the use of these programs.
15. Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO)
Through initiatives managed by SBA district offices, the Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO), a division of the Small Business Administration (SBA), supports female entrepreneurs. These initiatives include federal contracts, company counseling, and training, as well as financing and credit availability.
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), which seek to level the playing field for all female entrepreneurs who still encounter particular challenges in the business sector, are supervised by the OWBO. Companies that receive support from WBCs are much more likely to succeed than those that do not receive the same level of assistance.
16. Business Development Program
One SBA project that helps small, underprivileged firms compete in the market is the Business Development program. Women-owned small companies can seek advice from WBCs and neighborhood resources, as well as use the SBA’s Lender Match tool to locate funding. Entrepreneurs can also benefit from SBA loan programs, which include partners that provide guidance and assistance to help them select the best course for their business.
17. Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) Federal Contract Program
Through this initiative, small firms owned by women can compete for federal contracts. Before applying, business owners should be aware of the eligibility requirements. To meet the government’s five percent contracting target for women-owned small companies, the SBA also collaborates with federal departments to expand contracting possibilities. Look out for matchmaking events aimed at both federal and private procurement, as entrepreneurs should.
18. National Women’s Business Council
The President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration get impartial guidance and counsel from the nonpartisan National Women’s Business Organization, a government advisory council.
The council addresses significant and pertinent economic issues that impact the expansion and prosperity of women-owned enterprises. It is the government’s sole independent voice for female entrepreneurs.
The council is a repository for information and data about women-owned businesses in addition to doing research and making suggestions for legislation. For female entrepreneurs seeking advice on navigating the business world and obtaining resources to expand their enterprises, it is an invaluable resource.
19. Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
Two affordable training programs are available for women veterans or spouses of veterans through the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program, which is supported by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families. The program helps women launch and expand their businesses by offering them networking opportunities, skill-building classes, mentorship, and other resources.
20. Ms. Foundation for Women
Several prizes are given by the Ms. Foundation for Women to women-owned companies that support the development of women and girls. Previous grantees have run companies that address issues about women’s rights, affordable childcare, reproductive health, and the prevention of domestic abuse. In addition to financial support, the foundation offers its grantees networking opportunities, mentoring, and training.
21. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program Grants
The Tory Burch Foundation selects fifty women to be Foundation Fellows each year. These women receive a $5,000 stipend to apply toward their business education, as well as opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Potential investors are given the chance to hear about these women’s business ideas. You must identify as a woman and hold the majority (51 percent or more) of the equity in a qualified business owned and controlled by women to be eligible. The company needs to turn a profit and have brought in at least $75,000 last year. Visit their website for complete details.
22. The Dream Big Awards
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big Awards honor and celebrate the top small businesses in the United States. A $25,000 cash reward, a one-year Chamber of Commerce membership, a promotional video about their company, and a feature piece in CO magazine are awarded to the Small Business of the Year winner.
Eight additional prizes are given out in addition, including the Community Support and Leadership Award, the Minority-Owned Business Achievement Award, the LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award, and the Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award. Businesses must have been in operation for at least a year, mainly within the United States, and have had less than 250 workers or less than $20 million in gross revenues for each of the preceding two years to be eligible.
23. 37 Angels
A group of female angel investors known as 37 Angels makes investments in small enterprises run by women. The group works to eliminate the barriers that female entrepreneurs encounter when applying for loans. 37 Angels provides grants of up to $150,000 to assist women in maintaining the viability of their businesses.
24. The Girlboss Foundation Grant
A semi-annual program, the Girlboss Foundation Grant program offers financial support to female entrepreneurs in creative fields like music, fashion, design, and the arts. Applicants must be the owners of women-led businesses in these industries to be eligible for the grant.
A $15,000 grant to help the business initiative of the successful candidates will be given in addition to marketing benefits including social media and newsletter features from Girlboss.com.
The group has given grants totaling more than $130,000 to female entrepreneurs since its founding. On the Girlboss website, those who are interested can learn more details about the application procedure.
25. Eileen Fisher Women-owned Business Grant
Established forty years ago as a women’s clothing brand, the Eileen Fisher charity grants $200,000 in grant funding annually to qualified women-owned Funding is available for female entrepreneurs whose businesses are improving society through the Eileen Fisher Women-owned Business Grant.
Each year, the group gives out $200,000 in grants, with each donation amounting from $10,000 to $40,000. Businesses must be majority-owned by women and support the organization’s goals of promoting women’s participation in decision-making, a sustainable economy, and climate change adaptation to be eligible.
All businesses that fit the requirements are welcome to apply; further information about the procedure is available on the Eileen Fisher website.
26. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
State and territory governments can offer financial help to small firms involved in export development through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), a service offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Grants are available to women-owned exporting companies to help with a variety of tasks, including developing international marketing plans, attending trade shows overseas, and learning how to export.
27. Challenge.gov Competitions
On the website Challenge.gov, businesses and organizations can find over thirty competitions to enter and win cash awards. These issues encompass a broad range of fields, such as the arts, healthcare, climate change mitigation, and sustainable energy innovation.
28. State Business Incentives Database
For small firms launching in the US, this is a great resource. Finding funding opportunities across all 50 states might take a lot of time, but the State Business Incentives Database has already done the legwork for you by compiling a list of over 2,300 different kinds of business incentives, including grants, loans, tax exemptions, and tax credits.
29. American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Women’s graduate education is funded by the non-profit American Association of University Women (AAUW). For one- or two-year community-based programs, the AAUW provides Community Action Grants. Businesses that have initiatives or programs that “promote education and equity through projects focused on encouraging girls to chose, before entering college, the physical sciences or engineering as a vocation” are eligible to apply, even though the primary objective of these funds is education. Each year, the AAUW grants more than $6 million in financing.
