Top Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Empowering women entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering innovation and economic growth. In today’s economic circumstances, access to grants can be a game-changer to getting your women-led venture off the ground.
This post explores the top grants available to women entrepreneurs, unlocking opportunities that pave the way for success. From government initiatives to private sector programs, we’ll uncovered some exciting gems to help you supercharge your business in 2024 and help create a more inclusive business community.
Grants to Move Your Business Forward
Government Grants
Capital Expansion Grants: Building capacity within your business? If you are investing in infrastructure, land, or equipment, you can access funding to support initiatives focused on job creation and economic advancement.
Regional and Municipal Grants: Regional and local governments often administer grant programs tailored specifically for women-owned businesses. The size and eligibility criteria of these grants can vary, so make sure to look for the most suitable options in your area. Login into your Pocketed account today to find local opportunities!
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Grants: Numerous grant programs cater to startups and small businesses led by innovative women entrepreneurs addressing crucial issues affecting women’s lives.
Corporate Grants
Sector-Specific Grants: You’ll find many industry-tailored grants generously provided by corporations. These grants span diverse sectors, addressing specific business needs and offering not only financial backing but also invaluable resources to nurture your aspirations.
Inclusivity and Diversity Grants: You’ll also find pioneering companies launching initiatives for inclusivity and diversity, featuring grant programs dedicated to women-owned businesses. These grants strive to foster gender equality, cultivating a vibrant business environment that champions diversity.
Entrepreneurial Pitch Competitions: One of our favourite categories! These competitions are designed to provide female entrepreneurs with opportunities to secure funding, enhance visibility, and establish a network of valuable connections.
Our Top Grant Picks for Women Entrepreneurs
1. The Odium Brown Forum Pitch
Addressing the barrier of access to capitals, the Forum Pitch program offers over $90K of value through education, 1:1 mentorship, coaching, national exposure, and access to specialized resources and networks so that you can share your business pitch with confidence.
2. The Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women
The Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women exists to promote economic and social justice for women. In particular, the Fund seeks to support low-income women, Indigenous women, immigrant and refugee women, women with disabilities, and women experiencing violence.
3. Amber Grants
WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998 to honour the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
WomensNet now carries on that tradition, giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money, including categories for marketing and year end.
4. Bold Beginnings
Bold Beginnings exists so women with big ideas are empowered to know that they are infinitely capable of creating immense impact in the world and equipped with the golden nuggets of knowledge to bring their visions to life.
Bold Beginnings is for women under 30 with big ideas and offers $25,000 in prize money.
5. Native Women’s Association of Canada Apprenticeships
Developed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), with funding from the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service, the National Apprenticeships Program (NAP) connects businesses with Indigenous women, Two Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people seeking apprenticeships in the skilled trades. Receive a $10,000 grant incentive per position, up to $20,000 annually, to hire first-year Red Seal Apprentices
Grants for Women Entrepreneurs abound!
The grants spotlighted here are the tip of the iceberg of opportunities available to women entrepreneurs. The grant landscape is diverse, each funding option having a unique benefits and resources.
As you get started with grants, you’ll find more and more ways to strategically align these opportunities funding with your business goals so you never miss a dime!
Want to find even more grants for women entrepreneurs? Create your Pocketed account below to get started!
