Federal Grants for Women Starting a Business

Contrary to what Internet ads may say, the U.S. government does not award federal grants to women who are starting businesses. In fact, the government does not award grants to any individuals who want to start a business.

Misconceptions

Many people think the government has grants for people starting businesses, but the truth is that the grants that are awarded go to organizations in very specialized fields, such as science and education. The government does, however, provide other forms of assistance to women who are looking for grants to start businesses.

Alternatives

Grants are available from private foundations, and small-business loans are also an option. Women can contact the Small Business Association's Office of Women's Business Ownership, which can assist in locating grants and other financial assistance (see Resources section).

Function

Grants for women who are starting businesses do not need to be paid back. Private and nonprofit grants are available to women entrepreneurs, for instance, the Amber Grant awards $500 grants to women to help with basic start-up costs, such as running a website. (See Resources section for websites that offer more information).

Considerations

Grants for women starting a business are highly competitive. Make sure you have a detailed business plan as well as a well-written grant proposal before proceeding.

Warning

There are many Internet ads and websites that claim to have information on how to get federal grants for women who want to start a business, but never pay money for information on how to get grants from the government--this information is always available free of charge on the government websites.

Resources

• WomensNet.net
• The Office of Women's Business Ownership
• WomanOwned.com