How To Qualify For Government Grants As a Woman-Owned Business

Women cannot get grants to start a business from federal or state government agencies. However, some grants are available from nonprofits and private organizations for minority women and women in economically disadvantaged communities. Here's how to get them.

Instructions

Get That Loan

1. Determine if you are seeking a loan, grant or financing. Get certified as a women-owned business by your state government. You also should get national certification, such as the WBE or Women's Business Enterprise certification offered by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

2. Search for business loans, grants and financing online. Business.gov has a helpful tool to search these options based on filtered choices. Being certified as a women-owned business will help you with most of these loan and grant options.

3. Collect and fill out the documents needed to apply for most loan programs.

4. Be sure to compile and fill in Small Business Administration (SBA) loan documents.

5. Apply for your loan with all relevant documents in hand.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many options for women who do not meet standard bank loan requirements, such as Accion USA and self-help.org.

References

• Search for Business Loans, Grants and Financing
• Self Help
• Accion USA

Resources

• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)