Who Qualifies for Women-Owned Business Grants?

Securing a grant can be a pivotal moment for a woman-owned business, but the first and most critical step is understanding eligibility.

Grant funding is not a one-size-fits-all opportunity; every funder establishes specific criteria to ensure their investment aligns with their mission. A grant application that ignores these rules is guaranteed to be rejected.

This article clarifies the common qualification standards for women-owned business grants.

We will break down the foundational requirements that apply to most grants and explore how eligibility changes across different types of funders, from private foundations to federal programs.

Core Eligibility Criteria: The Non-Negotiables

While every grant has unique rules, a set of core requirements serves as the foundation for most opportunities targeting women entrepreneurs.

Before you begin any application, verify that your business meets these fundamental standards.

  • Majority Ownership and Control: This is the most important definition.

To be considered “woman-owned,” your business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

Control refers to having final authority over day-to-day operations and long-term business decisions.

  • Business Status: Most grants are for for-profit businesses.

Nonprofits have a separate funding ecosystem.

Some funders may specify a required legal structure, such as an LLC or S-Corp.

  • Geographic Location: The business must typically be legally registered and operate within the United States.

Many state or local grants will have stricter requirements, such as operating within a specific county or city.

  • Age and Revenue: Some grants are exclusively for startups, while others require a minimum operational history (e.g., one to two years) or a specific annual revenue threshold to demonstrate viability.

Always locate the funder’s official FAQ or guidelines document to confirm these baseline criteria before investing time in an application.

How Eligibility Varies by Grant Type

Understanding who is funding the grant provides crucial insight into their specific eligibility requirements.

Below are four common types of grant programs and a verified example for each, illustrating how qualifications can differ.

1. Foundation Grants: Often Story-Focused

Foundations typically have a philanthropic mission.

Their grant applications may focus more on your business's story, its impact, and your personal passion.

They are often a good starting point for newer businesses.

Example: The Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant is a well-known program that awards monthly grants to women entrepreneurs.

Its eligibility is intentionally broad to encourage a wide range of applicants.

  • Who Qualifies: Women entrepreneurs (age 18+) who own and operate a business in the U.S. or Canada.

There are no specific revenue or time-in-business requirements.

  • Funding: $10,000 monthly grants and two $25,000 year-end grants.
  • Focus: The application is based on telling the story of your business and what you would do with the funds.

The judges are looking for passion, a solid business idea, and a clear plan.

  • Application Deadline: The deadline for monthly consideration is the last day of each month.

The next upcoming deadline is March 31, 2026.

2. Corporate Initiatives: Often Mission- and Stage-Focused

Corporate-sponsored grants and awards are designed to support businesses that align with the company’s values, industry, or social impact goals.

They are often highly competitive and look for businesses with proven traction and potential for scale.

Example: Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

This annual international program supports women-led, impact-driven businesses.

The eligibility criteria are much more specific than a typical foundation grant.

  • Who Qualifies: For-profit, early-stage businesses (between 1 and 6 years of operation).

The main leadership role must be held by a woman.

The business must be revenue-generating and designed to meet one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Funding: $100,000 for first-place awardees and $30,000 for second-place awardees, plus extensive mentoring and networking.
  • Focus: The program seeks innovative businesses with a clear financial model and a measurable social or environmental impact.
  • Application Deadline: The application period for the 2027 awards is expected to close around July 31, 2026.
  • Official Link: Learn about the Cartier Women's Initiative

3. Fellowships and Incubators: Often Growth-Focused

These competitive programs provide a grant as part of a larger package that includes intensive mentorship, education, and networking.

Eligibility is often restricted to established businesses poised for significant growth.

Example: Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

This prestigious year-long fellowship is designed to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

The grant is one component of a comprehensive support system.

  • Who Qualifies: Majority woman-owned, for-profit businesses based in the U.S.

Applicants are typically required to have been operational for several years and meet a minimum annual revenue threshold (historically around $75,000).

  • Funding: A $5,000 business education grant, access to zero-interest loans, and a trip to the Tory Burch offices for workshops and networking.
  • Focus: The program selects ambitious founders with a proven business model who are ready for the next stage of growth.
  • Application Deadline: Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in the fall, with a likely deadline of November 15, 2026.
  • Official Link: Explore the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

4. Federal Certification: For Government Contracts

While not a direct cash grant, federal certification is a powerful qualification that unlocks access to billions of dollars in government contracts.

The eligibility is rigid, legalistic, and requires thorough documentation.

Example: Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

The U.S.

Small Business Administration (SBA) runs this program to help more women entrepreneurs compete for federal contracts.

  • Who Qualifies: The business must be a small business according to SBA size standards and be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens.

The woman manager must hold the highest officer position and work full-time in the business.

  • Funding: This program doesn't provide a direct grant.

Instead, it qualifies your business to compete for contracts specifically set aside for WOSBs, with a government-wide goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to these businesses.

  • Focus: This is for established businesses ready to navigate the complexities of selling their products or services to the federal government.
  • Application Deadline: This is an ongoing certification program with no fixed deadline.
  • Official Link: Certify as a WOSB with the SBA

Final Checklist: Are You Grant-Ready?

Before you apply for any grant, run through this final qualification checklist:

  • Ownership: Is my business verifiably at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women?
  • Legal Status: Is my business legally registered and in good standing?
  • Funder's Mission: Does my business's purpose, industry, and impact align with the grant provider's goals?
  • Stage & Revenue: Do I meet the specific requirements for time in business and annual revenue?
  • Geography: Is my business located within the required city, state, or country?
  • Documentation: Am I prepared to provide the financial statements, business plans, or legal documents required by the application?

Answering these questions honestly will save you valuable time and focus your efforts on the opportunities you are truly qualified to win.