Women-Owned Business Funding Guide: Grants, Loans & Resources (2025)

The Funding Landscape for Women-Owned Businesses

Women entrepreneurs face documented disparities in access to capital — lower loan approval rates, smaller loan amounts when approved, and higher rates charged relative to comparable male-owned businesses. These are structural issues, but they don't mean capital isn't accessible. They mean you need to be more strategic. The good news: there are funding programs specifically designed to address this gap, and many mainstream lenders have made public commitments to increasing lending to women-owned businesses. Knowing which doors to knock on matters.

SBA Programs for Women-Owned Businesses

The SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program helps women compete for federal contracts in industries where women are underrepresented. While not a direct lending program, winning federal contracts strengthens your revenue profile for lenders. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans have no gender-specific preferences, but working with an SBA-approved Women's Business Center (WBC) can help you prepare a stronger application. There are 140+ WBCs across the U.S. providing free or low-cost consulting. The SBA also partners with Ascent — a free online learning platform specifically for women entrepreneurs — which includes resources on understanding business financials and preparing for lender meetings.

Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid. The tradeoff is competition and time — grant applications are thorough, and award cycles can take months. Among the most accessible: the Amber Grant ($10,000 monthly, $25,000 annually, specifically for women), the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant, and the Girlboss Foundation Grant for women in design, fashion, and arts. Corporate programs from Dell, FedEx, and Visa also periodically offer grants targeting women-owned businesses. For STEM and technology businesses, the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program provides non-dilutive funding that women in tech should explore.

CDFI and Mission-Driven Lenders

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders whose explicit purpose includes serving underserved markets — and women-owned businesses are a significant focus for many. CDFI loans often have more flexible underwriting, lower rates than alternative lenders, and credit-building assistance. Accion Opportunity Fund, LiftFund, and Grameen America are among the largest CDFIs with specific programs for women. To find CDFIs in your area, use the CDFI Fund's CDFI Locator at cdfifund.gov.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Application

Get certified. WOSB certification from the SBA or from a private certifier like WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) signals legitimacy to lenders and corporate buyers alike. WBENC certification is recognized by over 1,000 corporations. Build your business credit separately from personal. This is important for all business owners but especially critical for women, who research shows are more likely to be asked to pledge personal assets. Network with other women business owners. Peer referrals and warm introductions still matter in lending. Organizations like NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and local chambers of commerce are worth joining.

Frequently asked questions

Are there loans specifically for women-owned businesses?

There are loan programs with preferential terms for women-owned businesses, primarily through CDFIs, SBA Women's Business Centers, and some state economic development programs. Most mainstream business loans don't discriminate by gender, which means women access the same products — the challenge is approval rates and terms, not product availability.

What is WOSB certification and do I need it?

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) certification from the SBA allows you to compete for set-aside federal contracts. It's worth pursuing if you're interested in government contracts. For private lending, WBENC certification carries more weight with corporate buyers and some lenders.