How can women-owned businesses find funding?

Three paths worth working at the same time

• General grant programs, where being women-owned is not the deciding factor
• Programs and competitions aimed at women-owned businesses
• Government contract set asides for certified women-owned small businesses

What certification does

Certification is a formal review that confirms your business is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by women. It does not hand you money, but it makes you eligible for contract opportunities that are closed to everyone else.

Plan for documents: ownership records, tax returns, and proof that the owner runs day to day operations.

What strengthens every application

• Specific numbers about customers, jobs, and revenue
• A clear budget tied to a specific project
• Proof of work you have already finished
• A short explanation of who your business serves and where

Common questions

How can women-owned businesses find funding?

Women-owned businesses have three main paths: general programs you qualify for like anyone else, programs specifically for women-owned businesses from foundations and corporate sponsors, and government contracting set asides that require certification. Certification opens the contracting path, so it is usually worth the paperwork if you sell services or products.