Women entrepreneurs often face significant challenges when trying to secure funding to launch, grow, or scale their businesses. To bridge this gap, WomensNet continues its long-standing commitment to supporting women in business through its 2026 WomensNet Grants Program, offering more than $510,000 in grant funding throughout the year.

One of the biggest advantages of the WomensNet grant program is its simple application process. Instead of submitting multiple applications for different grant opportunities, applicants complete one application and are automatically considered for all grants for which they qualify.

Whether you are still developing your business idea, running a startup, growing an established company, or leading a nonprofit organization, the WomensNet grants provide multiple funding opportunities throughout the year.

Total Funding Available

The WomensNet 2026 Grants Program provides more than US$510,000 in funding through:

• Monthly Amber Grants
• Monthly Startup Grants
• Monthly Business Category Grants
• Annual Amber Grants

Successful applicants may even become eligible for additional year-end funding worth US$50,000.

Why Apply?

Applicants only need to complete one application to be considered for multiple grant opportunities.

Benefits include:

• More than US$510,000 available annually.
• One application covers all eligible grants.
• Monthly funding opportunities.
• Additional chances to receive year-end grants.
• Support for startups and established businesses.
• Nonprofit organizations are also eligible.
• Wide variety of industry-specific grants.

 

1. Monthly Amber Grant

The flagship WomensNet funding opportunity is the Monthly Amber Grant.

Each month, one outstanding woman-owned business receives:

• US$10,000 grant

Eligible businesses include:

• Small businesses
• Established businesses
• Growing businesses
• Women-led nonprofit organizations
• Businesses from all industries

Applications are carefully reviewed each month before one winner is selected.

Additional Benefit

Every Monthly Amber Grant recipient automatically advances to compete for the:

• US$50,000 Annual Amber Grant

This provides successful applicants with an opportunity to secure even larger funding at the end of the year.

 

2. Monthly Startup Grant

Recognizing that early-stage businesses often struggle the most to access funding, WomensNet also offers the Monthly Startup Grant.

Each month:

• One startup receives US$10,000.

WomensNet defines a startup as:

• A business still in the idea stage, or
• A business with less than US$10,000 in sales.

Although startups are already eligible for the Monthly Amber Grant, WomensNet created this additional funding opportunity specifically to support entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of business development.

Additional Benefit

Monthly Startup Grant winners also become eligible for the:

• US$50,000 Annual Startup Grant

 

3. Business Category Grants

Women entrepreneurs operating within specific industries may qualify for the Business Category Grants.

Each category awards:

• US$10,000

One of the most attractive features of this program is that once an applicant submits an Amber Grant application, it remains active for consideration under the relevant business category for 12 months.

There is no need to submit another application.

2026 Business Category Grant Schedule

January

Skilled Trades

• US$10,000

February

Health & Fitness

• US$10,000

March

Food & Beverage

• US$10,000

April

Sustainability

• US$10,000

May

Mental & Emotional Support

• US$10,000

June

Business Support Services

• US$10,000

July

Animal Services

• US$10,000

August

Hair Care & Skincare

• US$10,000

September

Education & Child Care

• US$10,000

October

Creative Arts

• US$10,000

November

STEM

• US$10,000

December

Fashion & Interior Design

• US$10,000

Additional Benefit

Each Business Category Grant winner automatically becomes eligible for the:

• US$50,000 Annual Business Category Grant

 

4. Annual Amber Grants

At the end of each year, WomensNet awards three separate US$50,000 grants.

These grants recognize the year’s outstanding winners from:

• Monthly Amber Grants
• Monthly Startup Grants
• Business Category Grants

This means that monthly winners have the opportunity to receive substantial additional funding without submitting another application.

 

One Application for Multiple Grants

One of the most valuable aspects of the WomensNet grant system is its streamlined application process.

With a single application, applicants are automatically considered for:

• Monthly Amber Grant
• Monthly Startup Grant (if eligible)
• Monthly Business Category Grant (if eligible)
• Annual US$50,000 Grant opportunities

This greatly increases the chances of receiving funding.

 

Who Should Apply?

The program is ideal for:

• Women launching new businesses.
• Entrepreneurs developing business ideas.
• Existing women-owned businesses seeking growth capital.
• Women-owned nonprofit organizations.
• Businesses operating in any industry.
• Entrepreneurs working within one of the featured annual business categories.

 

Funding Summary

Grant	Funding
Monthly Amber Grant	US$10,000
Monthly Startup Grant	US$10,000
Monthly Business Category Grant	US$10,000
Annual Amber Grant	US$50,000 (3 winners annually)

 

Deadline

There is no single annual deadline.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, and applicants are considered according to the monthly grant cycle. Business Category Grant applications remain active for 12 months after submission.

 

How to Apply

Applicants only need to submit one application through the official WomensNet application portal to be considered for all eligible grants.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize eligibility for monthly and annual funding opportunities.

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Grants opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here