Girls Just Wanna Have Funding ??

As a female founder, you are already a powerhouse of innovation, determination, and creativity. However, it's no secret that the business world can be tough, especially when it comes to securing funding.?

We’ve put together some of the top grant opportunities and popular business funding sources available to female entrepreneurs, as well as a few resources that can increase your chances of securing them. Not only will this information help you get the funds you need to grow your business, but it will also help you build a network of supportive communities and organizations dedicated to supporting female founders like you.?

TOP BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

The Amber Grant -?This program has been around since 1998 and has awarded over $500,000 to female founders. Every month, one lucky winner receives a $10,000 grant to help fund their business. The grants are intended to help women overcome the unique challenges they face in starting and growing a business. To apply, all you have to do is fill out a simple?application form on their website here?and share your story. The judges are looking for passion, creativity, and a solid plan for your business.

Tory Burch Fellows -?Tory Burch Foundation helps female entrepreneurs succeed by providing grants, education, and digital resources. 50 Fellows receive a $5,000 grant, access to 0% interest loan via Kiva, a 3-day workshop in NY, and a year of digital education. Fellows Lab provides mentorship with industry leaders. Women must be 21 or older, own 51% of the company, have a business plan, be proficient in English, and be a U.S. resident. Grants must be used for business education. Applications open annually in the fall.?Learn more about this grant program here.

FedEx Small Business Grant -?This is an annual program that awards up to $50,000 to small businesses across the United States. The grant is designed to help businesses expand their operations, purchase new equipment, hire more employees, and more. To apply, businesses must share their story, provide financial information, and explain how they would use the grant funds to benefit their business. The program selects its winner each Spring, but you can?check out their website?for more information on this grant and view past winners.

GrantsforWomen.org -?Grantsforwomen.org is an awesome resource for female entrepreneurs looking for funding. They've got a bunch of grants available that can help kickstart or grow your business. They also provide tips and advice on how to write grant proposals and boost your chances of success.?Check it out!

The Ms. Foundation -?The Ms. Foundation offers grants to support and empower women-led businesses across the United States. Their grant programs provide funding for organizations and businesses working towards social, economic, and political justice for women and girls. From small seed grants to larger investments, the Ms. Foundation aims to uplift and support women entrepreneurs as they work towards creating a more equitable world.?Learn more here.

FUNDING SOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Venture Capital: This type of investor can provide your business with a lot of money quickly, but they will have high growth expectations. Choose wisely and strategically!?As a member of The 10th House you can download the?Raising Venture Capital Roadmap + Pitch Deck Bundle?for FREE! The roadmap is a comprehensive guide to everything you’ve ever needed to know before raising venture capital. Learn how investors operate, how to find the right one, where to connect to VCs, and how to create the ultimate pitch deck.?

Angel Investors: These are individuals who invest in early-stage startups that show signs of growth. They can be found through personal and professional networks or online platforms like?Crunchbase. When pitching to angel investors, have a solid business plan and be prepared to answer questions about your market, competition, and growth potential.?

Bootstrapping: This is all about using your own resources, whether that means taking out a loan, dipping into your savings, or finding a line of credit. It's slower, but it's a great option if you have a profitable or service business and don't want to dilute your ownership. Whether planning to raise investor capital or not, bootstrapping is essential for sustainable business growth. You can learn the ropes of bootstrapping with the Bootstrapping Bootcamp with Melissa Clayton of Tiny Tags, for free as a member of The 10th House.

Crowdfunding: The internet is a powerful tool, and crowdfunding allows you to get your passions funded by people who believe in what you do. Platforms like?iFundWomen,?Republic, and?Kickstarter?provide coaches and support to help you succeed. It's a great way to test your product-market fit, price, or a new offering, but be ready to put in some work.