10 Sources of Grants For Women-Owned Businesses

The American Express 2014 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report showed that last year, there were 9.1 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. This represents an increase of 68 percent since 1997. Businesses owned by women are growing 1.5 times faster than the national average for all small businesses. The growth is impressive given the fact that women are often turned away by banks for loans. Grants are a great source of money that does not have to be repaid, but they are hard to find.

Where to find grants

The great thing about grants is that they are free. Grants can come from government sources, corporations, non-profits, and other organizations. Here are 10 that are definitely worth checking out, according to Entrepreneur.

• Huggies Brand -- Mom Inspired Grants: Grants up to $15,000 are awarded to businesses who help advance the development of innovative products inspired by the joys of motherhood.
• FedEx Think Bigger -- Small Business Grant Program: Small business applicants who become finalists are judged by the general public who vote on who gets some of the $75,000 awarded in grants each year.
• The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program: Five grants are awarded each year to small businesses that are 100 percent owned by women. Eligible businesses must be established on principles of social consciousness, sustainability and innovation.
• InnovateHER: 2015 Innovating for Women Business Challenge: This program awards 3 small businesses $30,000 and is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership to businesses that have an impact on the lives of women.
• Chase Google -- Mission Main Street Project: Chase and Google have partnered to award $3 million in grants, awarding $150,000 to help small companies take their businesses to the next level.

Read about all 10 grants by visiting www.entrepreneur.com/article/247215