Business Scholarships for Women: Eligibility and Opportunities

The pursuit of higher education, particularly in business, can be a significant financial undertaking. Scholarships for women in business play a crucial role in addressing disparities and promoting gender equity. This article explores various business scholarships for women, their eligibility requirements, and the impact they have on fostering female leadership and success in the business world.

The Significance of Business Scholarships for Women

Gender equity in business is a growing concern. Despite progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Scholarships for women in business help address these disparities by:

Reducing financial stress and allowing women to focus fully on their studies.
Encouraging more diverse representation in MBA cohorts and boardrooms.
Creating networking and mentorship opportunities.
Supporting women returning to the workforce or switching careers midstream.
Fostering confidence and visibility for top female entrepreneurs.

Companies benefit from inclusive practices, diverse and innovative leadership, and increased employee engagement and retention, leading to a net positive chain reaction.

Top Scholarships for Women in Business

Here are some of the top scholarships for women in business:

Forté Foundation Fellowships

The Forté Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women in business through education and professional development. It partners with top business schools to empower women and has awarded over $475 million in scholarships to MBA program applicants at Forté partner schools.

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Award amount: Varies by school
Eligibility: Female MBA candidates accepted to a Forté partner institution
How to apply: No separate application; selected by participating schools

Forté Fellows gain access to a large network of corporate sponsors, leading companies, and fellow MBA students through online platforms and events. They also receive career services, job opening invitations, exclusive resources, mentorships, and leadership development programs.

AAUW Grants and Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been advocating for women's advancement through graduate education for over a century. Between 2020 and 2025, AAUW has funded $29.6 million in fellowships and grants for women. These include Career Development Grants, International Project Grants, and various scholarships for women changing careers or re-entering the workforce.

Award amount: $2,000-$20,000
Eligibility: Primarily women pursuing certification or a graduate degree to re-enter or advance in the workforce, but varies by grant
Deadline: Typically September and November each year, but deadlines vary by grant

AAUW grants and fellowships can cover full-time or part-time coursework, including graduate degrees, certifications, or specialized training, which helps women navigating caregiving responsibilities, reintegrating into the workforce, or changing careers.

Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award

Zonta International promotes women's equity in leadership through the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award. This award is granted to 10 exceptional leaders internationally and often goes to international leaders devoted to service, innovation, ethical conduct, and entrepreneurship.

Award amount: $10,000
Eligibility: Women aged 18-35 with proven leadership in a business-related field or industry
Deadline: Varies by Zonta club

Private Small-Business Grants for Women

In addition to scholarships, several private corporations and organizations offer business grants for women. Here are some to consider:

Amber Grant: WomensNet awards a grant to one winner each month. One grant is given to a startup, one is for businesses in specific, rotating categories (the October category is creative arts, and the November category is STEM), and the final grant is for general small businesses. At the end of each year, monthly grant winners are eligible to receive one of three $50,000 annual grants. The application is relatively simple: Explain your business, describe what you’d do with the grant money and pay a $15 application fee. Because there’s no time in business requirement, companies seeking startup business grants for women may want to prioritize the Amber Grant.
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database: IFundWomen is a grant marketplace that specializes in funding and coaching for women-owned businesses. You can submit one application and when IFundWomen adds a grant from an enterprise partner, it will match the partner’s grant criteria to applications within the database. If your business is a match, you’ll receive a notification and invitation to apply. Previous grant partners have included companies like Visa, Neutrogena and American Express.
HerRise Microgrant: HerRise Microgrants are offered by the Yva Jourdan Foundation, the nonprofit arm of HerSuiteSpot, an organization that provides business coaching and training to under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis and $1,000 grants are awarded each month. To be eligible, your business must be at least 51% woman owned and you must have less than $1 million in gross revenue.
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant: YippityDoo, a support organization for women entrepreneurs, offers a $1,000 business grant on a monthly basis. There is a $15 application fee.
Galaxy Grant: This grant program, which Hidden Star, a nonprofit organization, presents, is open to women and minority small-business owners. Winners can currently receive a $2,500 grant. The next deadline is Nov. 30, 2025.

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Faire Small Business Grant: New business owners who launched their retail business in 2024 or who plan to open a business in 2025 or 2026 may be eligible to apply for a $5,000 Faire Small Business Grant. Applications for the current cycle are now open and will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2025. Winners are announced in January 2026.
ZenBusiness Grant Program: This program is open to new businesses that used the ZenBusiness platform to launch their business within the past three to six months. Applications are now open and are accepted quarterly. Winners receive a $5,000 grant, as well as free access to select ZenBusiness products.
Start.Pivot.Grow Grant: This micro-grant program from Start.Pivot.Grow is open to businesses that have been in operation for at least two years, employ one to two people and generate annual revenue of at least $50,000. Grants of $2,500 are offered each quarter and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant: Every quarter, the NASE awards up to $4,000 to up to four small businesses via its growth grants. These funds can be used for a variety of business needs, including marketing, advertising and hiring employees. To apply for this grant, you must be a NASE member in good standing for at least three months. Annual members can apply at any time.
The Freed Fellowship Grant: Each month, a small-business owner can receive a $500 micro-grant from the Freed Fellowship. Monthly grant recipients are also eligible for a $2,500 annual grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. While this grant is open to all small-business owners, women and minority entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply.
Hay Helen Grant: The Hay Helen Grant offers $10,000 to women-owned businesses that generate less than $1 million in annual revenue. Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the intent of the grant are also welcome to apply. The grant can be used for any business purpose and applications are accepted three times per year. Applications for the latest cycle are now open through Dec. 30, 2025.
Women Founders Grant: The Women Founders Grant provides a monthly grant of $5,000 to women-owned businesses. and have a business idea or existing business that is at least 51% women-owned and operated. To apply, you must answer two questions about your business and how you plan to use the funds. Applications close on the last day of each month.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant: Her Agenda is a digital media platform that empowers and supports women to help them reach their professional goals. The company’s Breakthrough Grant offers $5,000 to a women entrepreneur looking to grow her business. To qualify, you must be currently operating a business and subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter. Applications for the current cycle are now open through Jan. 18, 2026.
Halstead Grant: The Halstead Grant is an annual award for entrepreneurs looking to break into the silver jewelry industry. The winner receives a $7,500 startup grant, as well as a $1,000 in Halstead gift card. Additional finalists also receive $1,000 and a $250 Halstead gift card. To apply, you must answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio. Applications for the 2026 cycle are now open through May 1, 2026.
Empower Her Fund: Through the organization Women’s Empire, the Empower Her Fund offers $1,000 grants on a quarterly basis to women in New York City. These grants are available to women-led organizations, community groups and individual women entrepreneurs with projects that specifically benefit women and girls or contribute to community development in New York City. To qualify, your proposal must align with the Empower Her Fund’s mission and goals, addressing issues such as education, health, entrepreneurship and advocacy.
FoundHer Accelerator Program: The FoundHer accelerator program focuses on Hawaii-based women entrepreneurs. Accepted participants to the six-month program will receive $20,000 grants, a $4,000 care stipend, weekly educational workshops, and monthly learning and networking retreats. Businesses must be early-stage, for-profit and at least 51% Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-owned to qualify. Applications are now open through Oct. 17, 2025.
EmpowHER Grants: Female small-business owners who are at least 22 years old may be eligible for an EmpowHER grant from Boundless Futures Foundation. Your business must have been established within the last three years in order to be eligible. You must also address one of the following societal issues through your product or business model: poverty and hunger, sustainability and the environment or strong communities. Grant funding is awarded as reimbursement of up to $25,000 for business-related expenses. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.
Fund Her Future Grant: Fund Her Future, a grant program from Block Advisors by H&R Block, is open to women business owners nationwide. One grand prize winner receives a $50,000 grant, while five additional small businesses get $10,000 each. Winners also receive a year of free small-business services, including bookkeeping, payroll and tax support. To be eligible, you must have an established business that generated a minimum of $20,000 in revenue in 2024. Applications are currently closed, but you can sign up to be notified about future grant opportunities.
Amazon Business Small Business Grant Contest: Amazon Business's annual grant contest is open to all small-business owners. This year, one grand-prize winner received $25,000, four finalists received $20,000 grants and 10 semi-finalists were awarded $15,000 grants. To be eligible, you must have an Amazon Business account (it's free to create), and annual revenue of $1 million or less. Applications are currently closed.
Dream Makers Founders Grant: A collaboration with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, the Dream Makers Founders Grant offers $25,000 grants to five female small-business owners. To be eligible, your business must employ between two and 10 people, generate revenue between $100,000 and $1 million and be at least 51% female owned. You must also be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community. Applications are currently closed.
Cartier Women's Initiative Awards: Every year, Cartier awards three grants to women-owned businesses in nine different regions around the world. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards program is designed to support early-stage businesses that are focused on a range of social, economic and environmental development issues. The first-place business is awarded a $100,000 grant, second place receives $60,000 and third place gets $30,000. Winners also receive executive coaching and the opportunity to participate in a variety of training workshops. Applications for the 2026 cycle are now closed.
Texas Rural Woman Grant: The Texas Rural Woman Grant program is open to women-owned, rural small businesses in Texas. Hosted by Texas Woman's University, the program is restricted to specific counties in the state. This year, 10 grants of $10,000 were awarded. Applications for this year will be open May 5, 2026 through June 5, 2026.
StartHer Grant: Offered by Texas Woman's University's Center for Women Entrepreneurs, the StartHER grant awards $5,000 to 10 Texas-based businesses. Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned to be eligible. Applications for this year will be open Sept. 1, 2026 through Sept. 23, 2026.
High Five Grant for Moms: The Mama Ladder organization offers an annual small-business grant specifically for moms. This grant, called the High Five Grant, is designed to support women caregivers with children of all ages, including first-time expecting moms, stepmoms and foster moms. Entrepreneurs can submit an application online and share the story behind their business on social media. Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and then a public vote will determine the top three winners. The top business receives a $10,000 grant, the runner-up receives a $5,000 grant and the third-place finalist gets $2,500. Five additional businesses receive $1,000 honorable mention grants. Applications for this year's cycle are closed. Winners will be announced Oct. 21, 2025.
Backing Small Businesses: The Backing Small Businesses grant program is a collaboration between American Express and Main Street America. In 2025, the program awarded $10,000 grants to 400 small businesses facing economic challenges. Funding must support projects that improve small businesses by building community, supporting growth and viability or nurturing positive change. Applications are now closed.
Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition: Started in 2019, the Enthuse Foundation's Annual Pitch Competition is open to female entrepreneurs. Participants pitch their business at an in-person event. One grand-prize winner receives a $15,000 grant. The runner-up gets a $10,000 cash prize. Applications for the 2025 round closed in September.
Waves of Change Grant: Women of color entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses that generate less than $50,000 in annual revenue may be eligible for the Waves of Change Grant. Described primarily as a "service-based grant," in which experts will donate their time and services to help recipients grow their business, the grant may also offer a stipend to cover operating costs for one year. Applications are currently closed.
Ignite: A WBDC Grant: Connecticut businesses that are at least 51% women-owned may be eligible for this Equity Match Grant offered by the Women's Business Development Council. Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded toward specific projects that will contribute to a business's growth and profitability. Applicants must provide a minimum match of 25% for any awarded funds. The next round of funding will be announced in early 2026.
WBDC Launch Pad Grant Program: Another program from the Connecticut WBDC, the Launch Pad grant offers women-owned businesses $2,500 to be put toward startup costs. This grant is designed specifically for newly established companies. To qualify, you must complete one of three WBDC business courses, be located in Connecticut and have been in business for less than two years. Applications for 2025 have not yet been announced.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Business Scholarships

To maximize your chances of securing a business scholarship, consider these tips:

Start searching early: Deadlines for scholarships often fall in early spring and late fall, so begin your search well before your program's start date.
Organize scholarship data: Use a spreadsheet to keep track of contact details, deadlines, award amounts, eligibility requirements, and portfolio requests.
Tailor your materials: Customize essays and cover letters to meet the scholarship's criteria, highlighting your community service, ethical conduct, or academic pursuits.
Polish your resume and references: Ensure your resume shines, and your references provide positive and honest portrayals of your character and achievements.
Showcase your leadership and impact: Clarify your career vision and emphasize your alignment with the values of the school or organization offering the scholarship.
Apply early: Round 1 may give you the best odds of securing a scholarship, as most scholarship funds are allocated early in the admissions cycle.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Supports high-potential female international and DACA students pursuing full-time STEM degrees at eligible US or Canadian universities. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Reaching Out MBA Fellowship (ROMBA): A competitive opportunity for MBA students who identify as LGBTQ+, offered through partnerships with top business schools.
BackPack-Excellence Scholarship for Women: Offered by the IMD Business School in partnership with the Swiss-based BackPack Foundation, supporting talented and driven women who have faced obstacles.
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship: Designed to support African American women working full-time while pursuing graduate education, including an MBA.

Scholarships for Women in Accounting

Women are underrepresented in accounting leadership, but scholarships can help reduce barriers to education and advancement. Many scholarships are offered by groups like EFWA, AFWA, and ABWA, with some open to undergrads, grads, or any degree level. Applicants may need to show academic standing, financial need, or career goals in accounting or tax-related fields.

Undergraduate Scholarships in Accounting

AFWA Undergraduate Scholarships: Requirements: Undergraduates pursuing an accounting or finance degree qualify for this scholarship, offered by the Accounting and Financial Women’s Association. Applicants must hold at least 60 college credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship considers leadership, character, academics, and financial need. Award: Varies Deadline: April 1
Horizons Scholarship: Requirements: Offered by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, the Horizons Scholarship supports women with financial need. citizen, and at least 60 credits into an accounting bachelor’s degree. The scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. citizens earning an associate degree who plan to transfer into a four-year college. The scholarship specifically encourages Black, Latina, and Native applicants. Award: $1,000 Deadline: March 30
Anne Napolitano Consulting Women in Accounting Scholarship: Requirements: This scholarship, offered by Anne Napolitano Consulting, supports an aspiring accountant. Applicants can be high school seniors or college students in their first two years pursuing an accounting degree. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship requires applicants to possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a current resume, transcripts, and an essay or video. Award: $1,000 Deadline: Nov. 30
Aspire Scholarship: Requirements: Women earning a two-year business or accounting degree qualify for this EFWA scholarship. citizens attending an accredited two-year college. The scholarship also requires financial need. Recipients can renew the funding for a second year. Award: Up to $2,000 Deadline: March 30

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