Top Grants for Women

Women-owned businesses are a hot commodity. The government wants more of us involved in their projects. Women's views are important in shaping advertising, publishing, marketing, ergonomic design-you name it. Because women control 80% of all consumer spending in this country, and because we own nearly 40% of all businesses, we're all that! This is where business grants for women come in.

Historically, women have faced huge hurdles when trying to start or expand a business. For instance, women weren't guaranteed the right to open a credit line in their own name in the United States until 1974. Imagine - if you can't get a department store credit card, how do you get capital to open a store, buy a van for a delivery service, or buy raw materials to create finished products? Many people need grants for women to get started.

Fortunately, as the ads say, we've come a long way, baby. And yet, because of this history of obstacles, there are some systems in place in the government and the marketplace to encourage women-owned companies to gain business grants for women or contracts to start or expand a business.

Where to start? Right here. Pursue some great business grants for women opportunities such as:

The Small Business Association's section for women-owned businesses, http://www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html, is a great place to start. Here you will find information on funding sources for women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Most states have a Women's Business Center, which can direct you to business grants for wome in your state. These are a WEALTH of information for your business-they can direct you to those small programs that are administered only through non-profits, but that can help you to gain more business.

DollarDiva Business Plan Competition
http://www.anincomeofherown.com/imi/dollardiva/bizplan/index.php
Young women between the ages of 13 and 21 with an idea for a business can submit business plans (10 pages maximum, including cover page) for this business grant for women. Each of the five winners will receive $1,500 cash, a Camp $tart-Up Scholarship, and a few more prizes.

Startright Business Plan Competition for Women-Owned Businesses
http://www.women-in-business.org/startstraight1.htm
A business plan competition for women-owned businesses, designed to give new businesses a financial boost with a business grant for women, publicity, and an opportunity for review and recommendations from an experienced panel of judges from area businesses, financial institutions, organizations, government agencies and colleges.

Finding business grants for women, applying, learning, and hopefully winning a grant for women can be empowering and financially helpful. The difference between success and failure lies in knowing where to find business grants for women and choosing to write the application. Armed with the right resources, business grants for women are a great way to launch a new future.