Key Takeaways
Women-Owned Business Grants
Women-owned business grants are non-repayable funds awarded to businesses that are majority-owned and controlled by women. At the federal level, these programs typically work alongside contracting set-asides rather than direct grant payments. The goal is to increase economic opportunity for women entrepreneurs through both funding and preferential access to government contracts.
The SBA defines a women-owned small business (WOSB) as one that is at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are US citizens, with women also controlling day-to-day management and long-term strategy.
How the Federal Government Supports Women-Owned Businesses
Understanding federal support for women-owned businesses requires separating two distinct mechanisms: contracting set-asides and direct grant funding. Most of what the federal government offers falls into the first category.
The centerpiece is the WOSB Federal Contract Program, administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This program reserves certain federal contracts — in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented — for competition exclusively among certified WOSBs or EDWOSBs. For a small business, winning a federal contract can represent stable, substantial revenue that functions similarly to a grant in terms of its business impact, though the two are legally distinct.
Direct grant dollars specifically earmarked for women-owned businesses are less common at the federal level. Some federal agencies — particularly in research, technology, and community development — do fund grants that women-owned firms compete for, but these are generally open to a broader applicant pool rather than reserved exclusively for women. For a broader view of how federal grant programs are structured, see our field guide to federal business grant programs.
12.3M
Women-owned businesses in the US
According to the National Women's Business Council, women-owned businesses number approximately 12.3 million and employ millions of workers across the country.
5%
Federal contracting goal for WOSBs
The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each fiscal year.
83
Industries eligible for WOSB set-asides
The SBA designates specific NAICS industry codes — across dozens of sectors — where women-owned businesses are underrepresented and where set-asides apply.
WOSB and EDWOSB Designations Explained
To compete for WOSB set-aside contracts, a business must meet the SBA's definition and obtain certification. Key eligibility requirements include:
- At least 51% unconditional and direct ownership by one or more women who are US citizens
- Women must control day-to-day management and long-term business decisions
- The business must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for its primary industry
The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) designation adds a financial threshold. The women owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage, assessed through personal net worth, income, and total assets — criteria similar to those used in the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program.
EDWOSB-certified businesses qualify for a broader set of reserved contracts, including industries where WOSBs are also underrepresented but where the set-aside is limited specifically to economically disadvantaged firms.
Check EDWOSB Thresholds Before Applying
EDWOSB eligibility is assessed on personal financial data, not business revenue alone. Review the SBA's current net worth, income, and total asset thresholds before investing time in the full application. If you are close to the limits, documenting your financial position carefully — with the help of an accountant — can prevent an avoidable rejection.
Where Direct Grant Funding for Women Entrepreneurs Exists
While the federal contracting pathway is significant, business owners seeking non-repayable grant funds should look at several complementary channels:
- SBA Resource Partners
- Women's Business Centers (WBCs), funded by the SBA, provide training, counseling, and connections to local grant opportunities. They do not award grants directly but serve as reliable guides to programs available in your region.
- Federal Agency Grant Programs
- Agencies such as the Department of Commerce, USDA, and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) periodically fund grants for which women-owned businesses are competitive applicants. Grants.gov is the authoritative source for open federal grant opportunities.
- State and Local Programs
- Many states maintain revolving loan funds, microgrant programs, and business development grants specifically for women entrepreneurs. These are administered through state commerce or economic development departments.
If your business operates in the hospitality sector, targeted funding options also exist — see our overview of grants available to hospitality business owners.
Women-owned businesses may also explore how their designation interacts with other identity-based programs. Our article on minority-owned business grant programs outlines programs that sometimes overlap in eligibility.
Grants.gov Is the Starting Point for Federal Opportunities
All open federal grant competitions — including those for which women-owned businesses are eligible — are posted on Grants.gov. Creating a free account and setting up keyword alerts for your industry can surface opportunities that are not widely publicized. SAM.gov registration is also required before you can receive any federal grant or contract award.
Applying for WOSB Certification and What Comes Next
Certification is the gateway to competing for WOSB set-aside contracts. The SBA offers a free online certification process through its certify.sba.gov platform. Applicants upload documentation proving ownership structure, citizenship, and management control.
Alternatively, businesses may certify through an SBA-approved third-party certifier — organizations that independently verify WOSB eligibility. Third-party certification may involve fees but can add credibility, particularly for firms pursuing larger contracts.
Once certified, the practical steps include:
- Register in SAM.gov (System for Award Management), which is required for all federal contracting
- Identify set-aside contract opportunities through SAM.gov and beta.SAM.gov by filtering for WOSB-designated solicitations
- Prepare a capability statement — a concise document outlining your business's qualifications, past performance, and differentiators
- Engage with agency small business offices at agencies whose missions align with your products or services
Building a federal contracting track record alongside pursuing grant funding creates a more resilient revenue strategy. For context on how state and federal programs compare structurally, the article on state vs. federal business grant differences provides useful perspective.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice. Eligibility requirements, program availability, and regulations change over time. Consult a qualified advisor or contact the SBA directly for guidance specific to your situation.