It’s a necessity for women business owners striving to start, grow, and sustain their businesses to have access. In September, NAWBO Iowa is highlighting access as a pathway to opportunity, resources, and impact. One of the most powerful forms of access is financial: specifically, access to capital through grants.
While many entrepreneurs are familiar with loans or private investment, grants remain one of the most underutilized tools in the small business landscape. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment. Instead, they provide targeted funding for growth, innovation, and sustainability. For women entrepreneurs, grants can be the bridge to scaling ideas into impact.
In August, the Winning Grants: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners, was designed to help business leaders understand the grant landscape and learn how to successfully apply. Whether you are just getting started or have been in business for ten years, there are opportunities waiting to be unlocked.
Why Grants Matter for Women Entrepreneurs
Women-owned businesses continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy, yet access to capital remains a top barrier. Grants provide an alternative, especially for women founders who may struggle to secure traditional financing. They also open doors to mentorship, partnerships, and visibility. When awarded, a grant doesn’t just bring funding; it signals credibility and attracts new networks of support. In the Winning Grants workshop, we talked about the Verizon Wireless platform. A free resource tool to help businesses with different aspects of the business like marketing, contracts, and websites. Just a simple process to sign up for tons of free tools that allow you to gain access to a grant application.
Understanding the Grant Landscape
Grants come in many forms:
● Federal grants designed for research and development.
● State and local grants that prioritize job creation and local economic growth.
● Private sector and nonprofit grants created to provide support in your business growth.
Each type of grant has different requirements, but all share one common theme: alignment. Successful applicants clearly connect their business mission to the funder’s goals.
How can you create a winning application with your business? Here are some tips to help answer the questions on an eligible grant application for your business.
● Evaluate opportunities strategically. Focus on 2 - 3 well-aligned grants instead of applying to everything.
● Craft compelling narratives. Use both data and personal story to explain why your business matters and the competitive advantages you hold.
● Build strong support. Provide clear budgets, realistic timelines, and consistent messaging.
● Leverage free resources. SBDC, SCORE, and chamber programs that provide application support.
By focusing on grants, women business owners not just gain access to money, but the knowledge, networks, and confidence to thrive in business. Every application (whether successful or not) builds skill and opens new possibilities. Access isn’t just about winning the funds; it’s about learning how to navigate systems, tell your story, and position your business for long-term success. I highly recommend craving out the time to research and apply for a grant today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Best Regards,
Kourtney Perry
