Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month with these grants and business assistance opportunities
October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the more than 1 million women-owned employer firms that fuel our nation’s economy and create opportunity in their communities. Women-owned businesses continue to reach new heights. According to the U.S Census Bureau’s 2022 Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics report, women-owned nonemployer businesses generated $411.6 billion in receipts and according to the 2023 Annual Business Survey, women-owned employer businesses had an estimated $2.1 trillion in receipts, 11.4 million employees and $508.5 billion in annual payroll. To further support your growth, we’ve compiled a list of grants and business assistance opportunities to help strengthen and sustain your woman-owned small business.
Hey Helen Microgrant
Accepting applications until 12/30/2025
Powered by Visionaries, the Hey Helen Microgrant invests in women entrepreneurs building impact-driven, for-profit businesses in the United States. Each grant cycle, one founder receives a $10,000 unrestricted cash award to support business operations, growth, marketing, hiring or infrastructure. The program aims to amplify women’s voices in business and ensure they have the funding needed to thrive.
Awesome Foundation Grant
Accepting applications on a rolling basis
The Awesome Foundation Grant is committed to helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas and projects to life. Each month, the Foundation awards $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to support innovative projects and their creators. These grants are designed to remove barriers and provide entrepreneurs with the flexibility they need to pursue bold ideas.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program aims to provide free courses, mentorship and networking to meet your small business needs. Access their free courses today to explore key topics like marketing and promotion, branding, financial management and more. The program is also offering a new $10,000 grant opportunity for entrepreneurs. By completing two online courses or events between July 1 and December 10, 2025, you can qualify to apply and bolster your small business finances. Grant applications close at 11:59pm PT on December 10, 2025.
SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership
The Small Business Administration's Office of Women’s Business Ownership empowers women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education and support. This Women’s Small Business Month, strengthen your business with training and counseling resources, exclusive funding initiatives, new procurement opportunities and more through their Women’s Business Centers.
SCORE Mentors
SCORE is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. Through its mentorship services, you can be matched with an experienced mentor who can provide guidance, share best practices and educate you on key small business topics.