“Funding is critical to a business,” states business coach Mike McConchie. Mike did some research to see if he could find information/websites that may be able to provide grants or other funding opportunities for Women Owned Businesses. The results of his research are listed here. Says Mike, “There is approximately 1/3 of the year left. Go for it!”

1. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html
You can use this website to search for any number of grants with several different parameters: keywords, eligibility, category (agriculture, business, health, etc.) and what type of agency. It is not specifically for women business owners but there looks like there could be opportunities depending on the type of business.

2. https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/find-other-sources-financing/research-grants-small-businesses
Research Grants for Small Businesses. If your small business is engaged in scientific research and development (R&D), you may qualify for federal grants under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Again, not specific for women but if their business is in any of the above areas, it would could be worth checking into. There are a number of links that are to specific SBIR and STTR programs throughout the federal government.

3. https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/solicitation/current
This is another one where you can search for specific keywords for your business. These are somewhat specific to Federally-funded research and development (R&D) and technology areas.

4. https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/wbc
This is not actually for grants but it is helpful specifically for women business owners and particularly women who are economically or socially disadvantaged. to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. WBCs seek to “level the playing field” for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world. Here’s a specific link to centers in NC https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/map/filter/789c2b2e492c49b5f273b6b232373633040024950432

5. https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/learn-about-business-laws/contact-government-agency/economic-development-agencies
This is a link to economic development agencies in the area for small business owners or people just starting. There is a lot of valuable information here for someone just starting up. Services provided by these agencies typically include:
a. Start-up advice, training and resources
b. Financial assistance with loans, grants and tax-exempt bonds
c. Business location and site selection assistance
d. Employee recruitment and training assistance

6. http://www.nccommerce.com/smallbusiness/help-for-your-business
This is another helpful site for small business owners – more for guidance than anything else.

7. https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc
Similar to the WBCs, this is more guidance for small business owners. These Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories.

8. https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/?utm_expid=16497869-50.q2f8YOaKQg-BgO77JhkXdQ.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fambergrantsforwomen.com%2Fabout-us%2Ffaq-online-grants-for-women%2F
This one is specific for women. It is not a large grant but you can apply monthly. From the website: Each month we award a Qualifying Grant of $500 as selected by our WomensNet judges. One of our 12 monthly qualification winners will be awarded our $1,000 Amber Grant at the end of 2016.The August Qualification Grant will be for $500.00. Tell us your story to be considered for our Amber Grant.

9. http://www.eileenfisher.com/grants/women-owned-business/grant-program-guidelines/
This one is specific to women. They award $120,000 in grants for up to 10 grant recipients (minimum grant $12,000) on an annual basis.

10. https://smallbusiness.fedex.com/grant-contest.html
Each year, we award small business grants to entrepreneurs all over the country who have a deep passion for their businesses. Winners become part of a community of entrepreneurs that gain and share insights from peers, and enjoy great exposure for their business.

11. http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/index.php
The Idea Café is a free gateway that hosts different grants on its site. Its current grant is the 16th Small Business Cash Grant, which awards one $1,000 grand prize to a business with the most innovative idea – this one is now closed but may be worth looking into for next year.

12. https://www.zionsbank.com/learning-center/swsm-grant.jsp
This is specific to women. Each year, Zions Bank awards one $3,000 Smart Women Grant in 6 categories.
a. Business
b. Community development
c. Continuing education and teacher support
d. Child and elder care
e. Health and human services
f. Arts and culture

Smart Women Grants help bolster the efforts of entrepreneurs who strengthen our communities through their diverse talents and endeavors. Grants are open to anyone whose proposal promotes the empowerment of women or directly benefits women or low-income or underserved populations in Utah and Idaho.

13. http://www.grantsforwomen.org/
A comprehensive directory that lists all the organizations and foundations (in alphabetical order) that offer grant funding to women.

14. http://www.mbda.gov/
Mostly just a tool for finding out information.