Women entrepreneurs face documented gaps in access to business capital. Here are the resources, programs, and strategies that can level the playing field.
Financing for Women-Owned Businesses: The Full Picture
Women-owned businesses now represent 42% of all U.S. businesses — yet women entrepreneurs receive a disproportionately small share of conventional small business financing. Understanding both the targeted programs designed to close this gap and the mainstream financing options equally available to women-owned businesses is essential for building a comprehensive capital strategy.
The most important insight: the SBA WOSB programs, CDFIs, and women-focused grant programs described below are valuable supplements — not replacements — for mainstream financing. Women-owned businesses qualify for every conventional loan product available to any business of the same size, revenue, and credit profile. The goal is to layer targeted resources on top of mainstream access, not to limit yourself to specialized programs.
SBA Programs for Women-Owned Businesses
SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program
The WOSB program is primarily a federal contracting set-aside — it reserves certain government contracts for certified women-owned small businesses. WOSB certification does not directly provide financing, but winning set-aside contracts creates the revenue growth that unlocks better financing terms. The application requires SBA WOSB certification, which verifies majority ownership (51%+) and control by women. Self-certification is available through the SBA's certification portal at certify.sba.gov.
SBA 7(a) and 504 Loans
SBA loans are available to women-owned businesses on the same terms as any qualifying business. The SBA specifically prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. Many SBA Preferred Lenders have dedicated women's business banking teams or programs. SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million at 10%–14% APR are the most common capital source for women-owned businesses seeking seven-figure financing. Learn more in our complete SBA 7(a) guide.
CDFI Lenders and Women-Focused Financing
Several CDFI lenders have specific mandates to serve women entrepreneurs:
- Accion Opportunity Fund: One of the largest CDFIs in the U.S., with specific programs for women and minority entrepreneurs. Loans of $5,000–$250,000 at 7%–22% APR with flexible credit requirements.
- LiftFund: Serves small businesses across the Southern U.S. with a focus on women and minority owners. Strong technical assistance alongside capital.
- ASSETS Lancaster: Pennsylvania-based CDFI with specific women's enterprise programs.
- Count Me In: Provides microloans and business development resources specifically for women entrepreneurs.
The Opportunity Finance Network directory at opportunityfinance.net allows you to search CDFIs by geography, target market (select "women"), and loan size.
Women-Focused Business Grants
Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment — making them highly valuable when available. Key sources:
- Amber Grant: Monthly $10,000 grants and an annual $25,000 grant for women-owned businesses
- NWBC (National Women's Business Council) resources: Not a grant program itself, but maintains the most current database of women's business funding resources
- Cartier Women's Initiative: Up to $100,000 grants for women social entrepreneurs
- State-specific programs: Many states have women's enterprise development programs with grant components — search your state's economic development agency
- Corporate supplier diversity grants: Large corporations often have supplier development programs specifically for women-owned businesses seeking to become preferred vendors
Grants are competitive and limited in size — they complement but do not replace a financing strategy.
Mainstream Financing: Available to All Women-Owned Businesses
Every mainstream business financing product is fully available to women-owned businesses. Revenue-based financing approves based on revenue, not gender. Business term loans evaluate credit, revenue, and time in business. Lines of credit are awarded based on cash flow and credit history. Building a strong application — excellent credit, documented revenue, clean bank statements, a clear use-of-funds narrative — is the most direct path to the best financing terms regardless of any demographic factors.
Approvd works with 75+ lenders, several of which have specific programs and preferred terms for women-owned businesses. Our advisors help identify the optimal combination of mainstream and targeted resources for your specific financing needs. Apply free to see your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there business loans specifically for women?
Several CDFI lenders and microloan programs prioritize women entrepreneurs, and the SBA WOSB program provides contracting advantages. However, for most financing needs over $50,000, mainstream loan products (SBA, term loans, lines of credit) available to all businesses offer better rates and higher amounts than women-specific programs alone.
Does the SBA give preferential treatment to women-owned businesses?
The SBA prohibits discrimination and does not give preferential interest rates to women-owned businesses. The WOSB program provides contracting set-asides (not financing preferences). Some SBA Preferred Lenders have targeted outreach programs for women entrepreneurs.