Resources
Connect
If you have ideas on how we can help connect women-owned businesses in your local community or want to partner with us, please email us at connect@womenowned-business.com
Support
If you need help creating your business listing or have questions about the directory, please email us at support@womenowned-business.com
Tutorials
Learn how to set up your profile and list your business in the Directory with our step-by-step tutorial with images.
GET STARTED
National Business Resources
Business.us.gov
Find information on how to start and fund your own business. Call 1-844-USAGOV1 or visit USA.GOV.
Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
Eligibility: Women-led, for-profit businesses with a strong social or environmental impact. Grants from $30,000 to $100,000 given to the top three winners in each region.
The Dare to Dream Grant Program
$10,000 in funding. Within the program, students meet deadlines to produce deliverables that guide them through the business development path from a nascent idea to formulating and assessing potential businesses to planning and launching these businesses.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program started by FedEx in 2012 to award U.S.-based entrepreneurs with grants to enhance their businesses.
Grants.gov
The Grants Learning Center is your gateway to the federal grants world.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA’s one-stop-shops for MBE success. Whether you’re seeking capital, competing for contracts, building relationships, or gearing up for global business.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Four winners are chosen each quarter to be awarded up to $4,000 grant to support the growth of their business.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
Provides grant funding to small businesses to engage in biomedical or behavioral research/ development that leads to a potential for innovative technologies to improve health.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTRMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Angel Investors
RAA Ventures
While the current confluence of world changing technologies (all advancing simultaneously) creates profound challenges to entrenched societal norms, work, and governance, it is precisely at these inflection points that we often see generational investment opportunities. As former entrepreneurs, we have experience navigating opportunities through major inflection points. Now as investors, we have the less difficult job of using our first-hand experience to identify and invest in the technologies and teams leading the current wave of technological innovation. RAA Ventures has offices in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico and invests globally.
Reno Angels
Formed in May 2008 to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We are serious about investing in your success. Our members possess an impressive breadth of proficiencies in a wide-variety of industries. From business owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and patent holders to those with senior management, military and C-suite experience. We individually and collectively are seeking to fund, nurture and scale businesses with game changing vision. Submissions will remain anonymous, but we request a pitch-deck / executive summary in advance that will be provided to our group members for review. Thus, we encourage you to be honest, straightforward and equitable with your evaluation, differentiation and offer. Our ultimate goal is to forge winning partnerships where everyone shares in the spoils.
Sierra Angels
Since 1997, our Members have funded 100+ companies in a wide range technologies and sectors, with a strong preference for capital efficiency and an enterprise / B2B focus. Our Membership consists of 40+ high net worth families, experienced F1000 executives, and successfully exited founders who provide funding, mentoring, strategic introductions to early-revenue (seed stage) technology companies.
Crowdfunding
Circle Up
With the help of our Helio technology platform, we empower entrepreneurs with the funding and support that they need to thrive.
Crowd Funder
Crowdfundr was founded and powered by ConnectionPoint, the premiere platform for collaborative payments. We have three sibling platforms: FundRazr for social impact, CoCoPay for healthcare, and PetFundr for animal welfare.
FUNDABLE
Start and manage a professional fundraise to attract quality accredited investors.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal, but helpful tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising. Learn step-bystep what to expect—from writing your story and sharing your fundraiser to receiving the money raised.
Federal Business Grants for Women
Grants.gov
Website features a list of grants sponsored by the federal government for women – use the database’s search feature to look for grants designed specifically with women business owners in mind.
Microlending
Micro loans are small business loans typically under $50,000. Micro loans are generally used for start-up cash but are sometimes given to newly launched small businesses for working capital. Micro loans can be used for many purposes including the purchase of equipment, inventory, machinery, fixtures, furniture, supplies, and even to purchase another business
CAN Capital
The world is changing, and so is your small business. In such extraordinary times, we know that finding a good financial solution for each unique situation is a must. Together, let’s explore what options are best for you. Whether it’s working capital or equipment financing, CAN may be able to help.
DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, our award-winning organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners in 27 states, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income households, people with disabilities, and start-ups.
Nevada Women’s Business Center
Nevada Women’s Business Center (NWBC) is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation that’s been growing entrepreneur’s in their development through training, counseling, and coaching and assisting our clients with referrals when necessary.
On Deck
OnDeck is part of the publicly traded company Enova International, Inc. We’ve delivered over $15 billion in small business loans across the U.S.
Prestamos, CDFI
Prestamos CDFI, LLC (“Prestamos”), is a Community Development Financial Institution(“CDFI”) and a Community Development Entity(“CDE”) that provides high-quality financial products and services for small businesses and impactful economic development projects. Prestamos through its parent corporation, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., has administered a variety of lending programs since 1980. In light of the success of its loan programs and the continued need and demand for these services, CPLC created Prestamos CDFI, LLC in 2000. Prestamos successfully promotes economic and community development in order to create jobs, revitalize communities and facilitate community wealth building.
SBA microloans
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000. SBA provides funds to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers.
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as an Economic Development District in 1984. There are approximately 400 Development Districts throughout the United States. WNDD is one of two EDA designated Economic Development Districts in the State of Nevada. The District represents the eight counties of Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe; the municipality of Carson City; the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca; and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe/NUMU. Associate Members include: University of Nevada, Reno Center for Economic Development, Join, Inc., Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Community Services Agency, EDAWN, Nevada Green Institute Inc., Western Nevada College, NV Energy, Tahoe Prosperity Center, RailPros, Truckee Meadows Community College, Nevada Rural Housing Authority, Downtown Reno Partnership, Nevada Builders Alliance, Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, Education Innovation Collaborative, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Rural Nevada Development Corporation, Uprise Fiber, CEDA.
Clearinghouse CDFI
Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI) is a full-service, direct lender financing projects that create jobs & services to help people work, live, dream, grow, & thrive in healthy communities. The company was established in 1996 to serve low-income and disadvantaged communities in Southern California. Since then, Clearinghouse CDFI has expanded its service area to address unmet credit needs throughout the U.S. & Indian Country.
Peer to Peer Lending
Kiva Zip
That’s a billion people who don’t have a credit card for emergencies, a debit card for easy access to their money, or a credit history to help them get a loan. Kiva is an international nonprofit that tackles this inequality. By connecting people through crowdfunded loans, Kiva puts the power of financial inclusion in all our hands.
Lending Club
A personal loan allows you to borrow money from a lender for almost any purpose, typically with a fixed term, a fixed interest rate, and a regular monthly payment schedule. Collateral is usually not required and personal loans typically have lower interest rates than most credit cards.Since interest rates and loan terms on a personal loan are fixed, you can select a loan and payment amount that fits within your budget—which is great when you’re consolidating debt. Plus, you’ll know the exact date your loan will be fully paid off.
Prosper
Find a range of financial solutions including credit cards, personal loans, HELOCs and HELoans, investing opportunities, and educational content focused on financial knowledge. These are designed to support you in consolidating debt, financing home improvements, covering healthcare costs, and most importantly, enhancing your financial well-being.
Startup Grants for Female-Led Startup
Amber Grants for Women
Women entrepreneurs aged 18+ with for-profit businesses based in the United States. 10,000 monthly grants and an additional 10,000 monthly grants and an additional 25,000 annual grant.
EmpowerHER Grant Program
Women entrepreneurs starting or growing a business, can be used for startup costs, equipment, inventory, or marketing.
She’s Connected by AT&T
Women-owned small businesses in the United States with 50 employees or fewer. $50,000 grand prize, a year of AT&T service, and a new device.
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
Women founders or co-founders in the United States with businesses in tech or consumer goods.
High Five Grant for Moms
Mom entrepreneurs with for-profit businesses generating revenue. Grants to support business growth and development.
SoGal Startup Grant
Program aims to support Black women entrepreneurs. Although this demographic is the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs (at any point in recorded history), Black women founders receive less than 0.5% of venture capital funding. Winners of the SoGal Startup Grant get a cash award of either $5,000 or $10,000 in startup funding.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Supports U.S. small businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Grant recipients receive checks for $50,000 (grand prize winner), plus additional credits (up to $7,500) to use at FedEx Office for business printing services. Applicants need to be U.S.-based small businesses (for-profit), earn under $5 million in annual sales
Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
Annual program with the goal of empowering female entrepreneurs. Businesses that are women-owned or women-led can apply for the awards, including:
- Awards across 10 regions. A total of three grants are awarded per region, totaling to 30 grant awards. Each first-place awardee receives $100,000; each second-place awardee receives $60,000; and each third-place awardee receives $30,000.
- Science & Technology Pioneer Award. The award amounts are the same as for the regional awards.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. Cartier Women’s Initiative doesn’t yet disclose the award amounts for this grant.
GrantsforWomen.org
Online platform that helps women business owners find and research a variety of grant and scholarship opportunities. The platform aims to enable women around the world to achieve their business-related goals.
Eileen Fisher Women-owned Business Grant
The Eileen Fisher organization—a women’s clothing brand founded over three decades ago—awards $200,000 in grant funding each year to eligible women-owned businesses. Individual grant sizes range from $10,000 to $40,000 each.
Tory Burch Foundation
$5,000 business education grants, the foundation also aims to promote women-owned businesses in their early stages through:
- Access to business capital
- Expert-led workshops (live and on-demand)
- Peer-to-peer network (with the chance to collaborate with other female founders)
- The Women of Color Grant Program (sponsored by both The Tory Burch Foundation and the Fearless Fund) is available to women business owners of color. Eligible businesses may receive grants valued at between $10,000 and $20,000 through this program.
The Girlboss Foundation Grant
Offers grants for creative female entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the semi-annual grant, you’ll need to have a women-owned business that operates in the arts, design, music or fashion industries. Winners of the grant receive $15,000 in funding for their projects. They also get to take advantage of marketing-related benefits with newsletter and social media features by Girlboss.com.
National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants
The program awards cash grants of $4,000 to women small business owners. Winners can use grant funds for any of the following:
- Advertising and marketing
- Expanding facilities
- Hiring employees
- Other business expenses
Venture Capital
Access Venture Partners
An early stage vc firm investing in bold founders and helping every step of the way.
Battle Born Growth Reno Angels
Nevada Battle Born Growth Escalator, Inc – known as “Battle Born Growth” – is a corporation for public benefit with 501(c)(3) status. It was created during the 2015 Nevada Legislative Session through AB17_to house federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds. Nevada’s first SSBCI Program was created in 2011 following the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. It has consisted of a Collateral Support Program and a Venture Capital Program component These programs through their “evergreen status” enable the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to earn returns that are being recycled to benefit Nevada’s small businesses.
Berkshire Bridge Partners Sierra Angels
Berkshire Partners seeks to invest in high-potential companies and Transform them into scale market leaders. Our multi-sector expertise, combined with the unique way we collaborate to uncover insights and make decisions, is our foundation to create lasting value. We dig in, listen carefully, and align with entrepreneurs and management teams to create opportunities together. We apply this approach across the firm – whether investing in private or public companies – aiming to help transform middle market businesses into enduring market leaders.
Claremont Creek Ventures Berkshire Bridge Partners Sierra Angels
Claremont Creek Ventures is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm, founded by experienced entrepreneurs to partner with other entrepreneurs in building ambitious, exceptional technology companies.
DCA Partners Claremont Creek Ventures Berkshire Bridge Partners Sierra Angels
DCA Partners is a diversified financial services firm encompassing M&A, Private Equity, and institutional-quality real estate investments. Our boutique investment bank specializes in M&A advisory services throughout the western United States. Founded in 2001 and based in Sacramento, CA, our firm is built upon a foundation of independent thinking, competitive spirit, and unrelenting integrity. We seek to provide our clients with long-term guidance, helping them navigate and critically evaluate key business decisions and company milestones in an effort to create strategic value for their stakeholders, shareholders, and family members.
Energy Capital Partners
Our understanding and knowledge of the market run deep: our senior partners have been investing in electricity and sustainable infrastructure since the mid-1990s and are experienced owners and operators.
Enhanced Capital
Unlocking value for private investors through socially responsible public investment initiatives. Aligning private sector resources with public policy goals. Transforming local economies to the benefit of both investors and community stakeholders.
EPIC Ventures
Check out their portfolio.
FundNV
FundNV invests in early-stage, revenue-generating startups based in Nevada (or are looking to relocate), with a focus on companies that have demonstrated early traction and are poised for growth. Through our partnership with StartUpNV, Nevada’s leading accelerator for founders and startups, FundNV gains exclusive access to top startups and investment opportunities in the state.
HCAP Partners
HCAP Partners is a recognized impact investor providing growth capital to established small and medium-sized companies throughout the United States.
Rebel Venture Fund (RVF)
We are a student led venture capital group backed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We invest in students, startups and entrepreneurs in Nevada and the greater Southwest region of the United States.
Techstars Ventures
Techstars provides founders with a 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerator program, a $120K investment, and access to the Techstars network.