If you’re looking for government business loans for women, you can explore SBA-supported loans, which are funding solutions available through participating lenders and nonprofit organizations. Depending on the program, financing may cover working capital, equipment, or business property. These loans have repayment obligations and eligibility requirements, and they are not exclusively for women.
In 2025, 49% of women-owned employer firms that applied for financing received the full amount they sought, according to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey.
Grants are a separate funding category, tied to a sponsor’s requirements and permitted uses. The main difference is that loans need to be repaid, while small business grants generally don’t. Choosing a business loan for women starts with matching the program to your funding needs, qualifications, and ability to repay.
Compare SBA loans for women and federal research funding
Funding option | What it can fund | Funding amount | Repayment | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SBA 7(a) loans | Working capital, equipment, business acquisitions, real estate, and eligible debt refinancing | Up to $5 million, subject to eligibility and lender approval | Repay principal and interest under the loan agreement. | Through a participating SBA lender |
SBA microloans | Smaller startup or expansion needs, including inventory, supplies, equipment, and working capital. Funds cannot purchase real estate or repay existing debt. | Up to $50,000 | Repay principal and interest; terms are set by the intermediary, up to seven years. | Through an SBA-approved nonprofit intermediary |
SBA 504 loans | Major fixed assets, such as commercial property and long-term equipment. Funds cannot cover working capital or inventory. | Up to $5 million for the SBA-backed portion, or $5.5 million for certain manufacturing and energy projects; total project financing may be larger | Repay the financing; the SBA-backed portion offers 10, 20, or 25 year terms. | Through a Certified Development Company working with a participating lender |
SBIR and STTR research funding | Eligible research and development projects with commercialization potential; STTR requires collaboration with a qualifying research institution | Varies by agency, funding phase, and solicitation | These are research awards, not loans. Recipients must meet the award’s funding conditions and performance requirements. | Through participating federal agencies’ funding opportunities |
Maximum amounts are program limits, not guaranteed offers. Eligibility, permitted uses, terms, and availability vary. Review the current program requirements before applying.
SBA loan options for women business owners
In the U.S., the Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government. The SBA supports several financing programs for eligible small businesses, including small business loans for women, primarily by providing guarantees or funding to participating lenders and intermediaries.
7(a) and 504 loans involve SBA-supported lending, while microloans are funded through nonprofit intermediaries. Credibly connects small business owners to SBA financing options.1 Explore several SBA funding programs below:
SBA 7(a) loans
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common SBA financing option because they’re extremely versatile and can be leveraged for various purposes like working capital, equipment purchases, real estate, acquisitions, and, if eligible, managing existing business debt. 7(a) loans have a maximum loan of $5 million and applicants work with participating lenders.
Take the following example. Suppose Maya owns a restaurant and wants to open a second location.2 She needs financing for kitchen equipment, furniture, and working capital while the new location gets established. An SBA 7(a) loan could accommodate all of those eligible uses, provided her business meets the program’s and lender’s requirements.
SBA microloans
SBA microloans are best for small businesses in need of small amounts of capital up to $50,000, with the average loan amount being $13,000. Some suitable use cases for microloans for women are working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, and equipment. Proceeds can’t purchase real estate or repay existing debt.
Each intermediary lender sets its own application and credit requirements, so qualification varies based on the lender. SBA microloan intermediaries can also provide management and technical assistance to eligible borrowers.
Looking at our example, if Maya needs $30,000 for a commercial mixer, tables, and additional inventory, an SBA microloan could be worth exploring. Those needs fall within the program’s permitted uses and $50,000 maximum, but she would still need approval from an intermediary lender. A microloan wouldn’t work if she wanted to purchase the restaurant’s building or repay existing debt.
SBA 504 loans
Are you a woman business owner looking to buy new commercial property or renovate an existing property? Or perhaps you’re in need of some new business equipment? If either case applies to you, then consider an SBA 504 loan.
One of the major benefits of a 504 loan is that you may be able to finance up to 90% of fixed asset purchases, such as property, buildings, and equipment. Borrowers typically contribute at least 10%, and startups or special-purpose properties may require more. Working capital and inventory are not permitted uses. Eligibility requirements vary, so check current SBA requirements before you apply.
You can apply through a nonprofit business, known as a Certified Development Company (CDC), that works alongside the SBA and private lenders to provide business financing to entrepreneurs. Be prepared to present a solid business plan and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
As an example, if Maya’s goal is to buy the building her restaurant occupies, SBA 504 financing could be an option for that ‘fixed-asset’ purchase. However, it could not cover the restaurant’s inventory or day-to-day working capital, so she’d need to plan separately for those expenses. A Certified Development Company can help her evaluate the project’s eligibility and financing structure.
How to qualify and apply for an SBA loan
Eligibility for loans for women business owners depends on the SBA program and participating lender. For a 7(a) loan, your business generally must:
- Operate for profit in the United States
- Meet SBA size standards and be an eligible business type
- Be creditworthy and demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay
- Be unable to obtain the requested credit on reasonable terms from non-government sources.
Small business loan qualifications vary, so make sure you have all of your business loan application documents ready. Microloan and 504 requirements differ, so confirm the criteria with your intermediary lender or Certified Development Company before applying.
For more detail on applying for small business loans for women, read our guide on how to get a small business loan. Once you’ve identified which program is right for you, follow these steps to prepare your application:
- Figure out how much money you need and what you intend to use it for.
- Find an appropriate lender, intermediary, or CDC.
- Confirm the program’s and provider’s requirements.
- Gather the requested financial and business documents.
- Compare costs, payment schedules, guarantees, and other terms.
- Submit the application and respond to documentation requests.
Benefits and tradeoffs of SBA-supported financing
SBA loans for women may offer a range of repayment terms and funding options, but the advantages depend on the program, lender, and your business’s qualifications.
Benefit | Tradeoff |
|---|---|
Some SBA programs offer extended repayment periods for eligible larger investments, such as commercial property. | A longer repayment period can reduce scheduled payments compared with a shorter-term loan at the same amount and rate, but it can also increase total interest paid. |
The SBA sets maximum allowable limits on 7(a) interest rates. | Your rate will depend on the loan and lender. Variable-rate payments can change and applicable fees can add to the overall cost of financing. |
Some SBA programs, like the 7(a) loan, can support different eligible business needs, including working capital, equipment, and certain acquisitions. | Permitted uses differ by program. For example, 504 financing can’t fund working capital or inventory, while microloans can’t fund real estate or satisfy existing debt. |
Microloan intermediaries may provide business assistance alongside financing. | Assistance doesn’t guarantee approval. You still need to meet the applicable eligibility and underwriting requirements. |
Small business grants and grant resources for women
Small business grants for women may be available through private sponsors or targeted government programs, depending on eligibility and application availability. If you’ve been researching SBA grants for women, keep in mind that SBA does not provide general grants to start or expand a business; federal research funding serves specific purposes.
Both private and federal awards can have restricted uses, competitive selection, and limited application windows. Review each program’s current requirements before applying.
Amber Grant
WomensNet’s Amber Grant provides private grant funding for women-owned businesses. Its 2026 program includes three $15,000 monthly awards: the monthly Amber Grant, startup grant, and business category grant. One winner from each category’s monthly recipients is selected for an additional $75,000 year-end award.
One application allows applicants to be considered for the grant categories relevant to their business. Review the current eligibility rules, application fee, and submission deadline before applying.
Credibly Small Business Award
The Credibly Small Business Award is an annual program offering eligible U.S. small businesses, including women-owned businesses, the chance to win cash awards of $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000.
There is no purchase or entry fee required, and you don’t need to have previously funded with Credibly to participate. Winners are selected through a random drawing of eligible entries. Visit the award page for the annual entry period, eligibility requirements, and official rules.
Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards support women-owned and women-led businesses that demonstrate positive social or environmental impact. The program combines grant funding with a fellowship offering training, coaching, and access to a supportive entrepreneurial network.
For the 2027 edition, the published awards are $100,000 for first place, $60,000 for second place, and $30,000 for third place in each region. Applications for that edition are closed as of October 2026. Business owners interested in future editions should monitor the official program page for updated eligibility criteria and application dates.
IFW grant resources
IFW grant opportunities, offered through IFW by Honeycomb, connects business owners with funding programs from corporate partners. Its Universal Funding & Grant Application allows entrepreneurs to submit information for consideration for potential opportunities.
This is a grant resource and application process for several listings, rather than one grant with a fixed award amount. Eligibility, funding amounts, and deadlines depend on the individual opportunity. Check each listing’s application status; the site includes past and closed programs alongside information about future opportunities.
Federal research funding: SBIR and STTR
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer competitive government funding to help small businesses develop and commercialize new technologies. Participating federal agencies administer the awards, which can take the form of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
These are different from loans or general-purpose startup grants because they are considered research awards. STTR also requires a formal collaboration with a qualifying research institution. Women-owned businesses may apply when they meet the applicable program and agency requirements. The programs are not exclusively for women.
To see if you qualify, explore the official SBIR and STTR research funding overview and program requirements, then review current agency solicitations for relevant topics, award amounts, and deadlines.
Resources for women-owned businesses
Funding is only one part of growing a business. Women-owned businesses can also benefit from guidance on planning, financial management, and preparing for financing.
Women’s Business Centers are a part of SBA’s resource partner network and help women start and grow businesses through counseling and training. Contact a local center to explore available support.
If you’re looking for federal contracts, the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program allows eligible certified businesses to compete for certain contracts reserved for program participants. Certification is different from applying for a business loan or grant and doesn’t guarantee funding.
Women who have served in the military can also explore financing resources for women veterans for additional programs and support.
Other business financing options
Small business financing for women extends beyond SBA-supported loans and grants. Banks, credit unions, community lenders, and alternative financing providers offer different products, qualification requirements, and payment structures.
Banks, credit unions, and community lenders
These institutions may offer term loans, lines of credit, or other business financing. Compare each provider’s requirements for credit history, revenue, time in business, and collateral. Ask about the application process, total borrowing cost, and repayment schedule before deciding whether an offer fits your business.
Alternative financing providers
Alternative business financing may provide additional options when a bank product does not fit your needs or qualifications. Application processes, funding timelines, costs, and eligibility vary by provider and product.
For example, working capital loans can help eligible businesses address operating needs, while a business line of credit provides access to funds that can be drawn as needed, subject to the agreement’s terms.
Compare the amount you receive with the total cost, fees, payment frequency, and effect on cash flow. If considering a merchant cash advance, review its remittance and reconciliation terms separately. An MCA is a purchase of future receivables, not a loan.
Frequently asked questions
Are there SBA loans specifically for women?
No SBA loan program is reserved exclusively for women. Government business loans for women come through the standard SBA programs, including 7(a), microloans, and 504 loans. Women-owned businesses can apply when they meet the applicable program and lender requirements. Eligibility depends on factors such as business size, intended use of funds, and repayment ability; being women-owned does not automatically qualify a business.
Can women get government grants to start a business?
SBA does not provide general grants to start or expand a business. Targeted federal programs, such as SBIR and STTR, fund eligible research and development projects rather than ordinary startup expenses. Private organizations may offer separate startup awards. Review the SBA’s grant guidance and each opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Can I get a business loan if I am just starting out?
Some programs, including SBA microloans, may support eligible startups, while other financing providers require established operating history and revenue. When comparing startup business loans for women, ask about credit requirements, documentation, permitted uses, and repayment terms. Explore startup business financing options before deciding which route fits your business.
Do I need women-owned business certification to apply?
Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting certification is not a general requirement for an SBA loan. That certification helps eligible businesses compete for certain government contracts; lenders evaluate loan applications under separate criteria. Individual grants and private awards may have their own ownership-verification requirements, so check the specific opportunity before applying.
Do business grants have to be repaid?
Business grants generally do not require regular repayments, but recipients must follow the award’s terms. These may restrict how funds are used, require reporting, or allow the sponsor to reclaim money if conditions are not met. Review any repayment conditions and applicable tax obligations before accepting an award.
¹ Some products are made available through Credibly’s network of external funding partners.
² Examples are for illustrative purposes only and don’t represent an actual customer, offer, or approval outcome.
Credibly merchant cash advances and working capital loans to merchants in California are provided by Retail Capital LLC. All other Credibly products in all other jurisdictions are provided by Credibly of Arizona LLC.
