Private foundations, the federal government, state governments, and many organizations give grants to single moms to fund their small businesses.
In 2024, the Kitty Fund awarded $25,000 in micro-grants to 25 mother-owned businesses, with 60% of recipients being single moms, according to their annual report. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 data shows that women-owned firms, including those led by single mothers, received only 4.5% of total federal small business grants.
A 2025 Bold.org survey found that 72% of single mom applicants for their scholarships and grants aimed to fund small business ventures, highlighting their entrepreneurial drive.
The grants are awarded based on the quality of the proposal and business plan. We have made a list of the 20 best grants for single moms this year. Before you spend time and effort looking for and applying for a business grant, it’s critical to understand the criteria and requirements to know whether or not your specific business or industry qualifies.
Small business grants meaning
A grant is a money or another form of assistance given to an individual by a company, organization, foundation, educational institution, or trust. The recipient of a grant is not required to repay the funding. A grant differs from a loan in that it does not bear interest.
It is essentially money or assistance given to an individual or business for a specific purpose, and it is worth noting that grants are tax-free. Raising capital is undoubtedly an essential part of your job as a single mother running a small business.
Some government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations provide small business grants to single mom entrepreneurs to help them succeed. Please remember that some of these grants are not only for single moms who own businesses.
Furthermore, if you are a female in the agricultural industry, you may be eligible for farm grants for females if you apply for the program.
Why grants for single moms
Single mom small business grants can provide valuable resources for single mothers to conduct business or provide services they would not be able to do otherwise.
However, keep in mind that grants are highly competitive. Finding grant opportunities, planning a project, and developing a proposal all take a significant amount of time and preparation.
You must have a realistic understanding of the grant process because some grants may be restricted to specific groups of people, such as women over the age of 50.
Here are some of the many advantages of single-mom small business grants:
- Grants are not repayable.
- Single mom small business grants are reliable
- Grants are commonly accessible
- Single mom small business grants can give your business credibility
Grants are not repayable
Have you ever heard the expression “free money?” Grants are non-repayable funds made available by institutions to organizations or individuals for the purpose of business development. After receiving a grant, you are free to run your business without regard for interest or repayment terms.
If you have a compelling business plan with SMART goals and objectives, you have a good chance of receiving substantial grants. Grants are thus one of the most appealing sources of capital for many businesses.
Single mom small business grants are reliable.
When you receive your first grant as a single mon, your chances of receiving additional funding increase significantly, how you use the funding to build your business and achieve your objectives will also serve as a wake-up call to other organizations willing to assist you.
Declare that you have previously received funding from another donor when applying for another grant. Because of your dependability and trustworthiness, you have a chance to earn it with your achievements.
Grants are commonly accessible.
When you receive your first grant, your chances of receiving additional funding increase significantly. How you use the funding to build your business and achieve your objectives will also serve as a wake-up call to other organizations willing to assist you.
Declare that you have previously received funding from another donor when applying for another grant. Because of your dependability and trustworthiness, you have a chance to earn it with your achievements.
Single mother small business grants can give your business credibility
When your business as a single mom is regarded as credible, brand visibility spreads to every corner of the market. You improve this image when you use grants to fund its success, such as by improving your operations, ideas, and strategies.
The money you receive can be used to leverage technological, marketing, and service delivery changes.
How to apply for single mom small business grants
There is no hard and fast rule about how you must apply for a single grant. Instead, you can apply for as many grants as you want. In fact, by taking this approach, you increase your chances of receiving one of the grants. You will receive the money as soon as you qualify.
When you’ve found the grant that you believe is best for your company, gather all of the information you’ll need before applying. Understand what is required in the application, when it is due, and any other information that may be required.
A grant application may request an outline of your proposed work as well as financial information about your organization.
20 Single Mom Small Business Grants
- Emma Johnson Single Mother Grant
- P.E.O. International
- National Association For the Self-Employed Growth Grants
- Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
- Amber Grant
- Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
- The Halstead Grant
- IdeaCafe Grant
- FedEx Small Business Grant
- Open Meadows Foundation
- 37 Angels
- Visa Everywhere Initiative
- Small Business Innovation Research Program
- Girlboss Foundation Grant
- Women’s Business Centers
- USA Government Grants
- Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards
- Halstead Grant
- Belle Business Capital Grants
- Tory Burch Foundation
#1. Emma Johnson Single Mother Grant
Emma Johnson was not only raised by a single mother, but her own husband abandoned her to care for their two children. Fortunately, Johnson did not let these incidents derail her plans. She persisted and continued to achieve the success she had worked so hard for while raising her children.
Johnson hopes that other motivated single mothers will be able to do the same. Johnson donates $1,000 to a deserving single mother every month. If you believe you are one of these women, click the link above and fill out the application.
#2. P.E.O. International
The P.E.O. is a sisterhood of women dedicated to assisting other women in reaching their full potential. The company provides various financial assistance opportunities, with six different projects for which you can apply. They all differ in requirements and benefits, so single mothers should spend time researching each option to determine which award best meets their needs.
#3. National Association For the Self-Employed Growth Grants
NASE is a program that provides grants to its 50,000 members, including single mothers, on an annual basis. As a result, it invariably implies that you must first become a member before accessing this grant.
The basic membership in this program, however, costs $120 per year. Aside from small business grants, NASE offers its members other services such as legal advocacy, product discounts, and networking opportunities.
Furthermore, since 2006, NASE has successfully awarded grants prizes totaling more than $1 million to its members.
#4. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Since Eileen Fisher founded this program in 2006, many single mothers have benefited from the grant.
The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program awards $100,000 to ten small businesses owned by women each year. Every year, ten women each receive $10,000 to help fund their businesses.
However, the program limits its search to businesses with a positive environmental and social impact.
#5. Amber Grant
Amber Grant was founded in 1998 by womensnet.com in memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young entrepreneur who died at 19. This grant is intended to inspire both women and single mothers.
In addition, the organization awards a $2,000 Amber Grant to qualified Beneficiaries every month. At the end of the year, an additional $25,000 is assigned to one of the monthly recipients.
#6. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
Another single-mom small business grant is the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, which is given to 21 female entrepreneurs once a year. They focus their searchlight on companies that have high growth potential.
However, to be considered, businesses must be in their early stages (between 1-3 years old).
In addition, the top seven finalists each receive $100,000 in cash and one-on-one mentoring from a business expert. The remaining 14 applicants were chosen to receive a $30,000 grant.
These grant recipients also have free access to networking events, business coaching, and entrepreneurship seminars.
#7. The Halstead Grant
This single mom small business grant was established in 2006 to assist female jewel entrepreneurs.
The Halstead Grant provides funding to early-stage female jewelry businesses.
In addition, the judges ask applicants questions about their business strategies, plans, and goals.
The winners will receive a $7,500 grant, free publicity, and only $1,000 in Halstead supplies.
The good news is that non-winning applicants receive professional feedback and advice from the judges on their business plans.
#8. IdeaCafe Grant
The IdeaCafe Grant awards a $1,000 micro-grant to small business owners, including single mothers, every year. Although the money is not explicitly designated for women, most winners have been female entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, this grant is also available to people who have a business idea but have not yet begun working on it.
#9. FedEx Small Business Grant
The FedEx Small Business Grant is not limited to female entrepreneurs. On the other hand, female small business owners are encouraged to apply.
FedEx selects 12 winners each year for funding. One grand prize winner will receive $50,000 in addition to $7,500 in FedEx services, one silver prize winner will receive $30,000 in addition to $5,000 in FedEx services, and ten bronze prize winners will each receive $15,000 in addition to $1,000 in printing services.
#10. Open Meadows Foundation
The Open Meadows Foundation provides grants for small businesses that promote gender, racial, and economic equality. In other words, the companies must assist women and girls, and the applicants must be female.
The grant provides $2,000 to eligible projects with limited financial resources to help them thrive. Open Meadows only accepts organizations with a resource budget of $75,000 or less. This award is ideal for those who have recently started or are about to start a business.
#11. 37 Angels
While 37 Angels is not a traditional grant for small businesses, it can be an excellent source of capital for them. 37 Angels, for the most part, does not only invest in women-owned companies but also works to close the gender gap in startup investing. According to their website, women founders account for roughly one-third of their portfolio.
Furthermore, after applying through their website, you will have the opportunity to pitch to their network of investors (an event that happens every two months). You will receive a funding decision in four weeks and may receive up to $200,000. In addition to funds, 37 Angels offers education and ongoing assistance.
#12. Visa Everywhere Initiative
This small business grant is available to both male and female-led businesses, including single mothers. Aside from that, Visa has a Women’s Global Edition of this competition that awards two $100,000 prizes to two women who address a fintech and social impact challenge. Although this grant requires extensive preparation, it is an excellent opportunity for women-owned fintech businesses.
#13. Small Business Innovation Research Program
SBIR is a Small Business Administration grant program for small business research and development. Because these awards are distributed by various federal agencies, there are strict eligibility requirements.
To begin, your business must be for profit, have more than 50% ownership by a US citizen, and employ no more than 500 people. In other words, this grant is not limited to male-owned businesses.
More importantly, the SBIR program promotes scientific and technological innovation by allocating federal research funds to small businesses engaged in research and development with commercial potential.
#14. Girlboss Foundation Grant
The Girlboss Foundation, started in 2014 by entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso, provides grants to female and female-identifying entrepreneurs twice a year.
Each grantee is awarded a total of $15,000 in funding. However, grants are only available to female entrepreneurs in design, fashion, music, or the arts.
Meanwhile, creativity and ingenuity, commercial acumen and planning, and evidence of financial necessity will all be taken into account when making a decision.
#15. Women’s Business Centers
The Small Business Administration (SBA) funds approximately 100 Women’s Business Centers across the United States to assist female entrepreneurs with business development and access to financing. Some, such as the California Capital Financial Development Corp., give money directly, while others help you find small-business incentives and loans.
#16. USA Government Grants
The government does provide housing grants to low-income families who qualify. “One-third of all single moms must spend more than half of their income on housing,” according to The Life of a Single Mom.
With so much of your money going towards the roof over your head, it may be difficult to save for food and other necessities. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to afford to house, you may be eligible for assistance. Apply online to see what you qualify for.
#17. Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards
The Latin translation of Soroptimist translates to “best for women,” and the company strives to live up to its name. Soroptimist has given over $2 million in educational grants to over 1,500 women through the Live Your Dreams Award.
The organization devotes a significant portion of its efforts to survivors of domestic abuse, providing single mothers recovering from traumatic situations with a support group to which they can turn for assistance.
#18. Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant is an annual award available to single people. In addition to their design portfolios, applicants must answer 15 business questions. The experience is intended to assist jewelry entrepreneurs in developing a strategy to jump-start their careers. The grand prize is a cash grant of $7,500 plus other benefits.
#19. Belle Business Capital Grants
Belle Capital provides grants to female-led businesses in need of early-stage funding. They specifically target underserved capital markets in the United States, including female entrepreneurs. The grant amounts vary.
You get insider access to an expert angel investment fund with talented professionals to mentor you and money to launch and grow your business.
#20. Tory Burch Foundation
The Tory Burch Foundation gives women and female entrepreneurs access to capital and digital resources. Through live and recorded workshops, coaching sessions, a rich peer-to-peer network, a $5,000 business education grant, and access to capital, the yearlong Fellows Program for women entrepreneurs helps founders of early-stage companies accelerate their businesses.
Conclusion
Grants for small businesses can be in high demand. Even if you conduct research, identify available appointments, and decide to apply, you may discover that the application process is not a good fit for you or your business. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the application, consider enlisting the assistance of another person.
Grant-writing classes, conferences, and workshops may also be beneficial. Another option is to hire an experienced grant writer to create grant proposals for your startup business. Whatever approach you take, the rewards are there for small business owners who put in the time and effort to submit a comprehensive and compelling grant proposal.
Single Mom Small Business Grants FAQs
How do I qualify for grants for single moms?
They are different criteria for you to qualify for grants for single moms. Here are some of the basic requirements:
- You must control at least 51% of the company.
- Your annual revenue must not be more than $1 million.
- Your company must have been in operation for at least three years.
Can I get free money to start a small business as a single mom?
A single mother with a business idea can apply for business grants alongside other women business owners.
Are there women's small business grants 2023?
Yes, there are women’s small business grants that you can apply for such as:
- Emma Johnson Single Mother Grant
- P.E.O. International
- National Association For the Self-Employed Growth Grants
- Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Reference
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