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5 Best Resources for Women Small Business Owners
Every October, we recognize women-owned businesses with National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses make up almost 40% of all businesses and generate roughly $2.7 trillion in revenue. But female entrepreneurs still face challenges from access to capital to systemic inequities. The good news: There are more resources than ever in 2025 to help women entrepreneurs thrive. Below are five of the most valuable.
1. Funding
For women entrepreneurs, access to funding has historically been a barrier. In fact, women-owned businesses receive less than 3% of venture capital in the U.S. as of 2024. But there are many kinds of financing sources for women-owned businesses, from SBA loans to crowdfunding options. Each type can serve different business needs, whether you need working capital for rapid expansion or mentorship from an equity partner.
- SBA Loans & Programs: The Small Business Administration provides loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) initiative also improves access to federal contracts.
- Alternative Lenders: Financing providers like QuickBridge evaluate businesses quickly and offer short-term loans, often in as fast as 24 hours. This is ideal for covering urgent expenses or seizing new opportunities.
- Equity Investors: Groups such as Golden Seeds and Pipeline Angels are venture capital networks focused on funding female-founded companies. They not only provide capital but also mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or IFundWomen allow entrepreneurs to raise capital directly from customers and supporters.
Pro-tip: Consider using a mix of funding sources — short-term loans for quick needs, long-term SBA loans for stability, and investor funding for scaling. Always consider the trade-offs between debt (loans you repay) and equity (ownership you share).
2. Mentoring
For entrepreneurs, mentorship is crucial for navigating challenges and building networks. Women entrepreneurs often face unique barriers, like limited access to high-level networks, fewer role models, and less exposure to investors. Mentorship helps bridge these gaps by providing:
- Guidance: Mentors share insights on leadership, operations, and growth strategies.
- Connections: They introduce mentees to industry contacts, partners, and funding sources.
- Confidence: Women with mentors often feel more prepared to pitch to investors and negotiate contracts.
You don’t have to focus your efforts on finding one mentor to support you, however. There are organizations that focus on supporting women-owned businesses with mentorship and resources. Starting local can connect you with other women-owned businesses in your community — check your local Chamber of Commerce for your local chapters and organizations. Some of these organizations can include:
- SCORE for Women Entrepreneurs: A free program backed by the SBA, offering one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals.
- Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): Located across the U.S., WBCs provide mentorship, training, and counseling tailored to women-owned businesses.
- Digital Mentorship Platforms: Sites like Mentorly and GrowthMentor allow entrepreneurs to book sessions with vetted advisors worldwide.
Networking also plays a big role in mentorship. Events like the WBENC National Conference and NAWBO Women’s Business Conference bring together thousands of women entrepreneurs and corporate partners.
Pro-Tip: Choose mentors who align with your business goals. For example, if you’re in tech, seek mentors with startup and investment experience. Don’t be afraid to have multiple mentors for different areas (finance, marketing, leadership, etc.).
3. Grants
Grants remain one of the most attractive resources since they provide capital without requiring repayment and can help you get your business started or invest in growth without the risk of defaulting on a loan or giving up your ownership to investors.
Women-owned businesses can access several types of grants in 2025:
- Federal Grants: Through Grants.gov, entrepreneurs can search a database of thousands of grant opportunities across industries. AI-powered tools now make it easier to filter for small business and women-specific options.
- Private & Nonprofit Grants:
- Amber Grant Foundation awards three $10,000 grants each month to women-owned businesses, plus a $25,000 annual prize.
- NASE Growth Grants provide up to $4,000 for small business owners with strong growth strategies.
- Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global program that awards up to $100,000 to women entrepreneurs making a social or environmental impact.
- Corporate Grants: Large companies like FedEx, Visa, and Amazon host annual grant competitions to support small businesses, including women-led ventures.
The application process typically requires a business plan, financials, and a clear explanation of how the grant funds will be used. Some programs also require video pitches or interviews.
Pro-tip: Create a reusable “grant playbook” with your business summary, growth plan, and financials. This saves you time when applying to multiple programs. Focus on grants that align with your business mission to increase your chances of winning.
4. Government Programs
Government programs are initiatives run by federal, state, or local agencies to support small businesses through funding, contracting opportunities, resources, and training.
For women entrepreneurs, these programs are vital because they not only provide capital but also help businesses compete for lucrative contracts. Some of these programs can include:
- WOSB Federal Contracting Program: Helps women-owned small businesses compete for federal contracts in industries where they are underrepresented. This program set aside billions in contract awards in 2024 and continues to expand in 2025.
- State and Local Initiatives: Many states now run women-focused procurement and supplier diversity programs. Local Chambers of Commerce also organize women’s councils to provide training, networking, and visibility.
- Certification Programs: Being certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) or through WBENC allows women-owned businesses to access corporate supplier diversity programs. Many Fortune 500 companies require certification before working with new vendors.
In addition to contracts, government agencies often provide free or low-cost resources, such as training workshops, export assistance, and disaster relief programs.
Pro-tip: Certification can be time-consuming but is well worth it. Once certified, leverage it by marketing your business as a certified WOSB or WBE when pursuing contracts. Stay active in local Chambers of Commerce to build partnerships that can lead to government and corporate opportunities.
5. Educational Programs
Learning is a lifelong advantage in entrepreneurship, and new opportunities are growing:
- Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE): A State Department program available in 100+ countries, it helps women gain skills, networks, and funding opportunities.
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women: Take advantage of free online courses designed for women entrepreneurs worldwide.
- University Programs: Schools like Babson College and Stanford now offer executive education specifically for women business leaders.
- Industry-Specific Training: Programs like Women Who Tech or SheEO focus on specific industries (tech, retail, social impact), providing a mix of education, networking, and funding.
Look for hybrid programs (online + in-person) to maximize flexibility while still building valuable peer connections.
The landscape for women entrepreneurs is rich with resources, from funding solutions to global mentorship networks. Whether you need capital, guidance, education, or visibility, there are dedicated programs to support your journey.
The key strategy is to combine financial resources, mentorship, grants, and education to build a resilient foundation for your business. With the right mix, women entrepreneurs aren’t just closing the gap — they’re leading the future of business.
QuickBridge does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors.
