WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Marketing Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.”
Monthly Amber Grant
$10,000 winner each month
Each month, our judges review all the applications — then select 5 finalists. One of those finalists will be the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant grant winner. The other 4 finalists will each receive $1,000.
The $10,000 Amber Grant winner each month qualifies for the year-end grant of $25,000.
$25,000 Annual Amber Grant
Two winners per year
We award two separate $25,000 women-owned business grants at the end of each year.
The first $25,000 grant goes to one of our previous $10,000 monthly Amber Grant winners. The other $25,000 grant goes to one of our previous $10,000 monthly Business Category Grant winners.
The Marketing Grant
Two winners per year
Two times a year, we give “hands-on” marketing help to a selected women-owned business. It includes strategic sessions with:
- Members of our AdvisoryBoard and other “friends of WomensNet,”
- Professional agency support in developing and executing a marketing plan.
The Non-Profit Grant
$10,000 winner each quarter
Every quarter, a non-profit business or organization is awarded $10,000. Around 75% of the workforce for non-profit businesses are women. If you’re driven to use your non-profit to provide a good or service to benefit your community, this one’s for you.
Business Category Grants
$10,000 winner each month
Every woman entrepreneur who fills out her application is eligible for the $10,000 Amber Grant (for the month in which the application is submitted). But we have an additional $10,000 Business Category grant winner every month, too.
You see, we’ve found that some business categories are under-represented in winning grant money.
Mini Grants
Up to $2,000
Each of our Advisory Board members has access to funding to give “Mini Grants” (up to $2,000) throughout the year. Sometimes we find women business owners who have a smaller — but still important — grant need. The pool of Mini Grant funds is $48,000 for 2022.
To apply, you’ll need to provide your business information along with a short essay about your business or business idea…* and what you would do with the money if awarded a grant…