About this programme
The Amber Grant is a monthly cash grant program run by WomensNet, a nonprofit that has funded women-owned businesses since 1998. It's named for Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who died at 19 before she could pursue her own entrepreneurial ambitions; WomensNet was founded in her memory to help other women get their businesses off the ground.
Unlike most grant programs, the Amber Grant isn't a single annual competition — it runs every month, on a rolling basis, with multiple $10,000 awards given out monthly across different categories. WomensNet says it distributes over $30,000 a month and roughly $510,000 a year in total across the program.
One application makes a business eligible for the general Amber Grant, the Start-Up Grant (for pre-revenue or very early businesses), and the Business Category Grant that matches the applicant's industry. Every monthly $10,000 winner also becomes eligible for one of three $50,000 year-end grants, decided from that year's pool of monthly winners.
How it works
Every month, WomensNet awards multiple $10,000 grants: one general Amber Grant open to any women-owned business, one Start-Up Grant for businesses that are pre-revenue, in the idea phase, or have earned under $10,000 in revenue, and one Business Category Grant tied to a rotating industry category (categories include Skilled Trades, Health & Fitness, Food & Beverage, Sustainability, Animal Services, Hair & Skincare, Education, Creative Arts, STEM, and Fashion & Interior Design, among others).
A single application is automatically considered for every grant the applicant qualifies for that month — there's no need to submit separate applications per category.
At year-end, the pool of that year's monthly $10,000 winners becomes eligible for three additional $50,000 grants, announced in January.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling/monthly cycle: the WomensNet Advisory Board reviews submissions and votes on finalists, and monthly winners are announced by the 21st of the following month via the WomensNet website, email, and Facebook.
Who can apply
Applicants must be women aged 18 or older who own at least 50% of the business applying. The business must be based in the United States or Canada.
Nonprofits can also apply if they generate revenue and are led by women in 50% or more of leadership positions.
There is no restriction on business type or industry — WomensNet states grants go to "all kinds" of businesses. Pre-revenue and idea-stage businesses are specifically eligible for the Start-Up Grant category.
A business website is not required to apply, though WomensNet notes that having a company social media presence (a Facebook page is called out specifically) is helpful for the review process.
How to apply
- Go to the Apply Now page on ambergrantsforwomen.com.
- Complete the application, which WomensNet describes as short — a two-question submission rather than a long form.
- Pay the application fee (a nominal $15, used to cover review costs); a fee waiver can be requested by emailing info@ambergrantsforwomen.com.
- Submit before the monthly deadline: the last day of the month at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time.
- Watch for an email confirmation once the application is received, and check the WomensNet website, email, and Facebook page for the monthly winner announcement by the 21st of the following month.
Documents you’ll typically need
- No formal document checklist is published — the application itself is described as a brief, two-question form rather than a document-heavy submission.
- A company social media profile (Facebook preferred) is optional but recommended to support the application; a business website is not required.
Frequently asked
Who is eligible for the Amber Grant?
Women aged 18 or older who own at least 50% of a US- or Canada-based business. Nonprofits that generate revenue and have 50%+ women in leadership can also apply. There is no restriction on industry.
Can a pre-revenue or idea-stage business apply?
Yes. The monthly Start-Up Grant is specifically for businesses in the idea phase, pre-revenue businesses, and businesses that have earned less than $10,000 in revenue.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, a nominal $15 fee that WomensNet says covers the cost of reviewing applications. A fee waiver can be requested by emailing info@ambergrantsforwomen.com.
How much money can a business win?
Monthly grants are $10,000 each, awarded across categories including the general Amber Grant, the Start-Up Grant, and a rotating Business Category Grant. Monthly winners also become eligible for one of three $50,000 year-end grants announced in January.
When are winners announced and how?
Monthly winners are announced by the 21st of the following month, via the WomensNet website, email, and its Facebook page.
Do I need to submit a separate application for each grant category?
No. One application is automatically considered for every grant the business qualifies for that month, including the general Amber Grant, Start-Up Grant, and the relevant Business Category Grant.
Can a business apply more than once?
Yes. WomensNet says businesses that don't win can reapply after three months, ideally once there have been meaningful changes or developments in the business since the last application.
Do I need a business website to apply?
No — a website is not required. WomensNet notes that having a social media profile for the business, ideally on Facebook, is helpful during review.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.