Strategies for Women-Owned Businesses to Secure Capital

Lack of working capital affects many female-owned businesses. However, government grants for women, affordable loans and microloans, investor funding and other funding options are available. Mapping capital to milestones and blending grants with low‑cost debt, will enable women founders to better manage cash flow, reduce financing costs and hit growth targets.

A smart capital mix helps women-owned businesses bridge the funding gap.

Women-founded startups continue to secure a smaller share of equity capital compared to their peers. In 2025, startups founded by women entrepreneurs received under 1% of U.S. venture capital.1

Because of its scarcity and unpredictability, women-led companies that rely on equity alone risk delays, dilution and loss of control over their businesses when selling a share of ownership to investors. Female-owned business grants and right‑sized debt bridge those gaps, extend runway and keep strategic options open.

Grants reward female entrepreneurs for business impact and innovation.

Organizations recognize and reward women business owners for measurable contributions to their industries and communities. The Amber Grant, Cartier Women’s Initiative and IFundWomen are among the most popular programs granting funds to women-owned businesses.

• The Amber Grant
  WomensNet created The Amber Grant as a recurring monthly funding opportunity to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young aspiring entrepreneur who passed away at 19. Each month the organization selects a female-owned business to receive a $10,000 grant. At year-end, the organization also chooses one of the monthly winners to receive an additional $25,000.
  
  
• Cartier Women's Initiative
  Cartier established the global initiative to empower women-led enterprises, as well as to narrow funding gaps female founders face. Through its Regional Awards Program, the initiative provides free money for women, mentorship, and access to a supportive community, spotlighting exceptional businesswomen from around the world.
  
  
• IFundWomen
  Women lead this crowdfunding and grants platform to provide female-owned businesses with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The platform connects businesswomen to a range of grant programs from corporate partners, as well as assisting them in raising money through crowdfunding campaigns. IFundWomen also provides a single application process, making it easier for founders to apply to multiple grants simultaneously.

Corporations, government organizations and nonprofits also extend grants to women in business. NerdWallet features an extensive list of grant programs tailored to female-owned businesses.2

Grants require no repayments or equity sharing, so competition is high. To effectively compete, present a compelling business story, demonstrate measurable impact and completely follow application guidelines.

Loans and microloans provide women-owned businesses with working capital.

Access to business loans and microloans enables female entrepreneurs to finance costly equipment, bridge receivables and take advantage of growth opportunities, even with limited collateral. Business loans for women include:

• SBA 7(a) loans allow for flexible use of proceeds for working capital, equipment, real estate and acquisition. Lenders underwrite according to cash flow and guarantor strength, with attention to debt‑service coverage and character, so limited collateral doesn't have to hinder applicants.3
  
  
• SBA microloans provide up to $50,000, delivered by local nonprofit intermediaries.4 These type loans are helpful for funding startups and small companies building credit histories or needing a first bankable step.
  
  
• Grameen America offers microloans, paired with peer support and financial education, to women in underserved communities. The organization operates across 15 U.S. states and 29 cities.5
  
  
• Community development financial institutions offer local microloans and technical assistance with more flexible underwriting than traditional lenders.

Borrowing from reputable lenders provides women business owners with essential working capital to launch, sustain and expand their enterprises. In addition, women-led businesses can overcome funding gaps, build credit histories and establish a solid financial foundation.

Investor funding, crowdfunding and pitch competitions expand capital options.

In addition to traditional loans and grants, businesswomen have an array of alternative funding sources to help grow their businesses. Investor funding, crowdfunding campaigns and pitch competitions not only offer new pools of capital but are also sources of valuable feedback and networking opportunities.

• Angel Investors and VCs
  Investors, such as Pipeline Angels and Female Founders Fund, prioritize early-stage companies founded or co-founded by women. These organizations not only provide capital but also mentorship and strategic guidance. The SheVentures Podcast page offers a comprehensive list of Angel and VCs focused on female-owned businesses.6
  
  
• Crowdfunding
  With crowdfunding, entrepreneurs can solicit small contributions from individuals, typically via online platforms, to fund projects and businesses. Kickstarter, GoFundMe and Indiegogo are the three most popular platforms. AngeLink is a platform dedicated to female entrepreneurs and IFundWomen also offers a crowdfunding platform as well as grants.
  
  
• Pitch competitions
  In pitch competitions, entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of judges or investors in hopes of securing funding, grants or other support. Participants typically deliver short, persuasive presentations which judges evaluate based on innovation, feasibility and potential business impact. TechCrunch Disrupt and Startup World Cup are two popular global small business pitch competitions.
  
  The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition awards grants to female-owned technology and consumer product companies. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council also offers grants to participants in its pitch campaign.

Alternative funding sources can open doors to mentorship, industry exposure and lasting partnerships for female-owned businesses.

Thorough preparation increases your chance of loan or grant acceptance.

Women in business face hurdles, including thin credit files, limited collateral, shorter operating histories and smaller networks. However, founders and business leaders can take steps to improve their chances of getting a women’s small business grant.

Reviewers prioritize business impact, demand, feasibility, timeline and budget, and basic reporting readiness. Proactively manage your credit and prepare and organize important documents.

• Prepare a business plan.
  If your business is a startup, prepare a business plan that includes an executive summary, a description of your business and target audience, governance documentation, founder biographies, as well as plans for how funds will be used and cash flow outlook. Also include, 12 to 24 months of financials (or projections) with key assumptions. If your business is established, review and update your business plan as needed.
  
  
• Provide work samples and/or proof of business demand.
  Be prepared to share samples of your products and services. Package signed contracts, monthly revenue trends, successful pilot conversions and cohort retention data. If you’ve been operating for a brief time, these records offset a limited operating history and strengthen your funding applications. If your business is a startup, provide proof of demand such as presales, letters of intent, waitlisted prospects or customers, pilot testimonials or local anchor customers.
  
  
• Review, organize and keep financial records readily available.
  Keep current licenses, organizational documents and tax documents on file. Schedule a monthly review of your financial records, including bookkeeping, profit-loss statements and balance sheets. Maintain a 12-month cash-flow forecast. Also include metrics like customers served, revenue targets, units delivered or jobs created.
  
  
• Proactively document and insure your assets.
  List your assets — equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. Record any liens and keep proof of insurance. If needed, strengthen your collateral with an equipment loan or accounts receivable financing solution. Under SBA 7(a), strong cash flow can compensate for limited collateral when proving your ability to repay lenders.7
  
  
• Build business credit.
  Open a dedicated business bank account, establish vendor trade lines and use a business credit card — making on-time payments and maintaining a low utilization rate — to establish business credit. Record your collateral details, if applicable, and create a brief repayment plan. Routinely monitor and correct credit reports. Ensure credit reports and account statements are accurate.
  
  
• Create a budget.
  Prepare a straightforward budget that is tied to milestones, such as reaching a revenue run rate, completing pilot conversions or launching a product. Document how you’ll use the funds awarded.
  
  
• Obtain women-owned business certifications and assistance.
  If your company is at least 51% woman owned or controlled, consider pursuing Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification. These credentials open doors to federal set-aside contracts, supplier diversity initiatives and enhance your credibility with major buyers.
  
  The Small Business Administration (SBA) Women's Business Center is part of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The organization offers hands‑on support with loan packaging, pitch preparation, certification paperwork and other administrative requirements.
  
  
• Choose funding sources that match your business stage.
  Begin with grants, microloans and SBA 7(a). During early growth, SBA programs and small business grants are appropriate. When you want to grow your business, consider larger loans, equity options, angel investors, venture capitalists (VCs) and equity crowdfunding.
  
  
• Connect with people who can give you guidance.
  Meet with your accountant, attorney and banker. Also network with Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps of Retired Executives, chambers and supplier‑diversity councils to increase learning and awareness of your business. The National Women’s Business Council provides research and policy recommendations to support women in business.

Pairing grants and prizes with affordable debt lowers the weighted cost of capital and helps small business owners retain control.

Speak with a Synovus® banker about your funding strategy.

Synovus is among the most respected financial institutions in the Southeast. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we are committed to helping small business owners achieve their goals. Our experienced bankers can help with funding your woman-owned company as well as exploring cash flow solutions. Contact a Synovus Business Banker, call 1-888-SYNOVUS (1-888-796-6887) or stop by one of our local branches.