Amber Grant

Overview of the Amber Grant program:

Founded in honor of Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who passed away before realizing her business dreams, the Amber Grant Foundation was established in 1998 to support women entrepreneurs by providing uncomplicated and meaningful grant funding. The foundation awards a $10,000 grant to one woman-owned business every month, with all 12 monthly recipients eligible to compete for a $25,000 year-end grant. In addition to the general Amber Grant, the foundation also offers two additional monthly category-specific grants worth $10,000 each—these change monthly and may include fields like food & beverage, health & fitness, sustainability, and more. All applicants are automatically considered for the general grant and, if applicable, the monthly category grant. The application process is simple and transparent—no complex financials, pitch decks, or video submissions are required. Applicants are evaluated based on passion, vision, and business potential, making it an ideal option for small startups and early-stage ventures seeking support and visibility.

Benefits of the Amber Grant program:

• $10,000 USD monthly general Amber Grant
• $10,000 USD additional monthly category grant (varies by month)
• $25,000 USD annual year-end Amber Grant (awarded to one of the 12 monthly winners)
• Total annual possible grant per business: $35,000 USD
• Simple application no pitch decks, business plans, or financials required
• Flexible funding use grant funds as needed (startup, marketing, expansion, etc.)
• Automatic eligibility for additional monthly and year-end grants
• Visibility and promotion via WomensNets website and network
• Encourages women-led innovation and small business growth in all industries
• Open to Canadian and U.S. residents

Eligibility criteria of the Amber Grant program:

• Eligible Applicants Must Be:
• Women entrepreneurs (18+) residing in the United States or Canada
• Founders or co-founders of for-profit or nonprofit ventures
• Businesses at any stageidea, startup, or established
• Sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations, or partnerships accepted
• Able to clearly explain their business mission and how the funds will be used.