Grants for Small businesses - Women & Girl Services

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

This initiative provides financial support and resources to women entrepreneurs running small businesses, helping them navigate transitions and achieve sustainable success without compromising their well-being.

This grant provides financial support and resources to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are running socially impactful businesses and need assistance to grow and sustain their ventures.

This initiative provides funding to organizations that empower young female athletes aged 12 to 18, particularly those facing socioeconomic barriers, by enhancing access to sports resources and promoting personal development.

This grant provides financial support to veteran women entrepreneurs in Texas to help them grow and strengthen their small businesses through innovative projects.

This grant provides funding for innovative diagnostic and screening technologies that can improve healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries by making testing more affordable and easier to use.

This program provides financial support to local nonprofits and public agencies in Hoboken to improve housing, infrastructure, and services for low- and moderate-income residents.

This funding opportunity provides support for community and tribal organizations in South Dakota to expand and integrate doula services, improving maternal and infant health outcomes in rural and underserved areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations delivering coordinated, family-centered HIV care for low-income women, infants, children, and youth affected by HIV in designated geographic areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea that promote equity, well-being, and local empowerment to combat gentrification and address systemic marginalization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and government agencies that deliver essential services at no cost to victims of crime, helping them recover and navigate the criminal justice system.

This program provides funding to neighborhood groups, schools, and nonprofits in central and northeast Columbia to support small-scale community improvement projects that enhance quality of life and foster community pride.

This grant provides $5,000 to small for-profit businesses in Kalamazoo that have been operating for at least a year, have 10 or fewer employees, and are located in historically underserved neighborhoods.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Randolph County that develop innovative programs to improve the lives of women and children, focusing on areas such as crisis prevention, education, financial literacy, and health initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community partnerships in specific New Hampshire and Maine communities to address urgent health needs and improve the well-being of residents, particularly focusing on mental health, healthy aging, and caregiver support.

This annual microgrant provides $1,000 to women-led small businesses or nonprofits in Marion County, Ohio, to support innovative community initiatives that empower women and enrich the local community.

This program provides $100,000 investments and support to high-growth, early-stage companies led by Black, Brown, and women entrepreneurs in Minnesota.

This grant provides financial support and business services to women-owned businesses across the United States, aiming to empower and promote their growth and sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Seattle that offer culturally responsive and trauma-informed services to individuals affected by commercial sexual exploitation, including survivors of sex trafficking and related issues.

This program provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers in Connecticut looking to expand their operations and increase their capacity to serve more families.