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Women-Owned Business Guide: Funding, Certification & Getting Started

Starting and growing a business as a woman in the US comes with its own set of resources, programs, and challenges — from certification and government contracting to grants, loans, and the everyday reality of building a business around the rest of your life. This guide brings together everything on BusinessHer for women entrepreneurs, organized by what you’re actually trying to do.

Funding & Grants

Non-repayable money, equity funding, and where to actually look for it.

Certification & Contracting

Getting recognized as a woman-owned business — and what that unlocks with corporate and government buyers.

Loans & Financing

Debt financing options, including programs aimed at specific groups of women business owners.

Home Business & Mindset

Getting started on your own terms, and the inner side of building a business.

This guide is updated as new funding rules, certifications, and programs come out — bookmark it and check back before you apply anywhere.