Small Business Grants for Women in South Carolina (2026)
Women-owned businesses in South Carolina have access to a powerful combination of national and state-level grants designed to close the funding gap that has historically limited female entrepreneurs. Despite representing over 40% of all US businesses, women-owned companies receive a disproportionately small share of traditional venture capital and bank lending.
Grant programs specifically targeting women entrepreneurs provide a critical alternative. National programs like the Amber Grant award $10,000 monthly with $50,000 year-end prizes. IFundWomen matches women-owned businesses with corporate partner grants through a single application. The Cartier Women's Initiative awards up to $100,000 for impact-driven businesses.
In South Carolina, women entrepreneurs can combine these national programs with state-specific funding from South Carolina's economic development agencies. Many state programs offer additional incentives for women-owned businesses, and the SBA Women-Owned Small Business contracting program provides preferential access to federal contracts.
The most successful women grant applicants demonstrate strong business fundamentals, community impact, and a clear growth plan. Below you will find every active grant available to women-owned businesses in South Carolina, including both women-specific programs and general opportunities.
Available Grants45 Active
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Program
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for women-owned businesses in South Carolina?▼
Women in all states can access national programs including the Amber Grant ($10K monthly), IFundWomen Universal Grant, Red Backpack Fund ($5K monthly), and Ladies Who Launch ($10K). State-specific programs and SBA Women-Owned Small Business contracting add additional opportunities.
How do I get certified as a women-owned business in South Carolina?▼
SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification is free through certifications.sba.gov. You can also get certified through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) for corporate supplier diversity programs. Certification opens access to set-aside federal contracts and corporate procurement opportunities.
Can a new women-owned business with no revenue get grants in South Carolina?▼
Yes. The Amber Grant accepts pre-revenue businesses. Skip monthly grants have no revenue requirements. Kiva microloans require no credit history. The California Dream Fund and similar state programs support new entrepreneurs. IFundWomen also matches early-stage women-owned businesses with appropriate grants.