Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Lori Pace
Do you have a business dream that you are incredibly passionate about? Is the lack of funding the only factor stopping you from achieving your dream?
Well, if your answer is yes to these questions, then Amber Grants for women may be what you need to turn your dream into a reality.
Small-business grants are basically free money that you are awarded to put towards your business. However, it can be a tedious and time-consuming process to apply for a grant. Thankfully, the Amber Grants are not like this at all!
Organizations like WomensNet focus on supporting female entrepreneurs to help them achieve their business goals. This is what WomensNet aims to do through their Amber Grants.
Here is everything you need to know about Amber Grant.
Why would you need the Amber Grant?
The Amber Grant can be used to kick start your business venture. If you are a winner of the Amber Grant, you can use the grant money towards your business’s startup capital. You could also use the grant money to pay off a loan which will increase your chances of getting a better loan in the future to use towards your business.
Who is WomensNet?
WomensNet is an organization that aims to help women achieve their business dreams by providing helpful information about grants as well as sharing reports and creating content that can help female business owners.
The organization also shares success stories about female entrepreneurs, intending to encourage more female entrepreneurs to take the necessary steps to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. (We love an organization that aims to empower women!)
Not only does WomensNet provide tips on how to apply for grants, but the organization also founded the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998. The Amber Grant Foundation was founded in honor of Amber Wigdal, who sadly passed away at the young age of 19 years old. Amber Wigdal did not get the chance to achieve her entrepreneurial dreams.
Through the Amber Grants, WomensNet wants to make sure other female entrepreneurs like Amber Wigdal have a chance of achieving their business dreams.
What are Amber Grants for Women?
There are currently two types of Amber Grants:
- Monthly Amber Grant
All applicants are reviewed by the judges at the end of each month, after reviewing the applicants the judges select 5 finalists. Out of the 5 finalists, only 1 is selected to be awarded the $10,000 for that month. The other finalists of that month will receive $1,000.
- Annual Amber Grant
In December, the winners of the $10,000 for that year are entered into the Annual Amber Grant. The community will vote for who they think should win the Annual Amber Grant via online voting. The winner of the Annual Amber Grant will be awarded $25,000. This means that the winner will be awarded $35,000 in total. (WOW!)
Requirements for the Amber Grant Application:
- Either a citizen of the US or Canada
- At least 18 years old or older
- You are the owner of the majority share of the business
- Your business cannot be a non-profit organization
- $15 application fee
While the Amber Grants may seem like a small amount of money for a business venture, this grant can make a huge impact on your business just as it has done for the previous winners of Amber Grants.
How to Apply for the Amber Grant?
Unlike other grant applications, which require an excessive amount of time and effort, applying for the Amber Grant is simple and easy. (*say goodbye to filling out a mountain of paperwork*)
All you will need to do is fill out their online application.
The Amber Grant has around 400 to 700 applicants each month. However, if there are more than the standard number of applicants, WomensNet will select multiple winners of the grant for that month.
When you complete the online application, you will need to provide your personal information as well as the name of your business. You will also need to provide information about your business idea as well as what you would do if you win the grant. After completing the application, you will have to pay the $15 application fee.
Applications need to be submitted before the end of each month, you can view the application cutoff dates for each month on the WomensNet website.
If you do not win the Amber Grant for the month you organically applied for, you can apply again. The winner of the grant will be announced a few days into the new month.
Amber Grant Application Recommendations
Before submitting your application, it is important to make sure that your application will stand out to be one of the finalists at the end of the month.
The tips that WomensNet recommends their applicants to keep in mind when completing their application include:
- To speak from your heart
- That you matter
The organization prefers applicants to answer these questions honestly and explain the true intentions of their business ideas and what they would do with the grant money. WomensNet wants its applicants to express that they are both business-minded and passionate about their business ideas through their answers. The organization also finds details very important, so when completing your application make sure to include the tiniest of details about your business ideas.
WomensNet also suggests that its applicants watch previous videos of previous Amber Grant winners before filling out the online application. These videos will inspire the applicants and give their applicants an idea of what WomensNet is looking for and the best way to answer their questions.
The most important qualities that WomensNet are looking for in their applications include:
- Business-minded
- Passion
- Vision
In conclusion, applying for Amber Grants for women is a must if you are a female business entrepreneur. This grant can transform your business idea into a reality or even level up your established small business. This grant is easy to apply for and does not take too much time. The Amber Grant does not have as many requirements compared to other small business grants.
WomensNet has provided a great opportunity for female entrepreneurs, and it is one that you cannot miss. Don’t miss out and seize this great opportunity today. Good luck!
