Small Business Grants for Women in Maryland

Finding business grants for women in Maryland is no simple task.

Let’s face it, people aren’t exactly standing in line to give money to women business owners. A quick Google search will turn up government sites (like the Small Business Administration). Or some sketchy looking sites that really don’t give away any grant money to women-owned businesses.

But we know of some people and places that absolutely will help you find grants, loans and other sources of financing for your business dream. We’re not saying it’s going to be easy. You’ll have to invest the time and effort. But if you’re serious about your business, we’d love to get you started today.

First things first: WomensNet offers grants to business women in Maryland (as well as all across the United States). It’s awarded monthly, and we call it the Amber Grant for Women. You can apply right now and perhaps become our monthly $10,000 grant recipient. If you do win the $10,000 grant, you’re instantly eligible to earn the year-end $25,000 Amber Grant. Think of the impact that $35,000 would have on your business.

Also take a few quick minutes to check out the resources listed below. There are like-minded folks in Maryland who will help out women business owners like you!

Resources for businesswomen in Maryland:

Greater Baltimore SCORE
10 South Howard Street The City Crescent Bldg., 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201
Ph: (410) 962-2233

Hagerstown SCORE
14 North Potomac Street Suite 200 B, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Ph: (301) 766-2043

Mid-Shore SCORE
101 Marlboro Ave Talbot City Chamber of Commerce, Easton, MD 21601
Ph: (410) 822-4606

SCORE Frederick
4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick, MD 21704
Ph: (240) 215-4757

Southern Maryland SCORE
49 Old Solomons Island Road Suite 204, Annapolis, MD 21401
Ph: (410) 266-9553

Women Business Owners of Montgomery County
PO Box 1281, Rockville, Maryland 20849-1281
Phone: (301) 365-1755
Email: wbo@wbo-mc.com

Small Business Development Center

Maryland Women’s Business Center
3 Locations:

Montgomery County:
51 Monroe Street, PE-20, Rockville, MD 20850
301-315-8096

Prince George’s County:
Bowie Business Innovation Center, Bowie State University Center for Business
14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD 20715
301-383-1550 x104

Frederick County:
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
118 North Market Street, Third Floor, Frederick, MD 21701
240-308-8160

Email: info@marylandwbc.org

Helpful links for women in Maryland:

What is an Amber Grant?

WomensNet launched the Amber Grant in 1998 to honor the memory of an ambitious young woman who died at the age of 19, before she could realize her entrepreneurial aspirations. Today, these grants help women like you fulfill the dreams that Amber could not.

How Does It Work?

Every month, WomensNet judges award one or more Amber Grants of $10,000 each. Then, at the end of the year, one of those grant recipients is selected to receive the $25,000 Amber Grant.

How Do I Apply?

By telling us your story. There are no lengthy, complicated documents to complete; just answer a few questions about your business. But hurry—applications are due by the end of the month for the next $10,000 Amber Grant.

Apply Now

Watch videos from our Past Grant Winners

GloveStix

Hammerstone School

Not Sure Where to Start?

You’re in luck. We’ve done hours of research and compiled a list of the 16 best small business grants available for women today—and we’d love to share it with you!

Enter your email to receive a FREE copy of our special report,
“16 Terrific Grants for Women Business Owners.”

Six steps you should take when looking for a business grant:

1. Analyze your organization's needs. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the:

Problem or need you want to address
Audience that will benefit from your product or service
Kind and amount of support you need
Resources and commitment your group brings to the project
Potential and prospective partners in the community

2. Research various types of foundations. Learn the operational differences between:

Corporate foundations
Civic foundations
Private foundations

3. Look for funding matches. Identify funders who:

Are able and likely to fund projects in your geographic area
Share a similar core mission or goals
Have already supported similar ventures or projects

4. Compile a list of prospects. Group them in two ways:

By Geographic Location (city, state, region)
By field of interest or program subject

5. Review and refine your list. Eliminate prospects that DON’T FUND:

In your state
Your type of organization
Your subject
The type of support you need
Your size project

6. Select the most appropriate funding prospects. Research them in detail:

Contact them directly to request annual reports and other publications
Search print and online media to identify projects that received grants in the past
Ask former grant recipients for advice and why they felt they were successful over other applicants

What people are saying about WomensNet

“You have to be in it to win it...seize the opportunity and apply.”

“The Foundation awards $10,000 to a different women-owned business every month. At the end of each year, one of the 12 grant winners is awarded an additional $25,000.”

“Launched 20 years ago this grant honors the memory of a young woman who wanted to be an entrepreneur but died at age 19 before she could achieve her goal.”

“The Amber Grant Foundation was launched in 1998 to honor the memory of a young woman. The grant was formed to help women entrepreneurs reach their goals when Amber could not.”

“This organization offers monthly grants of up to $10,000 to support female entrepreneurs starting businesses. Those who qualify for these grants are also in the running for a yearly $25,000 grant.”

Don't miss the deadline. Apply now >