Amber Grant Rules

By submitting an application, each applicant agrees to abide by these Official Rules and decisions made by Amber Grants Funding (WomensNet), which shall be final and binding.

1. Eligibility:

• Open to women (18 years or older) who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada.
• Eligible businesses include pre-revenue ventures, idea-stage startups, and nonprofit organizations.
• Applicants must complete the official online application at ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now or submit a request for fee waiver to info@ambergrantsforwomen.com 

2. Entry Period:

• Each monthly contest runs from the 1st day of the calendar month until 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the last day of the same month.
• Applications for the Monthly Amber Grant and the Monthly Startup Grant expire at the end of each calendar month.
• Applications that qualify for a rotating Business Category Grant remain eligible for that grant through the end of the corresponding month.

3. Grants:

• Each month, three (3) $10,000 Amber Grants will be awarded. (1) Monthly Amber Grant (2) Monthly Startup Grant (3) Business Category Grant
  1. 1. All women-owned businesses that apply qualify for the Monthly Amber Grant 
     2. Businesses that are: (1) still in the idea phase or (2) have under $10,000 in gross sales also qualify for the Monthly Startup Grant
     3. To qualify for the monthly Business Category Grant a business must fall in one of the following categories: January:Skilled Trades, February:Health & Fitness, March:Food & Beverage, April:Sustainability, May:Mental & Emotional Support, June: Business Support Service, July:Animal Services, August:Hair Care & Skincare, September:Education & Child Care, October:Creative Arts, November:STEM, December:Fashion & Interior Design
• At the end of the calendar year, three (3) of the monthly winners will receive an additional $25,000 Year-End Grant. One winner from each of the three grant types will be awarded.

4. How to Apply

• Applicants must complete the official online application at ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now or submit a request for fee waiver to info@ambergrantsforwomen.com
• A single application qualifies an applicant for all grants they’re eligible for, as described above.
• If you have any accessibility needs related to the application, please email us at info@ambergrantsforwomen.com.

5. Other Rules

• Disqualification: Amber Grant Funding reserves the right to disqualify any application that contains false, misleading, or incomplete information. All decisions are final.
• Taxes: Winners are solely responsible for any applicable taxes or reporting obligations.
• Privacy: Applicant data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Amber Grant Judging Criteria

All applications for the Amber Grant will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Clarity and Purpose of the Business

• The applicant clearly explains what their business does or will do.
• The business idea is understandable, well-defined, and purpose-driven.
• The product or service addresses a real market need or solves a relevant problem.

2. Passion, Vision & Personal Story

• The applicant demonstrates genuine passion for their business and its mission.
• A compelling personal story or journey is shared, including motivation for launching or growing the business.
• Judges look for authenticity, drive, and a clear reason why the business matters to the applicant.

3. Market Understanding and Strategy

• Applicant shows an understanding of their target market, customer needs, and competition.
• There is a realistic go-to-market or growth strategy, even if it’s still early-stage.
• Judges consider how the business will attract, serve, and retain customers.

4. Use of Grant Funds

• Applicant clearly outlines how the grant money will be used.
• Proposed use of funds is specific, realistic, and directly tied to business growth or sustainability.
• Judges assess whether the grant will have a meaningful impact on the business.

5. Business Viability and Potential

• The business has reasonable potential for long-term sustainability and success.
• The applicant shows signs of initiative, resourcefulness, or prior traction (e.g., sales, prototypes, community impact).
• Financials (if provided) or projections are realistic and support a viable path forward.

6. Communication and Professionalism

• Application is clear, thoughtful, and professionally presented.
• Applicant adheres to all deadlines and submission requirements.
• Responses reflect care, attention to detail, and a genuine effort.

 

Amber Grant Selection Process

• Initial Evaluation
  Each application is reviewed independently and flagged for further consideration based on its individual merit.

• Selection of Finalists
  Each judge selects their top three finalists for each grant type from their pool of reviewed applications.

• Final Vetting
  All selected finalists undergo a final review to confirm they meet all stated eligibility and qualification criteria.

• Final Scoring and Award
  Each judge ranks all finalists in order of perceived worthiness. The finalist with the highest combined (aggregate) score is awarded the grant.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting this application, you agree to the following:

• You understand the grant is awarded based on merit, not a random drawing.
• You certify that all information provided is true and accurate.
• You understand that your business may be subject to verification.
• You acknowledge that the $15 application fee is non-refundable, regardless of outcome.
• You grant permission for Amber Grant Funding to publish your name, business name, and/or likeness if selected as a winner.
• You agree not to hold Amber Grant Funding, its partners, or reviewers liable for outcomes, grant selection, or errors in submission.
• You release and hold harmless the Amber Grant Funding from any liability related to the administration of these grants.