The Amber Grant, established by WomensNet, is designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing monthly funding opportunities for women-owned businesses. Each month, WomensNet awards a $10,000 grant to a selected applicant, with the added opportunity to compete for one of three $25,000 year-end grants. This initiative supports businesses across all sectors and stages of development, including those in the startup phase, defined as having minimal sales or being in the idea stage.

Applicants need only submit one application to be considered for multiple grants. In addition to the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant, the same application automatically enters businesses into the pool for a business-specific $10,000 grant, which rotates monthly across various sectors like Sustainability, STEM, Health, and Creative Arts. Furthermore, each applicant is considered for the Monthly Startup Grant and eventually the $25,000 year-end awards.

The grant application process is straightforward, requiring a single submission through the WomensNet website. No complex documentation is needed—just a compelling narrative about the applicant’s business, its mission, and how the funds would be used. This simplicity aims to make the grant accessible and reduce the administrative burden often associated with funding applications.

Eligibility is open to all women who own businesses, regardless of industry or stage. This inclusive approach is designed to foster a diverse community of female entrepreneurs and support a wide array of business ideas. Each month’s winner is selected by an advisory board, which evaluates the impact, vision, and need demonstrated in the application.

The Amber Grant honors the memory of a young woman named Amber, who died at the age of 19 before she could realize her entrepreneurial dreams. This legacy underpins the program’s commitment to supporting women in business and encouraging them to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions with financial support and public recognition.