Starting a business can be very exciting but also time consuming and somewhat intimidating. One of the hardest things to determine when you start a new business is your budget and how you will fund your venture?

Let’s take a look at some of your options:

PRIVATE AND STATE GRANTS

Eileen Fisher Woman-Owned Business Grant – This grant founded by a women’s clothing retailer and awards $100,000 to up to 10 business owners per year. To be eligible for this grant, women must make up at least 51% of your business’s ownership and leadership, your annual revenue must not exceed $1 million, and you must have been in business for at least 3 years. You can learn more about the business grant here.

Amber Grant – This grant was established by Womensnet.com in 1998 to honor a woman who died before she could fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. Each month, the organization awards a $500 grant to one woman business owner and a $1,000 grant to one lucky woman at the end of the year.

You can read more about the eligibility requirements here.

Women’s Business Centers – About 100 SBA-sponsored women’s business centers exist throughout the country. They are designed to assist women with growing their small businesses and even out the playing field for women entrepreneurs. While the agencies provide counseling and training on various different topics, they may also help you find local grants that you may qualify for and help walk you through the application process. To search for a local Women’s Business Center in your area, click here.

FedEx Small Business Grant – For this grant, FedEx awards up to $25,000 each to 10 small business owners annually (applicants do not have to be women). The application requires specific details about your business like your mission and an explanation of what you do along with how you plan to use the money etc.