Best Small Business Loans and Grants for Women in 2026
Fundbox and American Express stand out as financing options. To avoid taking on debt, explore local and national grants created specifically for female entrepreneurs.
- 78% of women-owned businesses received at least partial financing approval in 2025, according to Federal Reserve survey data.
- Women-owned businesses tend to be newer and smaller, making financing tricky, but not impossible.
- Some lenders work with startups or owners with lower credit scores, though rates are often higher.
- SBA loans may offer lower rates and longer repayment terms than many online lenders.
- Comparing multiple lenders may improve your chances of finding better rates and qualification requirements.
| Lender | Best for | Starting rate | Amount | Time in business | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Startups | 4.66% | Up to $250k | 3 months | |
|
Borrowers with good credit | 3.00% |
$2k – $250k |
12 months | |
|
Borrowers with bad credit | 11.00% |
$25k – $600k |
6 months | |
|
Fast funding | 35.26% (APR) |
$5k – $400k |
12 months | |
|
Financing large purchases | 22.45% (APR) |
$25k – $500k |
24 months | |
|
SBA loans | 8.75% (interest rate) |
$1k – $150k |
Not specified | |
|
Financing equipment | 7.50% (interest rate) |
$5k – $5M |
None | |
|
Covering ongoing costs | 7.80% |
$1k – $250k |
12 months |
Financing options for women entrepreneurs
Best for: Startup businesses – Fundbox
- Starting rate
- 4.66%
12- to 52-week terms, or up to 104 weeks in certain limited situations
- Low time in business and annual revenue requirements
- Next-day funding available
- No prepayment penalty
- Relatively short repayment terms
- Requires weekly payments
- May require a personal guarantee
Fundbox works particularly well for newer women-owned businesses that may not yet qualify for traditional bank financing. With just 3 months months in business required, it can be a good fit if you’re still building revenue consistency or business credit.
Because it’s a line of credit, you can borrow only what you need instead of taking on a large lump-sum loan upfront, something that may help startups manage unpredictable early-stage expenses. Funding may also arrive as soon as the next business day.
However, weekly repayments can put pressure on your business budget, especially for seasonal or inconsistent businesses. You may also need to provide a personal guarantee.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full Fundbox review
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Fundbox’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 600
- Minimum time in business: 3 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $30,000
Best for: Established businesses with strong credit – American Express Business Line of Credit
- Starting rate
- 3.00%
Total loan fees for installment loans range from: 3% to 9% for 6-month terms; 6% to 18% for 12-month terms; 9% to 27% for 18-month terms; 12% to 18% for 24-month terms. Each draw counts as a separate installment loan. Single-repayment loans will have different rates and terms.
- Speedy application process
- Only pay interest on withdrawn amounts
- No prepayment penalties
- Only select customers qualify for initial credit lines over $150,000
- Requires a personal guarantee
Women entrepreneurs with strong credit profiles may want to consider a business line of credit from American Express, particularly if they’re looking for flexible access to working capital without taking on a large lump-sum loan.
Starting rates are lower than what many online lenders offer, though the best pricing is generally reserved for highly qualified borrowers. Because this is a revolving line of credit, businesses can borrow only what they need and avoid paying interest on unused funds.
However, a personal guarantee is required, and larger initial credit lines are generally limited to borrowers with an existing American Express relationship.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full American Express review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet American Express’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 12 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $36,000
Best for: Businesses with bad credit – Credibly
- Starting rate
- 11.00%
Credibly’s minimum rate is a 1.11 factor rate. This means you’d repay 11.00%, plus any additional fees, on top of the amount borrowed.
- Low minimum credit score requirement
- Short time in business requirement
- Same-day funding available
- High annual revenue requirement
- Requires daily or weekly payments
- Factor rate makes it difficult to compare against other loan offers
Credibly may be a good fit for women-owned businesses with lower credit scores but relatively strong monthly revenue. Instead of focusing heavily on credit alone, Credibly also considers factors like cash flow and overall business performance when reviewing applications, making it one of our top picks for a bad credit business loan.
However, Credibly’s revenue requirements are significantly higher than some competing lenders. You’ll typically need at least $15,000 in monthly revenue to qualify. You should also pay attention to repayment costs, since factor rates can make financing more expensive and harder to compare against traditional loan annual percentage rates (APRs).
→ Check out LendingTree’s full Credibly review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Credibly’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 500
- Minimum time in business: 6 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $180,000 (at least three months of $15,000 or more)
Best for: Fast funding – OnDeck
- Starting rate
- 35.26%
Minimum APR offered to at least 5% of customers (not the lowest rate offered)
- Potential for same-day funding
- Quick and easy application process
- Helps build business credit
- Requires daily or weekly payments
- Higher starting rates than other lenders on this list
- Not available in North Dakota
OnDeck may work well for women-owned businesses that need access to funding quickly, especially when covering urgent expenses like payroll, inventory shortages, equipment repairs or unexpected operating costs.
Qualified borrowers may receive funding the same business day, making OnDeck one of the faster options on this list. But, it’s important to note that instant funding is not available the same day you sign your loan agreement. We also like that OnDeck reports payment activity to business credit bureaus, which may help businesses strengthen their credit profiles over time.
However, convenience comes at a cost. Starting rates are higher than many traditional business loans, and daily or weekly repayments may create cash flow pressure for businesses with inconsistent revenue.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full OnDeck review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet OnDeck’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 625
- Minimum time in business: 12 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
Best for: Financing large purchases – iBusiness Funding
- Starting rate
- 22.45%
iBusiness has a 7.49% interest rate, 22.45% APR
iBusiness Funding offers traditional term loans up to $500,000. SBA loans and USDA loans may offer higher amounts.
- Lengthy repayment terms
- Relatively fast funding
- No application fees or prepayment penalties
- May charge an origination fee, depending on loan terms
- May require collateral, personal guarantee and/or blanket lien
- Must be in business for at least two years to qualify
iBusiness Funding may be a good fit for women-owned businesses planning larger investments like equipment purchases, renovations, inventory expansion or major operating upgrades.
Compared with many online lenders, repayment terms are longer, which may help businesses spread out larger borrowing costs and keep monthly payments more manageable. However, iBusiness Funding is best suited for more established businesses — borrowers must be in business for at least two years to qualify.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full iBusiness Funding review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet iBusiness Funding’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 640
- Minimum time in business: 24 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000
Best for: SBA loans – Huntington National Bank Lift Local Program
- Starting rate
- 8.75%
Based on the current prime rate of 6.75% + 2.00% added by Huntington Bank for variable-rate loans
- SBA Preferred Lender with an expedited application process
- No origination or SBA fees
- Provides additional resources to support women-owned businesses from startup to expansion
- May require a down payment of 10% or more
- Funding may take longer than many online business loans
- SBA applications often require more documentation and stricter underwriting
Huntington National Bank may be a good fit for women-owned businesses looking for longer-term financing with the added stability and borrower protections that SBA loans can provide.
Beyond funding, the bank’s Lift Local Business program offers additional support for women entrepreneurs, including educational resources and business development tools that may be helpful during both startup and expansion stages. We also like that the program doesn’t charge origination or SBA fees.
However, SBA loans are generally slower to fund than many online financing options, and Huntington National Bank doesn’t publicly disclose all qualification requirements.
In order to qualify for the Lift Local program, you’ll need to meet Huntington National Bank’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 140+ SBSS score
- Minimum time in business: Not specified
- Minimum annual revenue: $3 million
Best for: Equipment financing – Taycor Financial
- Starting rate
- 7.50%
- No down payment required
- No prepayment penalties
- Startup-friendly qualification requirements
- Longer repayment terms may increase total borrowing costs
- Financing terms may vary based on the equipment being financed
Taycor Financial may be a good fit for women-owned businesses that need to purchase or upgrade expensive equipment without making a large upfront financial investment. Repayment terms extend up to 84 months, which may help businesses spread out larger costs over time. There are also no prepayment penalties if you decide to pay off the loan early.
Taycor Financial offers financing with no down payment requirement, which may help businesses preserve cash flow while covering costs for vehicles, machinery, medical equipment, restaurant equipment or technology upgrades.
With no minimum time in business requirement and a relatively low minimum credit score, this lender may also be more accessible for startups or borrowers rebuilding credit.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full Taycor Financial review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Taycor Financial’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 550
- Minimum time in business: None
- Minimum annual revenue: None
Best for: Covering ongoing costs – Bluevine
- Starting rate
- 7.80%
- Receive funds in as little as 24 hours, or faster with a Bluevine checking account
- No maintenance fees
- Only pay interest on withdrawn amounts
- Same-day funding could incur a fee
- Not available in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota
Bluevine may be a good fit for women-owned businesses that want flexible access to working capital for recurring or unpredictable expenses like payroll, inventory, marketing or short-term cash flow gaps.
Because this is a business line of credit, borrowers can draw funds as needed instead of taking out a large lump-sum loan upfront. We also like that Bluevine doesn’t charge maintenance fees, which may help reduce borrowing costs over time.
Qualified borrowers may receive funding quickly, though same-day transfers require a Bluevine checking account or an additional fee to wire directly to your bank. Businesses should also be aware that weekly repayments are standard unless they qualify for Bluevine’s monthly repayment option.
→ Check out LendingTree’s full Bluevine review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Bluevine’s criteria of:
- Minimum credit score: 625
- Minimum time in business: 12 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $120,000
How does gender affect small business loans?
Gender alone typically isn’t the deciding factor when applying for a small business loan. Most lenders focus more heavily on factors like revenue, time in business, cash flow and credit history.
However, women-owned businesses are often newer or smaller on average, which can sometimes make qualifying for larger loans more difficult. According to a LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau data:
- Women-owned businesses report lower average revenue than male-owned businesses, which can affect loan size and qualification requirements.
- Women-owned businesses have 8.6 employees on average, compared to 13.1 for male-run firms.
- The number of women-owned businesses grew 19.6% between 2017 and 2023.
Many lenders now offer startup-friendly financing, flexible qualification requirements and educational resources that may help women entrepreneurs access funding more easily during the early stages of growth.
→ Read LendingTree’s full women in business ownership study.
Funding opportunities specifically for women
Traditional banks and alternative lenders don’t take gender into account, but there are small business grants that can help women-owned businesses access funding. Grants are competitive because they don’t need to be repaid, but they can be a valuable option for startups, early-stage businesses or entrepreneurs looking to avoid taking on debt.
Here are a few grant programs and support organizations worth exploring:
| Grant program | Best for | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Grant | Women-owned businesses seeking monthly grant opportunities | $10,000 monthly |
| The Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) | Impact-driven businesses with established revenue | Up to $100,000 |
| HerRise Microgrant | Under-resourced women-owned businesses | $1,000 monthly |
| EmpowHer Grants | Early-stage, impact-focused businesses | Up to $50,000 |
Other resources for women-owned businesses
- Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC)
- Office of Women’s Business Ownership
- National Women’s Business Council
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- National Association of Women in Construction
- U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC)
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
- Women Presidents Organization (WPO)
Traditional funding available for women-owned businesses
The right type of financing depends on your business stage, revenue and how you plan to use the funds. Some loans work better for ongoing cash flow needs, while others are better suited for large purchases or long-term growth.
Online lenders may offer faster funding and more flexible qualification requirements than traditional banks, though rates and fees are often higher.
Here are some common types of business loans female entrepreneurs can explore:
Term loans
Best for: Large one-time business expenses
Term loans provide a lump sum of cash repaid through fixed payments over time. Short-term loans may work well for urgent business needs, while long-term loans are often better for larger investments like expansion projects or equipment purchases.
Business lines of credit
Best for: Ongoing or unpredictable expenses
A business line of credit allows you to borrow funds as needed instead of taking out a lump-sum loan upfront. This may work well for businesses managing recurring expenses, seasonal cash flow gaps or unexpected costs.
You typically only pay interest on the amount you withdraw, though some lenders charge draw or maintenance fees.
Working capital loans
Best for: Day-to-day operating expenses
A working capital loan is a short-term loan designed to finance a business’s day-to-day expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities, supplies and more. The term and repayment structure will depend on your lender and your loan type, with some requiring daily or weekly payments.
Equipment loans
Best for: Expensive equipment purchases
Equipment financing helps businesses purchase essential equipment like vehicles and machinery, with the equipment often acting as collateral. Some equipment lenders offer financing to cover the full cost of equipment plus related expenses like installation and shipping.
Equipment leasing may be a better fit for businesses that frequently replace or upgrade equipment, though leasing can cost more over time.
SBA loans
Best for: Lower-cost long-term financing
Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SBA loans offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than many online lenders. They may work well for established businesses seeking affordable long-term funding.
However, SBA loans usually require more documentation and take longer to fund than many online financing options. Finding an SBA-preferred lender can help reduce the timeline.
In addition to small business loans, women entrepreneurs may qualify for federal contracting opportunities through the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program.
The program helps women-owned businesses compete for government contracts that are specifically reserved for eligible businesses. Depending on your industry, certification may help open the door to additional revenue opportunities and long-term business growth.
To qualify, your business must receive WOSB certification through the SBA. You can apply for free through the SBA website or work with an approved third-party organization, including:
Once certified, businesses can bid on eligible contracts through the System for Award Management. Certification must be renewed annually.
How to choose and apply for the right business loan
Applying for a business loan can feel overwhelming, especially for newer businesses or first-time borrowers. Preparing your documents, understanding your budget and comparing lenders ahead of time may improve your chances of finding the right loan for your business.
1. Decide how much funding you need
Start by identifying exactly how you plan to use the money. For example, newer businesses may need help covering startup costs like licenses, permits, inventory or equipment, while established businesses may be looking to expand operations or improve cash flow.
Once you know how much you need to borrow, use a business loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and total borrowing costs. Borrowing more than your business can realistically repay may create unnecessary cash flow pressure, especially for newer businesses.
2. Check your personal and business credit scores
Lenders often review both your personal and business credit scores when evaluating your application. If your business hasn’t built credit yet, lenders may place more emphasis on your personal credit history.
→ You can monitor your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring to get a better idea of where you stand before applying.
3. Compare lenders and loan offers
Small business loan offers can vary widely, especially for newer businesses or borrowers with lower credit scores. Comparing multiple lenders may help you find better rates, repayment terms or qualification requirements for your business. When reviewing loan offers, pay close attention to:
- Interest rates and fees: Origination fees, late fees and prepayment penalties can increase the cost of borrowing.
- Repayment schedule: Some lenders require daily or weekly payments, while others offer monthly repayment options.
- Funding speed: Online lenders may fund loans within days, while traditional banks and SBA loans often take longer to process.
- Collateral requirements: Some loans require business assets, equipment or inventory as collateral.
You can also read small business lender reviews and make a list of potential lenders that fit your company’s criteria.
If you already have a business bank account, consider asking your current bank or credit union about financing options. Existing banking relationships can sometimes strengthen your application and make account management easier.
Keep in mind that traditional banks often require at least two years in business, though some offer startup-friendly options like secured business lines of credit.
See LendingTree’s guide to the best banks for small businesses.
4. Gather required documents
While business loan requirements vary between lenders, here are some of the documents you may need to include with your application:
- Personal and business tax returns
- Personal and business bank statements
- Copies of business licenses and registrations
-
Financial statements, including:
- Income statements
- Balance sheets
- Business plan
- Certificate of good standing
- Details on collateral, if applicable
You can often generate many of these documents through your accounting or tax software before applying.
5. Review your loan agreement carefully
Most lenders allow you to apply online, though some traditional banks and credit unions might require a phone call or in-person visit. Before you commit to a loan, read the business loan agreement carefully to make sure you understand all the terms, rates and fees.
For qualified users, LendingTree’s small business concierge service connects you with an expert who can help you compare loan options and choose the best fit for your business needs.
This individualized approach helped LendingTree’s small business concierge service connect more than 5,000 borrowers with over $300 million of loans in the past year.
Alternatives to business loans for women
Traditional business loans aren’t the right fit for every business, especially startups, newer companies or borrowers rebuilding credit. Here are a few alternative funding options to consider:
- Invoice factoring: Best for businesses with unpaid customer invoices. Funding is based more heavily on your customers’ payment history than your personal credit score.
- Merchant cash advances (MCAs): Easier to qualify for than many traditional loans, but often one of the most expensive forms of financing.
- Business credit cards: Useful for recurring expenses like supplies, travel or subscriptions, though carrying a balance long term can become expensive.
- Personal loans for business: Can help newer businesses access funding using personal income and credit, though you’re personally responsible for repayment.
- Crowdfunding: Allows businesses to raise money online without taking on traditional debt, though campaigns often require strong marketing and audience engagement.
Not qualifying for a traditional business loan doesn’t necessarily mean your business can’t access funding. Many women-owned businesses combine multiple financing strategies as they grow.
Frequently asked questions
Most business loans for women work the same way as traditional small business loans. Lenders typically evaluate factors like revenue, time in business, cash flow and credit history rather than gender.
However, some lenders, grant programs and nonprofit organizations offer additional resources specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs, networking opportunities, educational resources and startup-focused financing options.
It may be possible, but financing options are usually more limited for businesses without revenue. Most lenders prefer businesses to show at least some consistent income before approving a loan.
That said, some startup lenders may work with newer businesses, especially if you have strong personal credit, collateral or a detailed business plan. Women entrepreneurs may also want to explore grants, crowdfunding or business credit cards while building revenue.
Yes. Many lenders consider both your personal and business credit when reviewing a small business loan application. If your business is newer or hasn’t established credit yet, lenders may place even more emphasis on your personal credit history.
A term loan may be a better fit if you need a lump sum for a large one-time expense, such as equipment, expansion costs or renovations. Repayment terms and monthly payments are typically fixed.
A business line of credit may work better for ongoing expenses or unpredictable cash flow needs because you can borrow funds as needed instead of taking out a full loan upfront. You generally only pay interest on the amount you withdraw.
Our methodology: How we chose the best business loans for women
We reviewed more than 20 small business lenders to determine the overall best business loans for women. To make our list, lenders had to meet the following criteria:
- Eligibility requirements: To include financing options for a variety of women-owned businesses, we included lenders with a wide range of credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements, focusing on the best lenders for specific situations.
- Rates and terms: We looked for transparent lenders that disclose their interest rate ranges with no hidden fees, as well as those without prepayment penalties.
- Repayment experience: We favored lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers.
- Additional resources for women: We prioritized lenders that offer additional programs, resources and support for women-owned businesses, such as providing free educational classes or mentorship.