Women-Owned LLC: Certifications, Grants & How to Start

The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses

Women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 22%, compared to 9% for all businesses combined. There are now over 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating $2.7 trillion in revenue and employing 12.2 million workers.

Despite this growth, women entrepreneurs still face systemic challenges: women-owned businesses receive only 2% of venture capital funding, women are denied business loans at higher rates than men (even with comparable credit scores), and women-owned businesses earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by male-owned businesses. The good news is that significant federal, state, and private programs exist to help close these gaps — and forming an LLC is the first step to accessing them.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program is one of the most valuable tools available to women entrepreneurs. The federal government sets a goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses — that was approximately $30 billion in fiscal year 2023.

**Eligibility requirements**: Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens, the women owners must manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions for the business, and the business must be small (based on SBA size standards for your industry).

**How to get certified**: WOSB certification is now handled through the SBA's certification portal at certify.sba.gov. The process is free and typically takes 10-15 business days. You will need to provide ownership documentation, tax returns, articles of organization, operating agreement, and financial statements.

**What certification gets you**: Access to set-aside contracts reserved for WOSBs, sole-source contracts up to $7 million (manufacturing) or $4.5 million (other industries), competitive advantage in federal procurement, and recognition in the SBA's dynamic small business search (DSBS) database.

**Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)**: If your personal net worth is below $850,000 (excluding your primary residence and business ownership), you may also qualify as an EDWOSB, which gives you access to additional set-aside contract categories.

Grants and Funding for Women Entrepreneurs

**SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs)**: There are over 140 WBCs across the country offering free counseling, training, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs. WBCs also help you access SBA-backed loans and connect with local funding sources. Find your nearest WBC at sba.gov/wbc.

**Amber Grant**: Awards $10,000 per month and $25,000 per year to women-owned businesses. Applications are simple — a short essay explaining your business and why you need funding. Apply at ambergrantsforwomen.com.

**IFundWomen**: A crowdfunding platform specifically for women-owned businesses, combined with coaching and a grants marketplace. Their Universal Grant Application matches you with applicable grants based on your business profile.

**Tory Burch Foundation**: Offers the Tory Burch Fellows Program with mentorship, education, and access to a $100,000 fellow grant for women building businesses that create economic empowerment.

**Cartier Women's Initiative**: Awards $100,000 grants plus coaching and mentorship to women-led impact businesses in select regions.

**National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)**: Offers Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to members for business expansion. Membership costs $120/year.

SBA Loans for Women-Owned Businesses

While the SBA does not offer women-only loans, women entrepreneurs benefit disproportionately from SBA loan programs because SBA loans have lower down payment requirements and more flexible credit criteria than conventional bank loans.

**SBA 7(a) Loan**: Up to $5 million for general business purposes. Interest rates are negotiated between the borrower and lender within SBA guidelines. These loans can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate, and debt refinancing.

**SBA Microloan**: Up to $50,000 for startups and small businesses. The average microloan is approximately $13,000. These loans are administered through non-profit intermediary lenders and often come with free business training and mentorship.

**Community Advantage Loan**: Up to $350,000 through mission-focused lenders who prioritize underserved communities including women-owned businesses.

Forming Your LLC: Step by Step

The formation process for a women-owned LLC is the same as any other LLC, but there are additional steps to maximize your access to certification and funding programs:

**Step 1**: Form your LLC and ensure the operating agreement clearly documents that women own at least 51% of the business and control day-to-day management. This documentation is required for WOSB certification.

**Step 2**: Apply for your EIN and open a business bank account.

**Step 3**: Register with SAM.gov (System for Award Management) to be eligible for federal contracts.

**Step 4**: Apply for WOSB certification through certify.sba.gov.

**Step 5**: Register your business in the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) so federal contracting officers can find you.

**Step 6**: Contact your nearest Women's Business Center for free counseling and training.

**Step 7**: Get business insurance — [general liability](/blog/llc-liability-insurance) at minimum, plus [professional liability](/blog/professional-liability-insurance) if you provide services.

What to Do Next

As a woman entrepreneur, you have access to billions of dollars in set-aside contracts, grants, and favorable loan programs — but only if your business is properly formed and certified. [Start your LLC formation](/pricing) with FormifyAI, then apply for WOSB certification to unlock the full range of opportunities available to you.