Business Grants for Women in the UK: What’s Out There and How to Get One
Less than 2p in every £1 of UK venture capital goes to female-founded businesses - despite women-led businesses contributing an estimated £85 billion to the UK economy (Nesta, 2020).
The funding gap is real. And it doesn’t reflect the value, creativity, or impact that women-led businesses bring to the UK economy.
While private investment remains competitive, grants offer a practical way to access funding - especially at early or growth stages. Yet many founders feel unclear about what’s available, how to apply, or whether they’re even eligible.
This guide is here to change that. Whether you’re exploring funding for the first time or looking to scale with support, here’s what to know about business grants for women in the UK.
What Types of Grants Are Out There?
Government Grants
Grants from bodies like Innovate UK, local Growth Hubs, and the Department for Business & Trade.
Women-Specific Grants
Programmes like Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards, which are open to female founders building innovative products, services, or solutions.
Private & Charity Grants
Regional business competitions, local council funds, and startup innovation challenges run by non-profits or enterprise organisations.
How the Application Process Works
Most grant processes follow four key steps:
Find a Suitable Grant: Check if it aligns with your business type, growth stage, and location.
Review the Eligibility Criteria: Some are restricted by region, revenue, or founder demographics.
Prepare Your Submission: This often includes a written application, business plan, financial information, and a project outline.
Interview or Pitch (if shortlisted): Some grants include a second stage, where you may need to present your idea or answer questions.
What to Prepare Before You Apply
Business Plan
What you do, who you serve, and why it matters.
Financial Forecasts
Include cash flow projections and evidence of how the funding will be used.
Founder Narrative
Describe why you started the business, and what your vision is for the next stage.
Use of Funds
Be specific about what the grant will enable - whether that’s a hire, launch, equipment, or training.
What Funders Typically Look For
You don’t need a large team or high turnover to win a grant. What matters most is showing that you’re prepared - and that the funding will have a measurable impact.
Here’s what funders tend to prioritise:
Clarity: A focused application that explains what you’ll do, how you’ll do it, and why it matters.
Purpose and Impact: Many grants, especially those for women-led or regional businesses, want to see clear benefit to the wider community or economy.
Scalability: Demonstrate how this grant will help you move forward - not just survive.
Track Record or Readiness: Even a small grant or delivery milestone shows funders that you're capable of managing funding responsibly.
Alignment with the Grant’s Objectives: Use similar language to what the funder uses in their brief - this shows you’ve understood what they’re looking for.
Tips for Strong Applications
Be Specific: Instead of “this will help us grow,” say: “This £10,000 will fund a part-time operations role to support 40% order growth over six months.”
Ask for Feedback: If you don’t receive the grant, many organisations will provide helpful feedback for future applications.
Apply Proactively: Don’t wait for the “perfect” grant. Make researching and applying a regular part of your business strategy.
Free Government Grants: yes, They Exist
Some UK business grants are truly non-repayable. Common sources include:
Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
Innovate UK funding calls
Department for Business & Trade schemes
Just note: many require regular progress reports, and some involve match funding - meaning you’ll need to contribute a portion (e.g. a £10,000 grant may require a £5,000 co-investment from you).
When Will You Receive the Money?
Most grants are not paid in full upfront. Payments are typically released in stages, either:
At agreed milestones
In arrears (after costs are incurred)
Or following regular reporting intervals
Make sure your business cash flow can absorb the delay.
What Happens If You Win?
No Repayment: Provided you meet the terms of the agreement.
Reporting Requirements: You may need to submit documentation on how the money was used.
Visibility: Some funders may promote your business in newsletters, case studies, or press coverage.
If You Don’t Get a Grant
There are still other options available:
Angel Investors: Groups like Angel Academe support women-led UK startups, particularly in tech and innovation.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Crowdfunder UK, Seedrs and Kickstarter allow you to raise capital from your own audience.
Startup Loans: The UK Government offers low-interest loans (up to £25,000), often with business mentoring included.
Why You Should Apply Anyway
Grants aren’t just for certain kinds of businesses - they’re for any founder who’s ready to grow, has a clear vision, and can make a strong case for support.
You don’t need a perfect track record. You don’t need to fit a mould. You don’t need to wait.
If you’ve been holding back, consider this your nudge to move forward.
You can apply for a grant with a clear plan, a specific ask, and the confidence that your work deserves to be backed.
