California offers various opportunities and programs to support women entrepreneurs through small business grants. Here are some potential sources to explore:
- California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz): GO-Biz provides resources and support for small businesses in California. While they may not directly offer grants, they can connect you with information on available programs and resources.
- California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP): Although not a grant program, the SBLGP assists small businesses, including those owned by women, in obtaining loan guarantees. This program aims to facilitate access to capital for small businesses.
- California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO): CAMEO supports microbusiness development in California. While they may not provide direct grants, they offer resources and assistance for women entrepreneurs, including training and access to capital.
- California Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funds Women’s Business Centers across the country, including in California. These centers offer training, counseling, and access to capital for women-owned businesses.
- Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV): WEV provides a range of services, including training, consulting, and microloans, to help women start, grow, and succeed in their businesses. While not strictly grants, their programs offer valuable support.
- California Capital Financial Development Corporation (CalCAP): CalCAP provides various financial assistance programs for small businesses. While not exclusive to women-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs can explore the available programs for support.
- Grants.gov: While primarily a federal resource, Grants.gov allows you to search for grants across different agencies. Some federal grants may be available to women-owned businesses in California.
- Local Women’s Business Organizations: Connect with local women’s business organizations and chambers of commerce, as they may have information on regional grants, networking opportunities, and resources for women entrepreneurs.
When pursuing grants or financial assistance programs, carefully review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Additionally, consider seeking advice from local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) or SCORE chapters, which provide mentorship and guidance to entrepreneurs.