CURATED RESOURCES — APRIL 2026
CAPITAL | ACE Women’s Business Center (Atlanta). One-on-one coaching, events, and training delivered in English and Spanish through Georgia’s largest CDFI. ACE loans run $15K–$1M, with a sweet spot in the “missing middle” ($50K–$250K) — too large for microfinance, too small for traditional banks. City of Atlanta residents and businesses qualify separately for the ACE Resilience & Recovery loan ($50,001–$250,000) with free business advisory services built in.
GRANT | L’Oréal × NAACP Beauty Grant — $25,000. Six grants awarded to U.S.-based, for-profit businesses in the beauty and self-care industries, administered through Hello Alice. Deadline: April 23, 2026.
GRANT | Hey Helen Grant — $10,000. Open to U.S. businesses that are 100% women-owned with less than $1M in annual revenue. Nonbinary applicants aligned with the program’s intent are welcome to apply. Deadline: April 30, 2026. ($15 application fee.)
GRANT | Breva Thrive Grant — $5,000 (Q2 cycle). For U.S.-based, revenue-generating businesses with measurable community impact; preference for businesses serving high-need ZIP codes and LMI areas. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
GRANT | Galaxy Grant — $3,500. 30-second application for women and minority entrepreneurs, sponsored by Hidden Star (501c3). Deadline: April 30, 2026.
GRANT | Amber Grant — $10,000 monthly + $50,000 year-end. True rolling monthly cadence (three $10K grants awarded each month). One of the most accessible national programs for women founders. Monthly deadline: last day of each calendar month. ($15 application fee.)
PITCH | Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition — $55K in non-dilutive cash + $100K in professional services. For U.S.-based businesses with a woman founder, co-founder, or CEO and majority women ownership; under $750K raised to date. Two tracks (Tech/Tech-enabled and Consumer/CPG). First place in each track wins $25K, plus an additional $5K Junior VC award. The top 10 finalists receive pitch coaching, financial mentorship, and legal/marketing support leading up to the October finals. Applications open April 1 – May 31, 2026. Note: finalists must attend the in-person Fast Pitch event in Los Angeles.
EVENT | Atlanta Tech Village — “5 Things Women Need to Know About Raising Capital in 2026”. Working session for women founders on the current fundraising landscape, how AI is reshaping investor expectations, and strategies for raising with clarity. Held at ATV Sylvan.
PLAN AHEAD | WBENC National Conference — “IMPACT” (June 15–18, 2026). The country’s largest gathering of certified women-owned businesses and corporate procurement decision-makers. Online registration closes June 8, 2026. If WBENC certification is on your roadmap, this is the room.
A quick note: grant deadlines and award amounts change frequently. Verify each program’s eligibility and deadline on the official site before applying.