Where women business owners can get a business loan
Women business owners can get loans from the same places as anyone else, plus a few programs built to help them get ready. In 2026, start with a free Women's Business Center, then compare SBA loans through a lender, SBA microloans, CDFIs, credit unions and banks. Most loans are not limited to women, so your income, credit and plan matter most.
The short version
- Start with free counseling at a Women's Business Center.
- Get your documents ready before you apply anywhere.
- Compare SBA loans, SBA microloans, CDFIs, credit unions and banks.
- Treat grants as a bonus, not your main plan.
What SBA offers women owners
On its Grow your business page, SBA says: "The Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) helps women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. Programs include business training, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital."
SBA also says: "Women-owned small businesses can also take advantage of SBA loan programs."
There is no separate SBA loan only for women. You use the regular SBA programs through a participating lender. Read more on SBA's Grow your business page.
Step 1: Get free help first
Women's Business Centers are SBA resource partners that help with a business plan, financial statements and getting ready to talk to lenders, at no or low cost. For self-paced learning, the FDIC offers Money Smart for Small Business.
Step 2: Get your file ready
Lenders want to see how your business earns and spends money. Gather these before you apply:
- Recent business and personal tax returns
- Business bank statements
- A simple profit and loss statement
- A short business plan that explains how you will use the loan
See the full list in what documents you need for a business loan, and start building business credit early.
Step 3: Compare where to apply
| Option | Who it fits | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) loan through a lender | Established businesses with steady income | How to qualify for an SBA loan |
| SBA microloan through a nonprofit lender | Newer or smaller businesses | How to get an SBA microloan |
| CDFI loan | Owners banks may turn down | CDFI business loans |
| Credit union or bank loan | Owners with solid credit and records | Ask your current bank or credit union |
| Business line of credit | Ongoing or seasonal cash needs | How to get a business line of credit |
To find a nonprofit microloan lender near you, use SBA's list of microlenders. If you need to buy a building or large equipment, ask a lender about an SBA 504 loan, which is built for long-term fixed assets; see SBA's 504 loans page.
Grants are not the main path
Grants for women owners exist, but they are competitive and usually small. Apply for the ones that fit, but do not put your plans on hold while you wait. See grants for women-owned businesses and small business grants open now.
Women-owned certification and contracts
SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, and its economically disadvantaged version (EDWOSB), can open federal contract opportunities set aside for women-owned firms. Learn more on SBA's certifications page. It is not a loan, but winning contracts can strengthen a later loan application.
Be careful with fast offers
Offers marketed "for women" that take daily or weekly payments are usually merchant cash advances, so compare longer-term options first. Read is a merchant cash advance a good idea. If unwanted calls start after you apply online, see how to stop MCA broker calls.
Every other way to fund your business
Loans are only one option. See every way to fund your business.
Sources
Checked on SBA.gov and FDIC.gov on October 23, 2026.
Last updated October 23, 2026