Quick Answer: What Is the August Amber Grant?
The August Amber Grant is a monthly $10,000 grant from WomensNet, awarded to a woman-owned business, alongside a separate $10,000 Startup Grant and a $10,000 August-specific Hair Care & Skincare category grant. Any woman who owns at least 50% of a U.S. or Canada-based business can apply through one simple online application. The August 2026 cycle runs through August 31, 2026.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the hair care & skincare business grants for women:
- What Is the August Amber Grant?
- About WomensNet and the Amber Grant Program
- Why the August Amber Grant Matters for Women Entrepreneurs
- August Amber Grant Award Details
- Types of Funding Available
- August Amber Grant Eligibility: Who Is Eligible?
- August Amber Grant Application Process
- How American Grant Association Can Help?
- Application Deadlines and Award Information
- Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
- Common Application Mistakes
- Best Alternatives to the Amber Grant
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Hair Care & Skincare Businesses Should Consider the August Amber Grant
Every August, thousands of women submit an application for the August Amber Grant, one of the longest-running and most accessible women’s business grant programs in the country. Since access to startup capital remains one of the biggest hurdles for women entrepreneurs, non-dilutive funding, money that doesn’t require giving up equity or taking on debt, is especially valuable for early-stage founders and small business owners.
The Amber Grant has built a reputation as a legitimate, low-barrier grant opportunity precisely because it doesn’t require a business plan binder or years of financials. A woman-owned business at any stage, from an idea on a napkin to an established company, can apply. That accessibility, combined with real cash awards, is why the monthly Amber Grant consistently draws a large pool of applicants and why it’s worth understanding exactly how the August cycle works before you submit your grant application.
What Is the August Amber Grant?
The August Amber Grant is the August installment of WomensNet’s ongoing monthly grant program. Each month, WomensNet awards a general Amber Grant, a Startup Grant, and a rotating Business Category Grant tied to that month’s theme. In August, the category focus is Hair Care & Skincare, covering businesses such as salons, estheticians, cosmetology services, and skincare product lines.
The Amber Grant program was founded by WomensNet in 1998 in memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who died at 19 before she could pursue her own business dreams. That origin story still shapes the program’s mission: helping women turn business ideas into reality through direct grant funding rather than loans.
About WomensNet and the Amber Grant Program
WomensNet is the organization behind the Amber Grant, and its mission centers on supporting women-owned businesses through accessible grant opportunities rather than complicated funding applications. Over the years, the WomensNet Amber Grant has expanded well beyond a single monthly prize. It now includes Startup Grants, twelve rotating Business Category Grants, and three $50,000 Year-End Grants awarded to standout monthly winners. One application makes an applicant eligible for every grant category she qualifies for that year, there’s no need to reapply each month for category or year-end consideration.
Why the August Amber Grant Matters for Women Entrepreneurs
Access to capital remains uneven for women in business. Traditional business financing, seed funding, and bank loans often favor businesses with established credit history or collateral, something many early-stage founders don’t yet have. Grants for women entrepreneurs help close that gap by providing financial assistance with no repayment obligation, freeing up cash for inventory, marketing, equipment, or simply keeping the lights on during business growth.
For women-owned businesses in hair care, skincare, or any other industry, a grant like this can also serve as validation. Winning isn’t just about the money, it’s a signal to customers, partners, and future investors that the business has real potential.
August Amber Grant Award Details
According to WomensNet, the monthly grant structure includes:
- Monthly Amber Grant: $10,000, open to all women-owned businesses
- Monthly Startup Grant: $10,000, for businesses still in the idea phase or with under $10,000 in gross sales
- August Business Category Grant: $10,000, specifically for Hair Care & Skincare businesses
- Year-End Grants: Three separate $50,000 grants awarded annually to top monthly winners
Because a single application covers all applicable categories, a woman-owned hair care or skincare business applying in August could realistically be considered for more than one $10,000 grant, plus year-end eligibility.
Types of Funding Available
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Funding Type
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Amount
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Who It's For
|
Frequency
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monthly Amber Grant
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$10,000
|
All women-owned businesses
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Monthly
|
|
Monthly Startup Grant
|
$10,000
|
Idea-stage or under $10,000 in sales
|
Monthly
|
|
Business Category Grant (August: Hair Care & Skincare)
|
$10,000
|
Businesses in that month's category
|
Monthly, rotating
|
|
Year-End Grant
|
$50,000
|
Top monthly winners (three awarded)
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Annually
|
This structure means the Amber Grant functions less like a single small business grant and more like an ongoing grant program with several funding opportunities layered on top of one another.
August Amber Grant Eligibility: Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements are intentionally broad, but there are firm rules. Based on WomensNet’s official grant rules, applicants generally must meet the following:
- Be a woman, age 18 or older, who owns at least 50% of the business
- Operate a business based in the United States or Canada
- Be a pre-revenue, idea-stage startup or an existing, revenue-generating business
- Complete the official online application in full
Not eligible: Nonprofit organizations whose primary activity is charitable giving are excluded, though other revenue-generating nonprofit organizations may qualify. For-profit businesses across virtually any industry, including businesses outside the August hair care and skincare focus, can still apply for the general Amber Grant and Startup Grant.
Key takeaway: You don’t need to be in the hair care or skincare industry to apply in August. That category grant is an additional opportunity, not a requirement.
August Amber Grant Application Process
Applying is designed to be simple. Here’s the general process, based on WomensNet’s official application:
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet the program’s ownership, location, and business-stage requirements before beginning your application. Grant matching services can help identify funding opportunities that align with your business profile and eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Gather Your Business Information
Prepare your business name, website or Facebook page, and a brief description of your business or business idea. Grant resource guidance can help you understand what information is typically required and how to organize it before starting your application.
Step 3: Write Your Business Story
Create a compelling application that explains what your business does, why it matters to you, and how you would use the grant funding if selected. Grant community support can provide valuable feedback and shared insights to help strengthen your business story.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the required $15 application fee. If the fee creates a financial hardship, you may request a fee waiver by contacting WomensNet.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Complete the application and submit it before the monthly application deadline.
Step 6: Wait for the Review Process
After the application period closes, WomensNet’s judging panel reviews submissions. Monitor your email for updates regarding your application status.
Application Checklist
- Confirmed eligibility (ownership, location, business stage)
- Drafted a clear, honest description of the business
- Explained specific, realistic use of grant funds
- Reviewed answers for clarity and completeness
- Paid the application fee or submitted a fee-waiver request
- Submitted before the deadline
How American Grant Association Can Help?
Finding and applying for grants often involves more than filling out an application. Business owners need to identify relevant funding opportunities, understand eligibility requirements, organize their business information, and create applications that clearly communicate their goals and impact.
American Grant Association helps entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate different stages of the grant process by providing guidance, resources, and structured support. This can include:
- Grant Research Services: Identifying relevant grant opportunities based on business type, industry, goals, and eligibility factors.
- Grant Matching Services: Helping businesses understand which funding programs may align best with their needs and objectives.
- Grant Resource Guidance Services: Providing information on application requirements, preparation steps, deadlines, and resources that can support the grant journey.
- Grant Community Support Services: Offering access to ongoing insights, guidance, and shared resources to help business owners stay informed about funding opportunities.
- Complete Grant Support: Bringing together research, preparation, and application guidance to create a more organized and effective grant process.
For many entrepreneurs, grant funding is not just about applying for one opportunity, it is about building a repeatable approach to finding and pursuing the right resources. With long-term funding support, businesses can stay prepared, track new opportunities, strengthen future applications, and develop a more consistent funding strategy over time.
Application Deadlines and Award Information
Each monthly grant cycle runs from the 1st through the last day of that month at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. For the August 2026 cycle, the application deadline is August 31, 2026. Winners are typically announced by the 21st of the following month, though this timeline can vary.
Timeline
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Stage
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Timeline
|
|---|---|
|
Applications Accepted
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August 1 – August 31, 2026
|
|
Deadline
|
August 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
|
|
Review
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Following weeks after close of cycle
|
|
Winner Announcement
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By approximately September 21, 2026
|
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
- Tell your real story, judges consistently favor authenticity over polished corporate language
- Be specific about how you'll use the grant money, not just that you "need funding"
- Show realistic financial planning and measurable goals
- Highlight any traction: sales, customers, prototypes, or community impact
- Proofread carefully and answer every question thoughtfully
- Avoid generic, copy-paste answers that could apply to any business
Quick Checklist for a Stronger Application
- Personal story feels genuine, not generic
- Business purpose is easy to understand in one read
- Use of funds is specific and tied to growth
- Application submitted well before the deadline
Completing this checklist can help you submit a stronger application, but a well-structured proposal often makes the biggest difference. For a detailed walkthrough, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Winning Grant Proposals.
Common Application Mistakes
- Missing the monthly deadline entirely
- Weak or vague business descriptions
- Generic answers that don't reflect the specific business
- Incomplete applications or skipped questions
- Applying without meeting basic eligibility requirements
- Failing to explain how the grant money will actually be used
For more strategies to avoid errors that can weaken your application, read our guide on Common Grant Application Mistakes and How to Prevent Them.
Best Alternatives to the Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is one of many business grant opportunities available to women entrepreneurs. Others worth researching include:
|
Grant Program
|
Focus
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
General small business
|
Competitive, annual contest
|
|
|
Female founder funding, global
|
Aimed at growth-stage entrepreneurs
|
|
|
Women and underrepresented founders
|
Rolling opportunities
|
|
|
Grants and crowdfunding support
|
Multiple funding opportunities
|
|
|
Federal grants and loan programs
|
Government-backed
|
Eligibility rules, deadlines, and award amounts for these programs change frequently. Verify current details directly on each program’s official website before applying. For a broader overview of available funding options, see our guide on Types of Grants Available in the USA.
Final Thoughts
The August Amber Grant remains one of the more approachable business grants for women entrepreneurs, no lengthy business plan required, just an honest description of your business and how funding would help it grow. Whether you’re a startup founder still in the idea phase or a small business owner ready to expand, it’s worth applying, and worth doing so early rather than at the last minute.
Because competition is real and judging is merit-based, preparation matters. If you want a second set of eyes on your story, your use-of-funds explanation, or your overall grant strategy, American Grant Association can help you put your strongest application forward, for the Amber Grant and beyond.
Ready to strengthen your application?
Connect with American Grant Association for grant application support, business plan writing, and funding strategy guidance built for women-owned businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the August Amber Grant?
It’s the August cycle of WomensNet’s monthly Amber Grant program, which also includes a Startup Grant and a Hair Care & Skincare category grant that month.
Who can apply for the August Amber Grant?
Women 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the U.S. or Canada.
How much funding is available?
$10,000 for the general monthly grant, plus separate $10,000 Startup and category grants, and $50,000 year-end grants for top winners.
Is the Amber Grant legitimate?
Yes. It’s a long-running program administered by WomensNet since 1998.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, a standard $15 fee applies; fee waivers may be requested via email.
When is the deadline?
The August 2026 deadline is August 31, 2026. Confirm on the official site, as dates can shift.
How are winners selected?
Through a merit-based judging process, not a random drawing.
Can startups apply?
Yes, idea-stage and early-revenue startups are eligible, and may also qualify for the Startup Grant.
Can existing businesses apply?
Yes, established women-owned businesses of any size can apply.
Can nonprofits apply?
Revenue-generating nonprofits may qualify; nonprofits focused solely on charitable giving are not eligible.
Note: This article is for informational purposes. Grant terms, deadlines, and award amounts can change, always verify the latest information on the official WomensNet website before applying.
