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40% of American businesses are owned by women and that number keeps rising. Still, any woman entrepreneur knows the imbalances of the world of business. Here are some great strategies, built for women, to get the needed funding to grow a business.
Business lending is one of the main topics on the minds of entrepreneurs. For one segment of business owners in particular, access to capital can be an uphill battle.
Key Insights
- Funding Gap: Despite growth, women receive only about 4% of total conventional small business loan dollars.
- SBA Support: The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership has expanded its 2026 programs to facilitate more business financing for women.
- Alternative Lenders: Non-traditional lenders are now the leading source for women business loans, offering higher approval rates than big banks.
The Top Lenders at a Glance
| Lender | Minimum Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Biz2Credit | Minimum Credit Score: 650 | Fast Working Capital |
| Lendio | Minimum Credit Score: 580 | Comparing Multiple Offers |
What Are The Best Business Loans for Women?
Finding the right women's business loan depends on your stage of growth. In 2026, the fastest-growing segment of the economy is female-led, yet barriers in inventory and staffing finance persist. To bridge this, several dedicated business financing options for women have emerged:
1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
The SBA remains a top choice for a small business loan for women. While they don’t have a "women-only" loan, their Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) provide specialized counseling to help you qualify. In 2026, SBA 7(a) loans are more accessible than ever for minority-owned and female-owned firms.
2. Business Term Loans
A business loan for women in the form of a term loan provides a lump sum for major expansions. With average 2026 interest rates for online term loans ranging from 8% to 12%, they are a reliable alternative to high-interest credit cards.
3. Business Lines of Credit
If you need flexible business financing for women, a line of credit is ideal. It allows you to draw funds as needed and only pay interest on the used amount—perfect for managing seasonal cash flow gaps. » Visit the top line of credit lenders
Small Business Grants for Women (2026 Update)
The "best" money is money you don't repay.
Federal & State Grants: Check Grants.gov for 2026 initiatives focusing on women in STEM and green energy.
Private Grants: Companies like Cartier, Amber Grant, and FedEx continue to offer annual small business grants for women, often ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Top Financial Options for Women-Owned Businesses in 2026
1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs
The SBA is a premier source for a small business loan for women. While the SBA doesn't offer a "women-only" loan product, their Office of Women’s Business Ownership and over 100 Women's Business Centers (WBCs) provide critical training and certification to help you qualify. In 2026, data shows that women business loans backed by the SBA have a significantly higher approval rate compared to traditional big banks.
2. Business Term Loans
A business loan for women in the form of a term loan provides a fixed lump sum with a predictable repayment schedule. Statistics in 2026 indicate that while women entrepreneurs apply for term loans less frequently than men, those who do often secure lower interest rates for long-term growth. When seeking business financing for women, a term loan is ideal for major one-time investments like equipment or real estate.
Visit the top term loan lenders >>
3. Business Lines of Credit
For many, a line of credit is the fastest way to secure women small business loans. It offers flexible access to working capital—you only pay interest on the funds you draw. This is the most adaptable form of small business loans for women, especially for managing seasonal cash flow or unexpected expenses in today’s 2026 economy.
Visit the top line of credit lenders >>
4. Investor Funds & Venture Capital
Beyond traditional business loan for women options, 2026 has seen a surge in angel investors specifically targeting female-led startups. Organizations now exist solely to connect women-owned businesses with venture capital firms interested in gender-diverse portfolios.
Summary: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in 2026
Despite historical funding gaps, the landscape for small business loans for women is more diverse than ever. Women remain the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs, outpacing men by 5 to 7 times. Whether through grants, SBA backing, or alternative women business loan providers, capital is becoming more accessible.
If you’re struggling to get approved for a loan, check out our breakdown of recommended small business loan lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions: Business Financing for Women
1. What are the best small business loans for women in 2026?
The best options include SBA loans for low rates, Business Lines of Credit for flexibility, and Online Term Loans for fast funding. Lenders like Lendio and Biz2Credit are top choices in 2026 for providing accessible business financing for women with faster approval times than traditional banks.
2. Can I get a women business loan with a low credit score?
Yes. While traditional banks prefer a score of 700+, many alternative lenders offer small business loans for women with credit scores as low as 580-620. These lenders focus more on your business’s annual revenue and cash flow than just your personal credit history.
3. Are there specific business loans for women offered by the SBA?
The SBA does not have a "women-only" loan, but it provides the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, which are highly accessible to female entrepreneurs. Additionally, the SBA’s Women’s Business Centers offer specialized assistance to help women successfully apply for and secure small business loan for women funding.
4. What is the difference between a business grant and a business loan for women?
A small business grant for women is "free money" that does not need to be repaid, but it is highly competitive. A business loan for women must be paid back with interest but provides much larger capital amounts and is generally easier to obtain quickly to scale a business.
5. How can I improve my chances of getting business financing for women?
To increase your approval odds in 2026, ensure you have a solid business plan, a clear breakdown of how the funds will be used, and updated financial statements. Using an online marketplace to compare women's small business loans can also help you find lenders whose criteria match your specific financial profile.
Written byJefreda Brown
About JeFreda Brown eFreda is the CEO of Goshen Business Group, LLC. Goshen provides financial and business compliance consulting and professional development training for small to large-sized organizations. With over 16 years of experience, JeFreda is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. She writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.