Women Leadership Programs & Business Grants 2025
At MODA LAB, we believe that women building ethical and system-based fashion businesses deserve to be seen, supported, and funded. Across the world, female founders are reshaping fashion — creating systems that merge creativity with sustainability and social impact.
If that’s you, these 8 global and U.S.-based programs could help you gain mentorship, visibility, and funding.
We’ve included every eligibility requirement so you can immediately see if you qualify.
Upcoming Deadlines — Apply First
1. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Deadline: November 11, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Target: Majority women-owned U.S. businesses with a clear growth plan and community impact
What it offers: Mentorship, business education, and access to the Tory Burch Fellows network
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman entrepreneur (≥ 51% ownership) actively leading operations
- 21+ years old, legal U.S. resident
- For-profit, legally registered U.S. business
- Minimum revenue $75K per year
- Fluent in English
💡 Pro Tip: Use visuals of your production system, team, or local impact when applying — Tory Burch values community-driven narratives.
For U.S.-Based Founders
2. Visa “She’s Next in Fashion”
Status: Expected to reopen 2026
Target: U.S. women-owned fashion or beauty brands ready for visibility and expansion
What it offers: $10K grants, media exposure, and marketing mentorship
🎯 Eligibility
- 51%+ women-owned and led
- Based in the U.S.
- Active company (fashion or beauty)
- 18+ years old
- Clear business story and growth plan
3. Amber Grant for Women (WomensNet)
Deadline: Rolling (monthly cycles)
Target: U.S. and Canadian women-owned businesses — ideal for early-stage founders
What it offers: Monthly $10K grants + annual $25K award
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman entrepreneur 18+
- ≥ 50% women-owned
- For-profit or non-profit
- Based in U.S. or Canada
- Startups welcome (no revenue minimum)
📌 Note: Perfect for designers in their first or second year who want validation and seed capital.
Ongoing / Rolling Programs
4. Fashion Impact Fund / Conscious Fashion Campaign (UN Alliance)
Deadline: Rolling / open-ended
Target: Fashion entrepreneurs advancing sustainability and inclusivity
What it offers: Visibility through UN platforms, advocacy support, and strategic partnerships
🎯 Eligibility
- Open globally to fashion entrepreneurs and organizations
- Must align with UN SDGs (5, 8, 12, 13)
- Can be for-profit or non-profit
- Demonstrate measurable impact
💡 Insight: Highlight how your business aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5, 8, 12, 13) — it increases credibility.
5. Women in Innovation (EU Commission)
Deadline: Expected September 25, 2026
Target: Female innovators in EU or associated countries
What it offers: Financial award and EU-level recognition
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman founder or co-founder of an innovative company
- Based in EU or associated country
- Company active (not idea stage)
- For-profit start-ups or scale-ups eligible
- Must demonstrate societal impact
Global Programs
6. WE Empower UN SDG Challenge
Deadline: Expected April 2026
Target: Women entrepreneurs advancing gender equality and sustainability
What it offers: Global exposure through UN system and leadership training
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman founder/co-founder with decision-making power
- Operational ≥ 3 years
- ≥ 3 full-time employees
- Annual revenue ≥ $75K USD
- 21+ years old
- Supports ≥ 1 UN SDG
- Able to travel to New York if selected
Pro Tip: Prepare your impact metrics (before/after data) — UN programs value measurable transformation.
7. Vital Voices Global Fellowship
Deadline: Expected April 2026
Target: Women leaders driving social and economic change
What it offers: Mentorship, leadership training, and global community
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman founder or leader 21+
- Proven impact in community or economy
- Organization operational and scalable
- Leadership potential + English fluency
8. Cartier Women’s Initiative
Deadline: Expected June 2026
Target: Women founders with measurable impact
What it offers: $30K–$100K funding + coaching + global media visibility
🎯 Eligibility
- Woman founder or co-founder in top leadership role
- For-profit, revenue-generating company
- 18+ years old
- English proficiency (B2 or above)
- Demonstrated impact and scalability
Pro Tip:
Prepare a concise impact deck (problem → solution → measurable results → scale) — Cartier’s judges look for clarity and system thinking.
Women Leadership Program Eligibility Checklist
✔ Women-owned (≥ 51%) and founder-led
✔ Measurable social/environmental impact
✔ Operational traction (press, sales, partners)
✔ English fluency for global programs
✔ Time for mentorship and travel
Documents Needed for Women Entrepreneur Programs
- Founder bio (150–250 words) + headshot
- One-page impact summary + roadmap
- 60–90 sec pitch video
- 3–5 brand visuals (products, process, team)
- Links to site, social media, press
Get Support Applying to Women Empowerment Programs
MODA LAB exists to help women founders create fashion systems that last — and stories that matter.
If you want 1-on-1 guidance to refine your impact story or prepare strong applications, book a strategy call with our team.
