$5,000 IFW Startup Accelerator Grant

About

One U.S.-based founder will receive $5,000 in unrestricted, equity-free funding to reach a concrete next business milestone, with applications judged on vision and story, use of funds, and potential for success and impact.

Benefits

• 💵$5,000 unrestricted grant
  One selected founder receives $5,000 in unrestricted business funding, paid directly to the winner.
• 🚫No repayment or equity
  The grant is not a loan, never needs to be repaid, and IFW takes no equity in the winner's business.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their state, if higher.
• Applicants must own at least 50% of the business named in the application.
• The business must be based in the United States.
• Idea-stage, pre-revenue, and revenue-generating businesses may apply.
• Employees, officers, and directors of the sponsor and its affiliates, members of the review panel, and their immediate family and household members are not eligible.
• Businesses engaged in illegal activity are not eligible.
• Businesses whose primary activity is charitable giving are not eligible.

Participation Commitments

• Applications are accepted from 15 October 2026 at 12:00 a.m. ET through 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Applicants must complete the online application with contact details, business information, a description of the business or business idea, and how they would use the $5,000.
• Applicants must agree to the Official Rules.
• A one-time $5 application fee must be paid by credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay through Stripe; the application is complete only once payment is received.
• Applicants who cannot afford the fee may request a waiver before applying by emailing grants@ifundwomen.com.
• Only one application per person and per business is permitted during the Application Period.
• The winner must, within 7 days of notification, sign and return a declaration of eligibility, a liability and publicity release where lawful, and an IRS Form W-9, and provide documents reasonably requested to verify business ownership.
• The winner is solely responsible for federal, state, and local taxes on the grant.
• The winner and finalists agree that the sponsor may use their name, business name, city and state, likeness, and a summary of the application in announcements and promotional materials without further compensation, except where prohibited by law.
• The winner will be selected on or about 15 December 2026.

Target Sector

Sector agnostic, Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

United States — legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia; the business must be based in the United States.