Do you need extra cash to start or expand your trucking business? If yes, have you ever considered grants?
Grants are non-repayable funds provided by governments, organizations, or private foundations to support businesses, nonprofits, and individuals pursuing specific goals, like starting or expanding a company, creating jobs, or driving innovation. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay grants back, making them one of the best ways to reduce startup costs or free up cash for equipment, marketing, and growth. For new entrepreneurs, especially women entering industries like trucking; applying for grants can open doors to financial support, mentorship, and visibility that help your business gain stability and credibility faster.
Let's take a look at several grants, programs, and funding paths that women box-truck entrepreneurs in the U.S. should explore. (Note: grant availability is fluid, so always verify deadlines and eligibility.)
Grants & Programs for Women Entrepreneurs that Could Help
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Amber Grant (WomensNet)
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Awards $10,000 to women-owned businesses monthly. WomensNet+2federalgrants.com+2
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Yearly, a few of the monthly recipients can get an additional $25,000. WomensNet+2federalgrants.com+2
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Good fit for startups that need capital for equipment, marketing, or operations.
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IFundWomen Grants / Grant Marketplace
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One application, many matching opportunities. Swoop UK+1
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They pair you with grant partners (corporate, nonprofit) whose criteria you may meet. Swoop UK
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HerRise MicroGrant
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Offers ~$1,000 monthly grants to women-owned small businesses, especially women of color. Investopedia+1
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Best for covering small but meaningful startup costs (tools, marketing, first payments).
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EnrichHER Small Business Grant
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Grants of ~$5,000 to women or people of color entrepreneurs (can apply to many business types). afgcorp.us
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State & Local Women’s Business Grants
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Many states, counties, and cities have funds or economic development grants for women-owned businesses.
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Example: Connecticut offers a Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund (loans/lines of credit to minority / women-owned business) between $10,000–$100,000. CT.gov
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Check your state’s Department of Economic Development, Women’s Business Center, or small-business office.
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DOT / Transportation & Infrastructure Grants
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U.S. Department of Transportation sometimes issues grants for minority- and women-owned businesses in the transport/logistics sector. Federal Highway Administration+1
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These are often competitive and tied to infrastructure, procurement, or equity programs.
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Industry-Specific or Trucking Grants
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Grant funds (e.g. down payment assistance) are being piloted in some states for women, Black, and Latino first-time truck owners. TheTrucker.com
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Some trucking grant lists and blogs highlight general trucking grants you can apply to (though not women-only). Tenstreet+2altLINE+2
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Private / Foundation Grants for Women-Owned Businesses
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Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant (focuses on environmental or social impact) is sometimes open. Indeed+1
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Grant contests or pitch events run by corporations, business incubators, or women’s organizations. The Hartford+1
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Count Me In (Make Mine a Million / Micro grants) offers funding, coaching, and support for women entrepreneurs. Wikipedia
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Tips for Boosting Your Chances
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Stay flexible and apply often. Grants open and close. Having multiple irons in the fire increases your chances.
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Tailor your proposal. Emphasize how being women-owned gives you a unique perspective, and how the funds will move the business forward (e.g. buying your first vehicle, covering licensing or safety upgrades).
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Leverage certifications. Certifications like WOSB / WBE (Women-Owned Small Business / Women Business Enterprise) may unlock set-aside funds or eligibility for more grants and contracts.
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Use local support systems. Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), local SBA district offices, and local chambers often know grant leads that don’t surface nationally.
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Bundle support. Combine a small grant with a microloan or low-interest loan to get enough capital for the big-ticket items (like vehicle down payments)