Scholarships for Women Entrepreneurs: Fund Your MBA and Business Dream in 2025

Looking for scholarships for women entrepreneurs 2025? Discover fully funded MBA scholarships, grants, and awards designed to support women in leadership, business, and innovation.

Introduction

Being a woman in the world of business is both empowering and challenging.

From launching startups to climbing the corporate ladder, many women are carving out their own space in leadership.

University of Twente Scholarship 2025

But here’s the catch: advanced education, especially an MBA, can be incredibly expensive. That’s where scholarships for women entrepreneurs step in as game-changers.

These scholarships don’t just pay tuition—they pave the way for future business icons, disruptors, and innovators.

So if you’re a woman with a business dream and a passion for leadership, this guide is for you.

Why Scholarships for Women Entrepreneurs Matter

Breaking Financial Barriers

The average MBA program costs anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000. Scholarships eliminate this financial roadblock, opening doors to top-tier education for women around the world.

Promoting Gender Equity in Business

The business world still skews male. Scholarships are one way institutions are balancing the scales by investing in women ready to lead companies, innovate industries, and inspire communities.

Empowering Leadership and Innovation

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about solving problems.

Scholarships nurture visionary women who want to lead startups, build social enterprises, or drive corporate innovation.

Types of Scholarships Available

MBA Scholarships for Women

Merit-based or need-based awards offered to women pursuing MBAs at top institutions worldwide.

Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in MBA: Fueling Ambition in Business Leadership

Pursuing an MBA is a bold step—especially for women with entrepreneurial ambitions. But let’s be real: the price tag can be intimidating.

That’s where grants for women entrepreneurs in MBA programs come in. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid. They’re a no-strings-attached boost to help you chase your business dreams without the burden of debt.

So, if you’re a woman aspiring to lead in business or launch your own startup, these grants could be your golden ticket.

Why Grants Matter for Female MBA Entrepreneurs

In the competitive world of business, having a great idea isn’t enough—you need funding to turn that idea into a scalable reality. And while scholarships help with tuition, grants go further.

They can help fund startup costs, product development, mentorship programs, and business incubation.

Plus, grants often come with networks and mentorship opportunities, giving you access to investors, alumni, and powerful women in leadership.

Top MBA-Related Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

Here are some standout grants specifically aimed at supporting women MBA students and entrepreneurs:

1. Cartier Women’s Initiative

This prestigious grant awards up to $100,000 to early-stage, women-led businesses with a strong social or environmental mission. While not exclusive to MBA students, many winners are enrolled in or alumni of top business schools.

Learn more: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com

2. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

Offers a $5,000 grant, one-year mentorship, and access to a powerful network of female founders. Many fellows are current or former MBA students.

Website: https://www.toryburchfoundation.org

3. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

Perfect for MBA grads starting sustainable businesses. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, focused on women-led ventures making a positive impact.

More info: https://www.eileenfisher.com/grants

How to Qualify for These Grants

Most grants look for:

• Women founders or co-founders
• A clearly defined business model
• Social or economic impact
• Leadership potential
• Enrollment in or graduation from a business program (optional but valuable)

Some also require you to be from an underrepresented community or a specific region (e.g., African or Latin American women).

Pro Tips to Secure a Grant

• Tell your story. Authenticity stands out—share your “why.”

• Show traction. Got a prototype, customers, or revenue? Highlight it.

• Be specific. Explain how the grant money will directly impact your business or growth as an entrepreneur.

• Network. Many grant decisions are influenced by recommendations or community presence.

Grants for women entrepreneurs in MBA programs aren’t just about money—they’re about making space for visionary women to lead, disrupt, and innovate.

So if you’re planning to take your MBA to the next level by launching a business, don’t leave this funding on the table. Apply boldly—your future boardroom awaits.

Scholarships for Women in Leadership

These recognize exceptional women leaders in their fields—whether tech, business, or social impact.

Scholarships for Minority Women Entrepreneurs

Support for Black, Indigenous, Latina, Asian, and other underrepresented women to enter and thrive in entrepreneurship.

Top Global Scholarships for Women Entrepreneurs

Forté Foundation Fellowships

Awarded to women pursuing MBAs at partner schools like Wharton, Yale, and LBS. Covers partial to full tuition and offers career support.

Apply: https://www.fortefoundation.org

The 30% Club Scholarship

Offered by top business schools like INSEAD and Oxford Saïd to promote female representation in MBA programs.

Details: https://30percentclub.org

AAUW International Fellowships

Supports international women pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S. Awards range from $18,000 to $30,000.

Website: https://www.aauw.org

Cartier Women’s Initiative

Grants up to $100,000 for early-stage, women-led businesses with a social or environmental mission.

Info: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com

Women in Business Scholarship – HEC Paris

Covers up to 50% of tuition for female students enrolled in the full-time MBA program.

Visit: https://www.hec.edu

ESMT Berlin – Women in Leadership Scholarship

Recognizes strong female leaders applying to their MBA programs with significant work experience.

Learn more: https://esmt.berlin

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Zonta International offers this scholarship to women pursuing business-related degrees globally.

Apply: https://www.zonta.org

MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship

For women in STEM, tech, or entrepreneurship fields, especially international students studying in the U.S. or Canada.

Website: https://www.mpowerfinancing.com

Scholarships by Region

USA

• Forté Fellowships
• AAUW International Fellowships
• Wharton MBA Scholarships for Women

Europe

• INSEAD Women’s Scholarships
• HEC Paris Women in Business
• ESMT Berlin Scholarships

Canada

• Ivey Women in Leadership Awards
• Rotman Women in Management Scholarships

Developing Countries

• United Nations Women Entrepreneurship Grants
• Women for Africa Foundation Scholarships

How to Apply for Women Entrepreneurship Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements

• Proof of admission (for academic scholarships)
• Business or entrepreneurial experience
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• Personal essay or statement of purpose

Application Process

1. Research and shortlist scholarships
2. Prepare necessary documents
3. Customize your application
4. Highlight your impact and future goals
5. Submit before deadlines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One-size-fits-all essays
• Late or incomplete applications
• Weak personal statements
• Lack of focus on leadership or business goals

Tips to Win MBA Scholarships for Women

Build a Strong Personal Statement

Focus on your entrepreneurial journey, challenges overcome, and the impact you wish to make.

Get Strong Recommendations

Choose mentors or supervisors who can speak clearly about your leadership and business potential.

Showcase Leadership and Impact

Numbers speak—show growth metrics, team leadership, and successful initiatives you’ve led or co-founded.

Success Stories: Women Who Won Big

Aisha Bello (Nigeria) – Forté Fellow at Columbia Business School, founder of an AI startup for farmers.
Clara Müller (Germany) – Cartier Women’s Initiative winner, scaled her sustainable beauty business across Europe.
Maria Gomez (Mexico) – HEC Paris MBA alum who used her MBA to grow her fintech startup supporting female entrepreneurs.

Best Resources to Find Scholarships

• Scholarships.com
• ProFellow.com
• MBA.com
• WomenScholarships.org
• GoGrad.org
• Individual business school websites

Final Thoughts

Scholarships for women entrepreneurs aren’t just financial aid—they’re fuel for world-changing ideas. If you’re ready to lead, build, and disrupt, don’t let tuition hold you back. Tap into these resources and make 2025 the year your business and academic dreams take flight.

FAQs

What are the best scholarships for female MBA students?

The Forté Fellowship, 30% Club Scholarship, and HEC Paris Women in Business are some of the top options.

Can scholarships cover full MBA tuition?

Yes. Scholarships like the AAUW Fellowships and INSEAD awards can cover full or significant portions of tuition.

Are there scholarships for women entrepreneurs over 40?

Yes, some grants like the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant specifically support mature women entrepreneurs.

Can non-business ideas qualify for entrepreneurship scholarships?

Absolutely. Social enterprises, environmental innovations, and tech-for-good initiatives are welcome.

How competitive are MBA scholarships for women?

They’re competitive, but with strong essays, clear vision, and leadership experience, you stand a great chance.