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Business scholarships for women are financial aids specifically designed to support women pursuing business education. They provide financial assistance to cover tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses. These scholarships aim to promote gender diversity and empower women in the business field.
Generally, they are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and personal achievements. By offering these scholarships, organizations and institutions encourage women to excel in business and enhance their career opportunities.
Below, discover 15 empowering business scholarships for women that can help fund your education, expand career prospects, and break barriers.
13 Game-Changing Business Scholarships for Women
1. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
The Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship program by Zonta International supports women studying business to overcome gender barriers in the classroom and the boardroom. It began in 1998 and offers 37 international scholarships worth $5,000 each.
Both undergraduate and master’s degree students can apply, including online students from accredited institutions. Applications are typically accepted by Zonta International from April to June.
2. Forté MBA Fellowships
Forté MBA Fellowships are highly esteemed and competitive awards well-known in the business school community. To be eligible for the fellowship, you need to apply for an MBA program at a participating school.
The fellowships are primarily granted to full-time students, but some schools offer them to part-time and executive students as well. In addition to financial benefits, recipients gain valuable connections with prominent companies in the Forté network.
3. Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowships was created in 1997 to acknowledge exceptional students and their accomplishments. Fellowship recipients receive a $35,000 award along with the summer associate salary.
After successfully completing the summer internship and accepting a full-time offer, recipients receive an additional $40,000, plus any applicable signing bonus for full-time associates. Applications for the fellowship will start on August 15. First-year MBA students are eligible to apply.
4. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O International Peace Scholarships (IPS) offers women scholarships for college to international students for pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship considers financial need, but it may not cover all expenses. The maximum amount awarded is $12,500.
To be eligible, you must have at least one year of coursework left, and be enrolled and living on campus for the entire academic year. The deadline to apply is December 15.
5. Live Your Dream Awards
Since 1972, Soroptimist has been empowering women economically through the Live Your Dream Awards. Over 2,000 women receive more than $2.9 million in education grants annually. The application deadline is November 15.
To qualify, applicants should be enrolled in a high school equivalency, vocational, technical, or undergraduate degree program, and should not hold a graduate degree. They should also be the primary financial provider for themselves and their dependent(s).
6. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant honors Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916. It offers grants for older women returning to school, providing financial support and assistance to women and nonbinary students nationwide.
The recipients must be 35 years or older, show financial need, and be pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate’s degree, or their first bachelor’s degree at a recognized U.S. institution. These grants can be renewed for up to five years.
7. Dorothy B. Brothers Scholarship
The Dorothy B. Brothers Scholarship fund is an entrepreneur scholarship for girls that offers a one-time award. It provides up to $11,000 in tuition for women business owners to attend top executive education programs in the country.
To qualify for the scholarship, you must be a female owner of your company and hold a valid certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Additionally, you should have three to five years of experience in running your business.
8. GWI Summer Intensive Program
The Girls Who Invest (GWI) Summer Intensive Program is a comprehensive opportunity that blends learning and internships. In the educational phase, you’ll gain knowledge, connect with peers, and push your limit in a supportive and inclusive setting.
As a participant, you’ll stay on campus for free at one of GWI’s partner universities and engage in paid internships with prominent investors at renowned investment firms.
The program typically runs from late May to August and welcomes current or transferring sophomores at accredited four-year U.S. or U.S.-style universities.
9. Woman in Transition Scholarship
The Indiana Women’s Education Foundation offers business scholarships for women through its Women in Transition Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to women who are returning to the workforce, switching careers, or are displaced workers planning to attend a post-secondary institution part-time.
Eligible applicants must be female, aged 30 or older, and have been a resident of Indiana for at least one year before applying.
10. NBMBAA Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), founded in 1970, provides opportunities across various industries in the public and private sectors. NBMBAA aims to promote intellectual and economic growth through innovative programs.
They offer two scholarship programs: undergraduate and graduate, with awards of up to $5,000. To be eligible for these scholarships, you must be a financially active member of NBMBAA, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, and have an active and financially current NBMBAA membership. The application deadline is May 15.
11. Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellowship
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellowship helps women entrepreneurs develop their businesses and leadership skills. It provides access to experts, academics, and successful entrepreneurs for guidance and peer learning.
Each fellow receives a personalized development plan based on feedback from the due diligence team and jury members.
During a 16-week period, fellows receive eight hours of one-on-one leadership coaching sessions with a qualified coach. Overall, the program aims to equip fellows with necessary tools to grow their business and enhance their leadership abilities.
12. Amber Grant
WomensNet established the Amber Grant in 1998 as a memorial scholarship. It aims to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, a remarkable young woman who passed away at the age of 19 before fulfilling her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Today, WomensNet continues this legacy by awarding a minimum of $30,000 every month in Amber Grant funds. To apply, simply take a few minutes to introduce yourself and share your business dream. Submitting one application automatically qualifies you for all grants relevant to your business.
The deadline to apply is June 29.
13. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship Program
The Tory Burch Foundation annually selects 50 women entrepreneurs for a yearlong program that aims to support business growth.
The program includes workshops, coaching sessions, networking opportunities, and financial resources such as a $5,000 business education grant. Participants also have access to 0% interest loans through Kiva. The program concludes with a company presentation and a trip to New York City.
Eligible applicants are female entrepreneurs who hold the largest or equal stake in a qualifying business predominantly owned and controlled by women (51% or more). Applicants must be 21 years or older and proficient in English. The application deadline is November 3.
Final Words
All in all, you should apply to these business scholarships for women because they offer valuable opportunities to support your education and career goals. By applying, you can access financial assistance specifically designed for female students in business fields.
Thus, don’t miss out on these chances to invest in your future success!
