The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses in America
Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American economy. According to recent data, women own nearly 13 million businesses in the United States, generating trillions of dollars in revenue and employing millions of workers. Yet despite this growth, women entrepreneurs continue to face unique challenges when it comes to accessing capital — particularly the affordable, long-term financing that SBA loans provide.
At GoSBA, we’re working to change that. With over $320 million in SBA loan funding facilitated in 2025 and a network of 50+ SBA-approved lenders, we’ve helped countless women entrepreneurs secure the financing they need to start, grow, and scale their businesses. This guide covers everything women business owners need to know about SBA loans — from available programs and certifications to strategies for overcoming common funding challenges.
Understanding the SBA Loan Landscape for Women
The SBA doesn’t offer separate loan programs exclusively for women. Instead, all SBA loan programs — 7(a), 504, Microloans, Express — are available to qualified women entrepreneurs on the same terms as any other borrower. However, the SBA has created several initiatives, partnerships, and support structures specifically designed to help women access these programs more effectively.
The most important thing to understand: the SBA loan process evaluates your business, not your gender. Lenders look at cash flow, credit history, collateral, management experience, and your business plan. With the right preparation and the right lender match, women entrepreneurs have every opportunity to secure SBA financing.
Women-Owned Business Certification: A Competitive Advantage
Before we dive into loan programs, let’s talk about a powerful tool many women entrepreneurs overlook: the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) federal certification.
What Is WOSB Certification?
The WOSB Federal Contracting Program restricts competition for certain federal contracts to businesses owned and controlled by women. To qualify, your business must be:
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women
- Primarily managed by one or more women who also control the daily business operations
- A small business per SBA size standards for your industry
Why Does WOSB Certification Matter for SBA Loans?
While WOSB certification doesn’t directly affect your SBA loan application, it provides significant indirect benefits:
- Revenue from federal contracts: Access to set-aside contracts creates a more predictable revenue stream, which strengthens your loan application
- Credibility with lenders: Federal certification demonstrates that your business has been vetted and meets certain standards
- Business growth potential: Lenders want to fund businesses with growth runways, and federal contracting opens massive opportunities
Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)
If you meet additional economic criteria, you may qualify for EDWOSB certification, which opens access to even more set-aside contracts. The economic disadvantage criteria include personal net worth limitations and adjusted gross income caps.
SBA Programs and Resources Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
The SBA funds over 140 Women’s Business Centers across the country. These centers provide:
- Free business counseling and mentoring
- Training on business plan development, financial management, and marketing
- Help preparing SBA loan applications
- Networking opportunities with other women entrepreneurs
- Bilingual services in many locations
WBCs are an excellent starting point for women who are new to the SBA loan process or entrepreneurship in general.
SCORE Mentorship
SCORE, the SBA’s mentoring partner, offers free mentoring from experienced business professionals. Many SCORE chapters have mentors who specialize in working with women entrepreneurs, providing guidance on everything from business strategy to loan applications.
SBA Microloan Program
The SBA Microloan program (up to $50,000) is particularly relevant for women entrepreneurs because:
- Microloans are distributed through nonprofit intermediary lenders that often focus on underserved communities
- Credit requirements are typically more flexible than traditional SBA 7(a) loans
- Many microlenders specifically target women-owned businesses
- They’re ideal for startups and early-stage businesses that need smaller amounts of capital
Community Advantage Program
Community Advantage lenders are mission-driven organizations that focus on providing SBA loans to underserved markets, including women-owned businesses. These lenders often take a more holistic approach to evaluating applicants and may be more flexible on traditional lending criteria.
Common Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Face — and How to Overcome Them
Despite significant progress, women entrepreneurs still face some persistent challenges when seeking business financing. Understanding these challenges — and knowing how to address them — can make the difference between approval and denial.
The Funding Gap
Research consistently shows that women-owned businesses receive a smaller share of business lending than their male counterparts. Some contributing factors include:
- Women entrepreneurs are more likely to be in service-based industries that some lenders view as less “bankable”
- Women are statistically more likely to start businesses with less initial capital
- Unconscious bias in lending decisions, while improving, still exists
How to overcome it: Work with a broker like GoSBA that can match you with lenders who actively support women-owned businesses. Our 50+ lender network includes lenders across all industries and business types, ensuring you’re not limited by a single lender’s biases or preferences.
Building Business Credit History
Many women starting businesses for the first time don’t have an established business credit history. This can make it harder to qualify for larger SBA loans.
How to overcome it:
- Establish business credit early by opening business credit cards and trade accounts
- Register your business with Dun & Bradstreet to get a DUNS number
- Pay all business obligations on time to build a positive payment history
- Consider starting with an SBA Microloan to establish a track record, then scaling to larger SBA loans
The Confidence Gap
Studies show that women are less likely to apply for business loans even when they qualify, often due to concerns about being rejected. This self-selection means many qualified women entrepreneurs never even enter the lending process.
How to overcome it: Knowledge is power. Understanding the SBA loan requirements, preparing a strong application, and working with an experienced broker who can honestly assess your chances before you apply can help bridge the confidence gap. At GoSBA, we provide a free initial consultation that gives you a realistic picture of your financing options — no commitment required.
Balancing Personal and Business Finances
Women entrepreneurs — particularly those who have taken time away from the workforce for family responsibilities — may have personal financial profiles that don’t fully reflect their business acumen or potential.
How to overcome it:
- Keep personal and business finances strictly separated
- Highlight business cash flow and performance rather than personal income history
- Leverage compensating factors like industry experience, strong business plans, and collateral
- Address any gaps in employment or income history proactively in your application
Types of SBA Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
Here’s a breakdown of the main SBA loan options and how they can serve women-owned businesses:
SBA 7(a) Loans — Up to $5 Million
The most versatile SBA loan program, ideal for:
- Purchasing an existing business
- Working capital for growing operations
- Equipment purchases
- Commercial real estate
- Refinancing existing business debt
Terms range from 7 to 25 years depending on use of proceeds, with competitive interest rates tied to the Prime rate.
SBA 504 Loans — Major Asset Purchases
Perfect for women entrepreneurs looking to:
- Purchase commercial real estate for their business
- Buy heavy equipment or machinery
- Build or renovate a commercial property
504 loans offer as little as 10% down and fixed rates on the CDC portion, making them one of the most affordable ways to acquire major business assets.
SBA Microloans — Up to $50,000
Ideal for startups and early-stage women-owned businesses that need:
- Initial inventory or supplies
- Equipment for a home-based business
- Working capital to get through the first year
- Funding to complement a larger financing package
SBA Express Loans — Fast Turnaround
When you need capital quickly (36-hour SBA turnaround), Express loans up to $500,000 can bridge the gap while larger financing is arranged.
Building a Winning SBA Loan Application
Regardless of which SBA loan program you pursue, these steps will maximize your chances of approval:
1. Invest in a Professional Business Plan
Your business plan is the most important document in your loan application. It tells the lender who you are, what your business does, how it makes money, and how you’ll repay the loan. A strong business plan should include:
- Executive summary
- Company description and history
- Market analysis
- Organization and management structure
- Products or services description
- Marketing and sales strategy
- Financial projections (3–5 years)
- Use of loan proceeds
GoSBA provides every client with a free professional business plan and financial projections package worth $2,500–$5,000. This is especially valuable for first-time business owners who may not have experience creating lender-ready financial documents.
2. Get Your Financial House in Order
- Review your personal credit report and address any errors or issues
- Organize your business financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow statement)
- Prepare your personal and business tax returns for the last 3 years
- Calculate your debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) — lenders want to see at least 1.25x
3. Document Your Industry Experience
Create a detailed resume that highlights your experience in your industry or related fields. Include management experience, relevant education, certifications, and any notable achievements. Lenders want to know you have the skills to execute your business plan.
4. Prepare Your Equity Injection
Most SBA loans require a 10–20% down payment (equity injection). Have documentation ready showing the source of these funds — lenders need to verify that the money is legitimately yours and not borrowed.
GoSBA’s Track Record Helping Women-Owned Businesses
At GoSBA, we believe that every qualified entrepreneur deserves access to affordable SBA financing — regardless of gender. Here’s how we support women entrepreneurs specifically:
- Lender matching expertise: Our 50+ lender network includes lenders who actively prioritize women-owned businesses and community-focused lenders who specialize in underserved markets
- Free service: GoSBA’s brokerage service is completely free to borrowers. We’re compensated by the lender when your loan closes, so there’s zero cost to you.
- Free business plan: Our complimentary business plan and financial projections (a $2,500–$5,000 value) remove one of the biggest barriers for first-time applicants
- Application advocacy: We don’t just submit your application and hope for the best. We actively advocate for your deal, highlighting your strengths and providing context where needed.
- $320M+ funded in 2025: Our results speak for themselves. We have the lender relationships and deal experience to get your loan closed.
Industries Where Women Entrepreneurs Are Thriving
Women-owned businesses span every industry, but we see particular strength in:
- Healthcare and wellness: Medical practices, dental offices, physical therapy clinics, med spas, and wellness centers
- Professional services: Accounting firms, consulting practices, staffing agencies, and marketing companies
- Retail and e-commerce: Brick-and-mortar retail, online stores, and franchise locations
- Food and beverage: Restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, and food trucks
- Childcare and education: Daycare centers, preschools, tutoring centers, and educational service providers
- Beauty and personal care: Salons, spas, skincare clinics, and beauty product companies
GoSBA has lender partners with expertise in all of these industries and more, ensuring you’re matched with a lender who understands your specific business model.
Take the Next Step Toward Funding Your Vision
If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to start, acquire, or grow your business, an SBA loan could be the key to making it happen. The programs exist, the lenders are willing, and with the right preparation and guidance, the financing is within reach.
Don’t let uncertainty or the complexity of the process hold you back. GoSBA is here to simplify every step — from business plan creation to lender matching to application support — all at absolutely no cost to you.
Ready to get started? Contact GoSBA today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your situation, outline your best options, and put you on the path to SBA loan approval.
