12 Funding and Support Programs for Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries

Finding funding for women entrepreneurs often takes more than a single application. Many women founders are building strong businesses but still need better access to the right networks, business coaching, and financing options that fit their day-to-day operations. We reviewed program descriptions from global development organizations, foundations, and entrepreneurship networks, along with insights we hear from founders and mentors in EAB’s community. 

One clear pattern emerges across regions: when women entrepreneurs receive practical support and warm introductions, they move faster with less risk. This list highlights 12 programs that offer a mix of grants, loans, mentorship, training, market access, and investor readiness in developing countries.

EAB also shares a practical guide on entrepreneur support you can offer in just one hour a month. 

How to use this list (so it actually helps)

Before you apply, do these three quick steps:

• Pick your goal: grant, loan, training, export support, or investor readiness.
  
  

• Match your stage: idea, early revenue, growing team, or scaling.
  
  

• Prepare basics: a one-page business summary, simple budget, and proof of traction (sales, users, pilots, or contracts).
  
  

1) Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi)

We-Fi is a global partnership hosted by the World Bank Group that supports women led and women-owned small and medium businesses in developing countries. Support is often delivered through partner organizations such as development finance institutions, local financial institutions, and ecosystem programs.

Best for: Women-led SMEs seeking better access to finance and business support through local channels
What it offers: Access to finance support and business capacity building that varies by country and partner
How to start: Search for We-Fi activity in your country and ask participating banks or entrepreneurship programs what is currently available.

2) UN Women Buy From Women

Buy From Women is UN Women’s enterprise platform designed to link women entrepreneurs and women farmers to markets, information, and services in participating countries.

Best for: Women entrepreneurs who sell products and want stronger market access
What it offers: Visibility, tools, and connections that vary by country
How to start: Check whether your country is included and follow the onboarding steps provided by the program.

3) IFC Banking on Women

IFC’s Banking on Women work helps expand financial services for women and women-owned small businesses in emerging markets by working with financial institutions.

Best for: Women entrepreneurs looking for loans or bank products that better fit women-owned businesses
What it offers: Finance and advisory work that helps partner institutions improve how they serve women entrepreneurs
How to start: Ask your bank or microfinance provider if they offer a women-focused SME product or program.

4) WeXchange (IDB Lab – Inter-American Development Bank Group)

WeXchange is an initiative of IDB Lab that connects women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean—especially those leading high-growth or STEM-focused startups—to mentors, investors, training, and visibility opportunities. It focuses on helping women founders strengthen networks and access capital pathways through regional ecosystem support.

Best for: Women founders and leaders of high-growth or STEM-related startups in Latin America and the Caribbean seeking investor access, mentorship, and stronger regional networks.
What it offers: Annual pitch competitions, investor introductions, mentoring, training, and regional networking opportunities that increase visibility and readiness for funding and growth.
How to start: Watch for annual WeXchange calls for applications and pitch competitions, and apply through the program website when regional opportunities open for women-led startups. 

5) EBRD Women in Business Programme

The EBRD Women in Business programme helps women-led SMEs access finance through partner banks, combined with advice and support.

Best for: Women led SMEs in eligible EBRD regions
What it offers: Access to finance through local partners plus advisory services, training, and mentoring
How to start: Identify participating local banks and ask how to apply for women in business financing and support.

6) ITC SheTrades (International Trade Centre)

SheTrades is ITC’s initiative to help women entrepreneurs learn, connect, and access trade and market opportunities.

Best for: Women entrepreneurs who want to grow sales, connect to buyers, or explore export readiness
What it offers: A platform for learning and connection, plus projects that vary by country and sector
How to start: Register on the platform and look for programs active in your region.

7) Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (Mentoring Women in Business and HerVenture)

The Cherie Blair Foundation supports women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries through mentoring and mobile learning.

Best for: Women entrepreneurs who want structured mentoring and practical business learning
What it offers: A mentoring match and learning tools like the HerVenture app, with access depending on the program cycle and location
How to start: Review eligibility and apply through the foundation’s program pages.

8) Cartier Women’s Initiative

Cartier Women’s Initiative is an international entrepreneurship program for women-run and women-owned impact businesses. It offers support, including funding, training, and a strong network.

Best for: Women impact entrepreneurs with a clear business model and measurable mission

What it offers: An annual program with funding support and growth support for selected fellows
How to start: Track the application window and prepare a clear impact story plus proof of traction.

9) Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women provides women entrepreneurs with business education and opportunities to connect to networks and capital pathways.

Best for: Women entrepreneurs who want structured business education and growth tools
What it offers: Education, alumni network, and access to capital pathways that vary by region and partner availability
How to start: Explore available course options and local partner pathways where offered.

10) Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF)

WEOF is a partnership between Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women and IFC designed to support women entrepreneurs in developing countries by mobilizing lending through financial institutions.

Best for: Women-owned businesses seeking loans through participating financial institutions
What it offers: Lending capacity delivered through partner financial institutions across multiple countries
How to start: Ask local lenders if they participate in women-focused SME lending initiatives tied to IFC partnerships.

11) Kiva (women borrower options)

Kiva enables people to fund loans to entrepreneurs globally, including women entrepreneurs, often through local lending partners.

Best for: Micro and small entrepreneurs who need smaller loans and flexible access
What it offers: Crowdfunded loans facilitated with local partners, with terms depending on the partner and country
How to start: Check whether borrowing is available in your country and follow the local partner process.

12) She Loves Tech (startup competition and investor readiness)

She Loves Tech runs a global startup platform and competition focused on women and technology. It often includes workshops, pitch opportunities, and investor matching.

Best for: Women founders in tech or tech-enabled businesses looking for pitching and investor readiness
What it offers: Training, pitch competitions, and ecosystem connections that vary by location
How to start: Apply to your local or regional track when applications open.

What EAB adds to the funding journey

Programs and capital matter, but so does connection. Many founders do not lose opportunities because their idea is weak. They lose opportunities because their pitch needs sharpening, their network is small, or they do not have a trusted guide.

EAB complements local ecosystems by providing:

• EAB Connect: training and certification, plus matching
  
  

• Office Hours: one hour mentorship sessions focused on one real business blocker
  
  

• Beyond The Beach Summit: an annual gathering of investors, entrepreneurs and mentors. 

This blend helps founders get clearer, get seen, and get ready for partners, customers, and funders.

Become a Member

If you are building a business, mentoring founders, or supporting entrepreneurship in emerging markets, become an EAB Member. Membership strengthens a global community where women entrepreneurs get practical guidance, real connections, and more visibility.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to find funding for women entrepreneurs?

Start by matching your business stage to the right type of capital. Early-stage founders often benefit from training plus smaller capital, while growing businesses may be a better fit for loans or larger programs.

Are these programs open in every country?

Not always. Many programs run in specific regions or partner through local banks and organizations, so availability depends on where you live and how the program is delivered.

Do I need a registered business to apply?

Some programs accept idea stage founders, but many require a registered business and proof of traction. Keep a one-page business summary, basic budget, and evidence of sales or pilots ready.

What if I need support, but I am not ready for funding yet?

Look for mentoring and training first. Strong support for entrepreneurs' strategies includes clarifying your offer, pricing, and customer pipeline so you are ready when funding opportunities open.

How can mentors and diaspora supporters help women founders access funding?

Warm introductions, pitch practice, and one hour problem solving sessions can make a real difference. Even small, consistent support helps founders become clearer and more confident with funders and customers.