Women entrepreneurs continue to face a significant funding gap—estimated at $1.9 trillion in 2026, up from $1.7 trillion the previous year. To help bridge this gap, Grey has launched its global UpGreyed Her initiative, offering $10,000 in equity-free grants to support women-led businesses across emerging markets and beyond.
About the UpGreyed Her Initiative
UpGreyed Her is a global program designed to scale women-led businesses by providing financial support and access to infrastructure that fuels growth. The initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to solve real-world problems.
Grey emphasizes that investing in women founders is not just about closing a gap—it’s about unlocking untapped potential and driving economic growth across regions. By supporting startups in cities like Lagos, São Paulo, and Jakarta, the initiative aims to multiply impact across entire economies.
Grant Details
A total of $10,000 in equity-free funding will be awarded to three outstanding women founders:
- 1st Place: $5,000
- 1st Runner-Up: $3,000
- 2nd Runner-Up: $2,000
This funding comes with no equity requirements, allowing founders to grow their businesses freely.
Why You Should Apply
- Gain equity-free funding to scale your business
- Join a global network of women founders
- Increase your visibility and credibility
- Access support from a trusted financial platform
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UpGreyed Her grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The business must be founded by a woman or have a female co-founder with at least 50% ownership
- The company must have been operational for at least 3 years
- The founder must be between 23 and 40 years old
- Applicants must be citizens or residents of eligible countries across:
- Africa
- The Middle East
- Southeast Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- The UK
- The US
- The business must use technology to solve real-world problems and be ready to scale
Read terms and conditions here.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: March 18, 2026
- Deadline: April 20, 2026 (by 9:00 AM Pacific Time)
Early applications are strongly encouraged to avoid last-minute issues.
Transparent Evaluation Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of accomplished female judges with expertise in business, technology, and management. The evaluation process is designed to be fair, transparent, and focused on identifying high-impact ventures with strong growth potential.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official platform before the deadline. Be sure to review the full eligibility list and terms and conditions prior to applying.
Pro Tip
Focus your application on demonstrating measurable impact and scalability. Clearly show how your technology solves a real problem and how the grant will accelerate your next stage of growth.
Discover similar Grant opportunities Here.
