WomensNet.NetReviews 

Dear Amber Grants:

Thanks for supporting the community of women small business owners.

To support and strengthen the cause, it seems by adding in a transparent selection process, would help clarify for the community of women when applying for the grants and how it is awarded.

From my initial observation of past recipients, most women owned businesses are offerings within their local community by offering products and services they believe in. In contrast, to say, Walmart and Kmart which are products priced at the lowest which may not be necessarily in the best interest of its consumers in terms of health and/or supporting local producers.

Additionally, there have been many findings its workers are paid below non livable wages where oftentimes they may even qualify for food stamps. The reason for all of this is because improvements can be part of the process. Therefore, adding in a transparent selection process would not only guarantee good faith practices when advertising for submissions but would also honor the intentions of the fund. While we are still alive it seems we always have the opportunity to better the lives of our community and those around us.

Thanks and hope to see improvements.

As a woman-owned, minority, and disadvantaged small business just getting started, I applied to the Amber Grant with hope, only to be unexpectedly charged an application fee. Nowhere in the process was it clearly explained that applying would cost money till the very end. I feel misled and taken advantage of, especially when grants are supposed to support struggling woman-owned small businesses, not profit from them.

Many legitimate grant programs, including those backed by nonprofits and government agencies, do not charge fees. This felt more like a pay-to-play scheme than a genuine opportunity to support female entrepreneurs. I deeply regret sharing my business story and sensitive information with this organization.

If you're a new business owner trying to make it, look elsewhere. There are better, no-fee options that won't exploit your vulnerability.