The history of women’s entrepreneurship and leadership along America’s “Mother Road” is strong, and the Road Ahead Partnership is committed to supporting the women business owners/operators who help Route 66 thrive.

Launched on August 26, Women’s Equality Day, the Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program provides very flexible, small grants to fund critical projects for women-owned or operated businesses and attractions along Route 66.

Grants of up to $2,000 (no match required) will be available for wholly or majority women-owned businesses, organizations, and attractions along the Route 66 corridor. The funds are extremely flexible and can be used for a wide range of business needs—from equipment purchase to building repairs, marketing materials and signage, to hiring consultants and hosting community events.

The Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program is part of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership's plan to celebrate the upcoming Route 66 Centennial by helping the millions of people who live, work, and travel along Route 66 through projects that focus on promotion, preservation, research/education, and the economic development of Route 66.

The deadline for applications in this current round of grants is October 23, 2023. Two additional rounds of Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants are planned for Spring 2024 (to coincide with Women’s History Month in March) and the Fall of 2024.

Partial support for all three upcoming grant rounds has been provided by the National Trust’s Preserve Route 66 initiative.