Grants for Life Coaches: How to Get Support to Grow Your Work (UK, US & Canada)

Some of us started coaching not because it was trendy, but because we couldn’t not do it. Because we knew what it felt like to be stuck, and we wanted to offer what we didn’t always have, someone to walk alongside.

If you’re a life coach who’s still getting steady, figuring things out, building slowly, showing up where you can, you might be wondering how to get a bit of support for the work you’re offering the world.

This guide is for you. It’s about real grants, non-repayable funding that can help you grow your business without abandoning your values, or waiting until you’re “big enough” to be taken seriously.

Why Grants Make Sense for Coaches

You might want a grant because:

• You’re funding everything from savings or a part-time job.
• You need to invest in tools (a website, branding, booking system) but cash flow is tight.
• You want to serve more people, including those who can’t pay a premium, and need a buffer to make that sustainable.
• You’re creating a group program, workbook, or digital resource and need time to build it properly.

Whatever your reason, it’s valid. You’re allowed to receive help, even if you’re used to being the one holding space for others.

What to Have Ready

You don’t need everything figured out. But these pieces help:

• A clear, simple business idea, what you offer, who it’s for, and how it helps
• Basic registration as a sole proprietor or LLC (where applicable)
• A few testimonials or notes from past clients (even just kind words in your DMs)
• Some sort of online presence, a simple website is enough
• A business bank account, or willingness to open one

Most grant programs want to know you’re real, even if you’re still growing.

Real Grants for Coaches in the US, UK & Canada

Here’s a list of real, non-repayable grants available to life coaches who are in the UK, US & Canada.

UK-Based Options

• Start Up Loans (UK Gov) – Low-interest loans + 1:1 mentoring for new business owners. startuploans.co.uk
• Prince’s Trust – For those aged 18–30 starting a business, includes grants, training, and mentorship. princes-trust.org.uk
• Local Council Grants – Many boroughs offer funding for small businesses, especially in wellbeing, digital or creative industries. Check your local council’s site.

US-Based Grants

• Hello Alice – Ongoing grants for small businesses, often prioritizing women, BIPOC, and mission-driven founders. helloalice.com/grants
• Amber Grant – $10,000 monthly grants for women-owned businesses (with potential $25K annual award). ambergrantsforwomen.com
• SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) – Free coaching to help you apply for funding and grow your business. americassbdc.org

Canada-Based Support

• Canada Digital Adoption Program – Up to $2,400 to improve your online systems and visibility. CDAP
• Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – Ongoing support through regional partners for women-led businesses. Government of Canada
• Futurpreneur – Up to $60K in funding + mentorship for founders under 39. futurpreneur.ca

Other Things That Might Help

• Grant databases: GrantWatch, Funding Portal (Canada).
• Business mentoring: Often free through local enterprise hubs, women’s centers, or nonprofit incubators
• Alternative funding: Local pitch competitions, crowdfunding with a cause, or community sponsorships

A Kind Reminder

You don’t need funding to be legitimate. This is about staying resourced enough to keep showing up for others without burning out.

So if you’re at that early stage, where every decision feels like a tradeoff, know that you’re not doing anything wrong. Grants exist because someone out there wants you to keep going.

Your work matters. Even if it’s quiet. Even if it’s still taking shape.