15 Small Business Grants to Apply For This Year
Funding opportunities aren’t necessarily scarce but tracking down viable options can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Deadlines are constantly looming, application requirements change, and setting aside time to complete them is a job in and of itself. That being said, we’ve discovered small business grants that provide worthwhile resources, and more importantly, money you don’t have to pay back, to get your idea off the ground.
Note: The second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is also live for those who are eligible. It provides borrowers in low- or moderate-income areas and a maximum of 10 employees with loans of $250,000 or less. Learn more about the guidelines and how to apply here.
The Do You Fellowship Program
DigitalUndivided’s new program will award 10 Black and Latinx women innovators with a $5,000 and access to resources and mentorship. Join their email list so you can be notified when applications open.
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
SoGal, alongside Winky Lux, bluemercury, and more beauty brands, provide micro-grants to Black and/or nonbinary entrepreneurs on a rolling basis.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx’s annual small business contest awards money to a number of U.S.-based small businesses to help scale their profits. Go to the content homepage and sign up for the email list so you can be notified when the next contest deadlines are announced.
Awesome Foundation Grant
Every month, The Awesome Foundation awards a $1000 grant to one lucky entrepreneur. All you need to do is fill out a simple form.
The Amber Grant
Every month, $10,000 goes to a small business owner who is automatically eligible for a $25K year-end grant.
IFundWomen
In addition to its renowned coaching services and workshops, IFundWomen also provides several grant opportunities for women-owned businesses, in addition to workshops and business coaching. IFundWomen of Color is a subsite that also assists early-stage entrepreneurs.
Black Girl Ventures
By joining BGC’s virtual community, you’ll have access to webinars, virtual pitch practice, business referrals, and funding opportunities.
Hello Alice
Find funding and expert advice inside this free database for entrepreneurs of every skill level.
grants.gov
Join this database to discover federal business grants in your state.
NASE Growth Grants
Members of the National Association for the Self-Employed Organization can apply for grants for up to $4,000. Members must be in good standing for three consecutive months. Annual members can apply immediately and monthly members can apply after 90 days.
USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
If your small business is in a rural community, has fewer than 50 workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue, you can apply for funding of varying amounts through this program.
MDBA (Minority Business Development Agency) Grants
These grant competitions are exclusively for minority business owners.
SBA Veteran-Owned Businesses Resources
This website is a great resource for training programs and funding opportunities if you’re a military veteran.
SBA Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME)
The U.S. Small Business Association’s PRIME Program provides several loans and micro-grants to small business owners.
Operation HOPE 1MBB
In collaboration with Shopify, Operation HOPE is doing its part to close the wage gap with the One Million Black Business and Entrepreneur Initiative. Though this isn’t a grant program, participants are given a wide range of services, including how to attract funding, launch operations, open a physical or e-commerce location, create a business plan, and more.
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