Let’s be clear: this isn’t about loans. This is money you don’t have to pay back. Whether you’re starting out, growing fast, or recovering from tough times, grants and free funding can give your business serious breathing room. The key is knowing where to look—and applying the smart way.
Here are 25 legit opportunities that real businesses are using right now. We’ll start with 5 that are well-known but actually still open or recurring.
1️⃣ Hello Alice Small Business Growth Grants
- Amount: $5,000–$25,000
- Who it’s for: New or growing businesses, especially those led by women, veterans, and minorities.
- Frequency: Multiple rounds throughout the year.
- Bonus: They also offer grant matching tools and personalized funding recommendations.
- How to apply: Through HelloAlice.com — straightforward application, but competitive.
💡 Good fit for businesses with a clear growth plan and community impact angle.
2️⃣ Nav’s Small Business Grant
- Amount: $10,000 grand prize + runner-up awards
- Who it’s for: Any U.S.-based small business, with extra visibility given to creative or underserved industries.
- Frequency: Runs 3–4 times a year.
- How it works: You create a business profile and pitch your story (video or written).
- Perk: Even if you don’t win, you get exposure and possible financing help.
🎥 Solid choice if you’re not afraid to share your story publicly.
3️⃣ Amber Grant Foundation
- Amount: $10,000 monthly + annual $25,000 bonus
- Who it’s for: Women-owned businesses in the U.S. or Canada
- Frequency: Monthly grants, rolling deadlines
- Unique angle: They ask for your business dream—not a perfect pitch deck.
- How to apply: Simple online form, $15 application fee
🌸 Especially good for solo founders or homegrown startups.
4️⃣ FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Amount: Up to $50,000 + print/marketing perks
- Who it’s for: U.S.-based for-profit small businesses with fewer than 99 employees
- Frequency: Once a year
- Application includes: A compelling story, video intro, and voting component
- Tip: You’ll need a slick visual presence—branding matters here.
📦 Best for product-based businesses or startups with an eye-catching mission.
5️⃣ USDA Rural Business Development Grants
- Amount: Varies, often between $10,000–$500,000
- Who it’s for: Small businesses operating in eligible rural areas
- Uses: Can be used for training, equipment, land acquisition, or infrastructure
- Catch: Applications must go through your state USDA office
- Important: You’ll need a clear project proposal and local support.
🚜 Ideal for agri-businesses, manufacturers, or rural service providers looking to scale.
6️⃣ Comcast RISE Grant Program
- Amount: $5,000 cash grants + business services
- Who it’s for: Small businesses owned by women or people of color
- Frequency: Runs in waves throughout the year (check local eligibility)
- Extras: May include free marketing support, media production, or technology upgrades
- Regions: Varies by city or state during each round
📺 Especially useful for businesses that could benefit from tech upgrades or promotional help.
7️⃣ Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
- Amount: $50,000–$1 million+
- Who it’s for: Tech startups and innovators solving scientific or engineering problems
- Funded by: U.S. federal agencies like NASA, DoD, NIH, and NSF
- Phased approach: Start with research, then get funded to build it
- Requires: Solid proposal and measurable impact
🚀 If you’ve got an invention, prototype, or IP-based business idea—this is your lane.
8️⃣ Fast Break for Small Business (LegalZoom x NBA)
- Amount: $10,000 grants + free LegalZoom services
- Who it’s for: Minority-owned small businesses across the U.S.
- Frequency: 2 application rounds per year
- Bonus: Winners also get assistance with entity formation, trademarks, or taxes
- How to apply: Quick form + short pitch about your business
🏀 A great fit for community-focused businesses or new LLCs needing both cash and legal help.
9️⃣ Venmo Small Business Grant
- Amount: $10,000 per winner + promos
- Who it’s for: U.S.-based small businesses using Venmo for Business
- Frequency: Annually
- Extras: You also get a spot in Venmo’s customer spotlight and marketing features
- Application: Requires a public-facing Venmo profile and business story
💸 Great for microbusinesses, artists, or solo sellers with loyal customers.
🔟 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards
- Amount: $25,000 grand prize
- Who it’s for: Any U.S.-based small business with under 250 employees
- Categories: Community support, green/sustainability, minority-owned, and emerging businesses
- Process: Application + judging panel evaluates based on innovation, growth, and contributions
- Prestige: Comes with national exposure through the U.S. Chamber
🏆 A solid boost if you’re already making waves locally and ready to step up.
1️⃣1️⃣ IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
- Amount: Varies by grant partner ($2,500–$25,000+)
- Who it’s for: Women-owned businesses in all industries
- How it works: One application enters you into their full grant pool
- Perks: You’re considered for multiple grants from brands like American Express, Adidas, Unilever, and others
- Extras: Access to coaching, crowdfunding help, and community events
💼 Great for women-led startups looking for visibility, mentorship, and free money in one place.
1️⃣2️⃣ Kuvio Creative Tech Grant
- Amount: Up to $5,000 in web design or dev services
- Who it’s for: Nonprofits or mission-driven small businesses
- What’s covered: Website creation, design, branding, and tech improvements
- Timeline: Offered quarterly
- Note: You don’t receive cash—you get valuable services at no cost
🖥️ Ideal for purpose-driven founders needing a professional web presence on a tight budget.
1️⃣3️⃣ State Trade Expansion Program (STEP Grants)
- Amount: Varies by state (often $2,000–$10,000)
- Who it’s for: U.S.-based small businesses looking to export products/services
- Covers: International marketing, trade shows, translation, and shipping help
- Funded by: SBA, administered through your state’s economic development office
- Process: Check your state-specific guidelines
🌍 Strong fit for ecommerce brands, manufacturers, or consultants going global.
1️⃣4️⃣ Black Founder Startup Grant (by SoGal Foundation)
- Amount: $5,000–$10,000
- Who it’s for: Black and multiracial women and nonbinary founders
- Funding partners: Winky Lux, Twilio, and others
- Application: Online form + basic business info
- Extras: Ongoing access to fundraising education and SoGal’s global founder network
🌟 Designed for early-stage founders facing systemic barriers to capital.
1️⃣5️⃣ The Freed Fellowship Grant
- Amount: $500 monthly grants + $2,500 annual prize
- Who it’s for: U.S. small business owners with a growth plan
- Perk: Winners get access to an exclusive mastermind community
- Bonus: Monthly winners are automatically entered to win the $2,500 yearly prize
- Focus: Community, coaching, and cash support
🧠 Perfect for businesses that could benefit from both funds and founder peer support.
1️⃣6️⃣ Black Ambition Prize
- Amount: $15,000–$1 million
- Who it’s for: Black and Latinx founders in early-stage ventures
- Categories: Consumer products, healthcare, AI, edtech, and more
- Run by: Pharrell Williams’ nonprofit Black Ambition
- Extras: Mentorship, investor connections, and startup bootcamps
🔬 Ideal if you’re building something innovative and ready to scale with serious backing.
1️⃣7️⃣ National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant
- Amount: Up to $4,000
- Who it’s for: Self-employed individuals and microbusiness owners
- Requirements: You must be an NASE member (membership is paid)
- Use of funds: Can cover marketing, hiring, equipment, or expansion
- Frequency: Rolling basis—quarterly awards
🧰 A great option if you’re a solo entrepreneur ready to reinvest in your operations.
1️⃣8️⃣ SheBossTalk Grant Program
- Amount: $500–$2,500
- Who it’s for: Women-owned small businesses in need of capital
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, under $1 million in revenue
- Run by: SheBossTalk, a media and funding platform for women entrepreneurs
- Extras: Public recognition, coaching, and media features
💬 Good fit for women-led ventures that want visibility along with funding.
1️⃣9️⃣ Barclays Small Business Big Wins Grant
- Amount: Up to $60,000
- Who it’s for: Small businesses with an inspiring story
- Contest format: You write a short narrative about your business journey
- Extras: Finalists receive runner-up funding and promotional features
- Open to: U.S.-based businesses of all kinds
📝 If you’ve got a compelling origin story or have overcome major obstacles, this one’s worth applying for.
2️⃣0️⃣ Caress Dreams Fund (with IFundWomen)
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Who it’s for: Women of color entrepreneurs
- Funded by: Caress (the Unilever brand)
- Includes: Funding, coaching sessions, and media support
- Focus: Early-stage businesses and creative startups
🎨 Great for side hustles, creative businesses, or emerging brands with a strong personal mission.
2️⃣1️⃣ Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- Amount: $5,000 business education grant
- Who it’s for: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Includes: A yearlong fellowship with mentorship, business training, and community support
- Extras: Pitch opportunity at a live event + national spotlight
- Focus: Leadership, growth, and confidence-building
🧕🏽 Ideal for women founders ready to grow and gain access to a high-powered network.
2️⃣2️⃣ EnrichHER Small Business Grant
- Amount: $5,000
- Who it’s for: Women and BIPOC-owned businesses
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Use of funds: Working capital, marketing, growth projects, or equipment
- Bonus: Option to be connected with alternative funding sources if you don’t win
📣 Strong option if you’re ready to scale and need help accessing capital fast.
2️⃣3️⃣ America’s Top Small Business Awards (by U.S. Chamber)
- Amount: $25,000
- Who it’s for: Small businesses showing excellence in community, innovation, and growth
- Application: Written and video submission
- Prestige: Comes with national recognition and press coverage
- Eligibility: Fewer than 250 employees and under $20M in revenue
🏆 Especially valuable for businesses seeking credibility and visibility with investors or partners.
2️⃣4️⃣ Halstead Grant (for Jewelry Designers)
- Amount: $7,500 cash + $1,000 in supplies
- Who it’s for: Emerging jewelry entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Requirement: Must submit a design portfolio and business plan
- Judging criteria: Design potential, strategy, and entrepreneurial vision
- Annual deadline: Summer (check HalsteadBead.com)
💍 A niche but powerful opportunity for creative makers building a brand from scratch.
2️⃣5️⃣ Etsy Uplift Fund
- Amount: $2,000–$10,000
- Who it’s for: Marginalized creators or sellers on Etsy
- Purpose: To remove financial barriers and help scale creative businesses
- Administered by: Etsy and nonprofit partners
- Extras: Business development resources and Etsy marketing support
🧵 Perfect for artisan sellers and handmade creators building a loyal customer base.
Grant money won’t magically build your business—but it can give you a real head start. The key is to treat grants like a numbers game: apply often, polish your story, and track your deadlines. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, these sources prove that free funding is out there—you just have to go get it.
