Need funding? Here are some grants for Small businesses and Startups
Small business grants are great opportunities to help you start a business or expand an existing business and it’s FREE MONEY! Yes, some grants may have some restrictions on what you can use the money for, but it’s definitely worth the time and effort because it can definitely give your business the boost it needs to survive and thrive. So don’t miss a deadline! What are you losing? So here are some grants to not miss out on.
Peerless Pitch Program
This is the Peerless Pitch 2024 NYC Competition for scalable startups in June. AlleyCorp & MLT aim to make a real impact for underrepresented founders with a $1 million investment to the winner through a convertible note at a 20% discount with a chance to reinvest.
DEADLINE: April 26 APPLY HERE
Dream Makers Founder Grant
Partnering with the Dream Makers Founder Grant, a $1 million grant fund established by Nancy Twine to drive a dedicated effort to support female entrepreneurs, particularly spotlighting the talents and innovations of Black and BIPOC founders. As part of the two year commitment, the Pledge will award $125,000 annually, distributing $25,000 grants to five business owners each year.
DEADLINE: April 30 APPLY HERE
Take The Leap Grant
Whether you’ve always dreamt of owning your own business or have a desire to expand your current venture, BeMobile wants to hear your story. On February 29th, BeMobile Verizon will begin accepting applications for their $5000 Take the Leap grant.
DEADLINE: April 30 APPLY HERE
Giving Joy
Giving Joy awards one-time, micro grants (up tp $500 USD) to women-led initiatives—giving women entrepreneurs critical resources to start businesses, acquire skills, sustain operations or improve their ideas worldwide.
DEADLINE: April 30 APPLY HERE
The American Dream Awards
Hello Alice is shining a spotlight on small businesses through the American Dream Awards. These accolades are about innovation, heart, and the American spirit. If you nab one, you’ll get $1,000, a spot in a small business accelerator, media exposure, and some other goodies we think you’ll love.
DEADLINE: April 30 APPLY HERE
2024 Black Ambition Prize Competition
The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for Black and Hispanic founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures
DEADLINE: May 6 APPLY HERE
Run The Block
The awardee will be granted $200,000 to open a new retail running store in the US and dedicated mentorship to support them along the way. Anyone can apply with their store having at least 51% Black ownership.
DEADLINE: May 15 APPLY HERE
Her Village Grants
Her Village grants awarded to qualifying nonprofit organizations support work that advances and strengthens entrepreneurial skills, resources, ecosystems, and educational opportunities for girls and women. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000.
DEADLINE: December 31 APPLY HERE
Women Who Thrive Grant
They give small grants bi-weekly for whatever need you may have, for an example – your business, buying books for class, starting a non-profit, and/or self-care! The application cut off for each month on the 31st.
DEADLINE: 31st APPLY HERE
Big Idea Grant
Each month, we give one $1000 grant to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their Business or Idea. It can be used as a start up grant, marketing grant, operational grant or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business.
DEADLINE: Rolling APPLY HERE
The Freed Fellowship
The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, they give one $500 grant to business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required.
DEADLINE: Rolling APPLY HERE
HerRise MicroGrant
Each month a $500 micro-grant is given by the HerRise Micro-Grant which provides financial assistance, with the help of corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business.
DEADLINE: Rolling APPLY HERE
LAID Hair Care
Is awarding (1) Small Business Owner with a grant for their business every month (All industries are welcomed!). Grab a Laid Hair Care product and create a reel or post an image explaining how the product inspires you!
DEADLINE: Rolling
Amber Grant
This is a monthly grant specifically for women and gives up to $25,000 each month in honor of the memory of a special young woman, Amber Wigdahl.
DEADLINE: End of each month. APPLY HERE
The Awesome Grant
The Awesome Foundation is offering $1,000 grants MONTHLY to help fund programs, projects and ideas that are “awesome”. Anyone is eligible for a grant, you can apply to any chapter or a specific chapter, just select ANY on the application form. Check out the FAQs if you still have questions.
DEADLINE: Rolling. APPLY HERE
Visa Everywhere Initiative
Visa in partnership with Techcrunch is offering competitions for startups/fintechs that are either black-owned, women-owned or LGBTQ+.
MULTIPLE DEADLINES. APPLY HERE
Black Business Accelerator
Amazon provides funding, advertising credit, mentorship and marketing support specifically for black-owned businesses.
- $500 credit to assist with start-up and operational costs for newly-registered Amazon Professional sellers.
- 3-year Sponsored Enhanced Digital Certifications for Black-owned businesses through SupplierGATEWAY.
NO DEADLINE. JOIN HERE
Black Founder Startup Grant
Provides several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs.
NO DEADLINE. APPLY HERE
Growth Grants
This is another resource of which you have to be a member to apply for the grant, but for all the resources you receive as a member it may be well worth it. Receive up to $4000.
NO DEADLINE. VISIT HERE
Wish Local Empowerment Program
This program will only be open to Black-owned stores, to help promote equality and diversity in American business. Apply to receive between $500 – $2000 to help rebuild your small business.
DEADLINE: ? APPLY HERE
Additional Resources
https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/solicitation/current
https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc
Are you a non-profit?
