We are happy to share these funding opportunities and resources with you. Feel free to share this information with your personal and professional networks. We have no affiliation with these organizations - so any specific questions should be directed to them.
Here are the funding opportunities for May 2023. If you end up being awarded a grant or accepted into an accelerator or fellowship, I’d love to know about it – please share it in the comment section or email me to share your news!
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES (unless specified in the description)
48 in 48 - Social Justice Event - The event is designed to support and promote nonprofits in marketing and technology. They are gathering teams to build websites for nonprofits with social justice missions. If you are interested in either being part of a team or are a nonprofit looking for free website development. Apply by 6/10/2023 - https://48in48.org/social-justice-event/
Always Soñando National Scholarship - The Always Soñando National Scholarship was created to provide support, mentorship, and financial assistance to prepare 50 emerging Hispanic or Latina leaders to confidently live out their dreams. Each scholarship winner will receive $2,500 to go towards education. Apply by 5/30/2023 - https://www.always.com/en-us/sonandoscholarship
Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator - The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you’ll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue. - https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/small-business-program
Antler Global Startup Program - Antler is a global early-stage VC that runs multiple programs for business startups around the world. See the website for more info about the program and application dates. - https://www.antler.co/platform/#apply-now
Awesome Foundation - Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”. Awarded monthly - https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en
AWS Startup Loft Accelerator - AWS Startup Loft Accelerator equips your technical team with tech resources, guidance and a community of peers. From technical deep dives to round tables on day-to-day CTO challenges, including: recruiting, managing an engineering team, building a minimum viable product, and design principles for cloud architecture. Provides $25,000 in AWS credits - https://aws-startup-lofts.com/emea/program/accelerator
BeChangeMaker 2023 - Are you 18 to 35 years old and have a business idea with the potential to bring positive impact and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? BeChangeMaker is a series of skill training projects made available yearly to 30 teams of skilled and talented young people, to help you explore your career potential as social entrepreneur. Apply by 6/3/2023 - https://programmes.bechangemaker.com/bechangemaker-2023-application
Canva Pro For Nonprofits - If you are a nonprofit, you can register now to get Canva’s premium features for free. - https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
Emergent Ventures Grant/Fellowship Application (through Mercatus Center at George Mason University - Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program from the Mercatus Center, seeks to support entrepreneurs with highly scalable, “zero to one” ideas for meaningfully improving society. Projects will either be fellowships or grants: fellowships involve time in residence at the Mercatus Center in Northern Virginia; grants are one-time or slightly staggered payments to support a project. https://mercatuscenter.formstack.com/forms/emergent_ventures
F6S List of Accelerators and Pitch Competitions - Provides a list of accelerators, contests and pitch competitions around the world. https://www.f6s.com/programs
Pink and Black Pitch Competition - Have a Product, Service, or Technology Start-up or Business? Seeking funding to grow and scale your Business or Start-up? You are invited to pitch. Award of $10,000. Apply by 5/14/2023 - https://pinkandblackhonors.com/pitch-competition
Roddenberry Catalyst Fund - The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. Funding up to $15,000 - https://roddenberryfoundation.org/our-work/catalyst-fund/
SheTrades Accelerator - SheTrades Accelerator Programme for women entrepreneurs and business support organizations in the Apparel, Accessories and Home Décor sectors is targeting women-led businesses (WLBs) and Business Support Organizations (BSO) in the Apparel, Accessories, and Home Decor sector from Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Senegal, and South Africa. - https://shetrades-accelerator.converve.io/
Savvy Fellowship - Savvy is a 12-week virtual Fellowship program for young professionals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact entrepreneurs. Applicants should be 40 or younger - https://savvyfellows.com/team/
Techstars Accelerators - Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. Companies can receive $20K for 6% of company. Various locations and due dates - https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/
Unity Workforce Grant - Any legal entity, company, institution, or nonprofit organization that provides training (courses, degrees, apprenticeships, bootcamps, labs, innovation centers, etc.) in XR/real-time 3D development skills is encouraged to apply. Funding up to $200,000. Apply by 6/2/2023 - https://unity.com/grants/workforce-grant
Watson Institute Venture Accelerator - The Watson Institute is launching a fully-funded Venture Accelerator program for next-generation entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and experience to scale the impactful ventures they are building. This program is offered with virtual and in-person components that allows fellows to take advantage of the global cohort while also focusing on creating local impact within their communities. Appicants can be from any geographical location with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Funding of $6,000. Appy by 5/15/2023 - https://watson.is/watson-accelerator/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=va-23-boa-ecornell
We Make Change - Global initiative that matches small businesses (mainly not for profits) with volunteers who are professional individuals or are from companies (including blue chip) that have an interest in supporting not for profits. Helps impact startups build a remote volunteer team for free volunteer help -https://www.wemakechange.org/
AFRICA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Grindstone incubator - Must be based in South Africa - incubator will include training, corporate advisory, coaching, mentorship and funding. Specific interventions for each company include a structured gap analysis, understanding of the company value system, building a digital go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, intellectual property assessment, strategic and financial valuation as well as populating a data room - https://grindstonexl.com/
Tony Elumelu Foundation - To apply, you only need to be a permanent resident of any of Africa’s 54 countries. Your startup must be at an ideation stage or not a business older than 5 years. Funding of $5,000 - https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/
AUSTRALIA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Optus Business Plus Mentorship Grant Program - Must be a company incorporated in Australia that is an existing Optus Business customer or be willing to be an Optus Business customer. Funding up to $5000 - https://www.optus.com.au/content/optus/en/business/optus-business-plus-mentorship-grant-competition.html
CANADA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Black Innovation Launchpad - The Black Innovation Launchpad is a FREE virtual skills development platform focused on building the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. - https://www.dmzlaunchpad.ca/courses/black-innovation-launchpad?utm_source=social&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=BI-launchpad-feb23
Boost Your Business Technology - Grant for up to $15,000 offers support to Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/152.nsf/eng/00013.html
Indigenous Communities Fellowship - The 2023 Indigenous Communities Fellowship through MIT Solve is open to all innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada. The Fellowship is open to team leads who are non-Indigenous, though the application should show a clear connection to and buy-in from the community or communities. Grant of $10,000. Apply by 5/9/2023 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2023-indigenous-communities#
Jobber Grants For Home Service Businesses - Any home service business owner or aspiring business owner 18 years old or older, residing in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Québec is eligible to apply. Grants for $2500-$15,000. Apply by 6/8/2023 - https://getjobber.com/grants
She's Next Grant Program (Visa and iFundwomen) - Canadian women entrepreneurs can apply for a chance to receive one of ten grants and one year of mentorship support to further develop their businesses. Grants of $10,000. Apply by 5/15/2023 - https://ifundwomen.com/visa-canada
Startup Global Pitch Competition - Startup Global gets your business export ready by connecting you with tools, advisory support, and the potential for funding. Funding of $70,000. Apply by 5/31/2023 - https://www.startupcan.ca/explore/startup-global/
True North Small Business Grant Contest (Purolator) - Small businesses that are based in Canada, legally licensed or registered to operate in Canada, have 50 employees or less, and are in good financial standing are eligible. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 6/14/2023 - https://cloud.connect.purolator.com/small-business-grants
OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM
AWS Imagine Grant Program - AWS (Amazon Web Services) Imagine Grant Program is offering to fund United Kingdom nonprofit organizations in need of funding for foundational technology projects, seeking integrations with advanced cloud services. Funding up to $50,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/
BeyGOOD Foundation (led by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ) - 1,000 Small Businesses will be provided with grant opportunities and/or business sustainability support services. Business must be in London. Grants for $10,000 -https://www.nmsdcforms.org/nmsdc/m3izn5qvln/index
Innovate UK KTN - Resource for sourcing grant programs available in the UK across all sectors. Funding opportunities section allows visitors to the website to filter grants by sector or type of funding required. - https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/
OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
Amazon's Black Business Accelerator - Dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. - https://sell.amazon.com/programs/black-business-accelerator
Amazon Small Business Grants - Small Business Grants are exclusively for Amazon Business small business customers that make less than or equal to 1 million dollars in annual revenue. Funding up to $25,000. Apply by 5/21/2023 - http://amazon.com/smallbusinessgrants
America's Top Small Business Awards - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the very best in American small business. Applicants must be a for-profit business operating for at least one year within the United States and have less than 250 employees. Awards of $25,000. Apply by 7/7/2023 - https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/americas-top-small-business/americas-top-small-business-guide
AWS Imagine Grant Program - AWS (Amazon Web Services) Imagine Grant Program is offering to fund nonprofit organizations in need of funding for foundational technology projects, seeking integrations with advanced cloud services. Funding up to $150,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/
Be Nimble Accelerators - Be Nimble Food Entrepreneurship Accelerator is for emerging Black and Brown chefs and food entrepreneurs. In partnership with 16 Tech, this three-month program will take emerging food entrepreneurs from idea to test kitchen to revenue generation. After the 3-month program, chefs will be prepared to open their own concepts, whether they are brick and mortar restaurants, food trucks, or take-out/delivery only restaurants. Apply by 6/30/2023 - https://www.benimbleco.com/accelerators
Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator - To apply for this opportunity, you do not need a certain job title, role or affiliation. You do not need to have an existing legal entity (e.g. a business or nonprofit organization). You simply need a problem you care about and be located in one of the eligible heartland regions. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 5/22/2023 - https://www.buildersandbackers.com/idea-accelerator-heartland
eBay Up and Running Grant - The eBay Up & Running Grants program will award 50 eBay business sellers with grant packages of $10,000, including cash, eBay education and coaching, and more. This year, eBay is expanding its grant with an additional stipend worth up to $500 for each grantee to apply to eBay Refurbished office equipment, technology, and tools to keep their small businesses up and running. Apply by 6/9/2023 - https://helloalice.com/grants/ebay/
Elevate Together Small Business Grant - The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Office Depot to offer a grant opportunity for small businesses with less than 5 full-time employees. Grant awards are projected to range from $2,000 - $10,000 each. Must participate in small business education workshops or counseling with the LA Latino Chamber. Apply by 5/12/2023 - https://www.lalcc.org/elevatetogether2023
Fast Pitch Grant - Women Founders Network - Founder/Co-Founder/CEO must be a woman or business must be majority-owned by a woman. Applications from Life Sciences, nonprofit, or cannabis/CBD companies will not be accepted. Funding up to $55,000. Apply by 5/31/23 - https://www.womenfoundersnetwork.org/about-fast-pitch
Fearless Strivers Grant - Open to black women who are legal U.S. residents (including DC), 18+ and the principal owner of a U.S.-based small business. Grants for $20,000. Apply by 8/31/2023 - https://www.fearless.fund/strivers-grant-contest
Freed Fellowship - Every month, one $500 grant is awarded to an underrepresented founder in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. https://www.freedfellowship.com/grant1
Fund Small Business Bootcamp - (for entrepreneurs in Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Detroit) - Thirty women and non-binary small business owners across all industries, with gross annual revenue between $25,000 and $199,999, will be selected in each city to participate in the week-long virtual bootcamp. The program will culminate with an evening of in-person networking and community building, during which time program participants will have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition with the chance to win a cash prize to support their business’s growth. Apply by 5/31/2023 - https://www.ladieswholaunch.org/fund-program
Gender Equity In Stem Incubator - Incubator is seeking submissions from individuals, new teams, or established organizations. Solutions can be for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid models and must be at least at the prototype stage. Solution teams must be US-based to be eligible for the Challenge. Pool of $1MM for 8 finalists. Apply by 6/2/2023 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/gender-equity-in-stem-challenge
Indigenous Communities Fellowship - The 2023 Indigenous Communities Fellowship through MIT Solve is open to all innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada. The Fellowship is open to team leads who are non-Indigenous, though the application should show a clear connection to and buy-in from the community or communities. Grant of $10,000. Apply by 5/9/2023 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2023-indigenous-communities#
Jobber Grants For Home Service Businesses - Any home service business owner or aspiring business owner 18 years old or older, residing in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Québec is eligible to apply. Grants for $2500-$15,000. Apply by 6/8/2023 - https://getjobber.com/grants
Juntos Crecemos Greenhouse Accelerator (PepsiCo) - For this 8th Greenhouse Accelerator program, PepsiCo is seeking 10 Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S. that are in food and beverage industry. Selected companies are granted $20,000 in funding and will need to pitch their product/solution in person at the live event in Plano, TX. They will participate in a 6-month business optimization program designed to accelerate growth. Funding of $20,000. Apply by 5/15/2023 - https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/juntos-crecemos/
Juntos Crecemos Hispanic Digital & Delivery Program (PepsiCo) - PepsiCo is inviting Latina entrepreneurs who work in food service to apply for eight weeks of personalized expert consultation, including best practices across operations, technology, marketing and digital presence. https://pepsicojuntoscrecemos.com/jefaowned/
Kinetic Black Business Support Fund - Must be a black-owned small business in the state of GA, Charlotte, NC or Lexington, KY and receiving broadband internet Services from Windstream. Grants for $2,500 - https://business.windstream.com/bbsf#
Literacy Opportunity Fund - The Literacy Opportunity Fund is offering grants up to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations general operating expenses who provide literacy services and programs to youth in the community. Quarterly deadlines – next one is 7/1/23 - https://www.proliteracy.org/Literacy-Opportunity-Fund
McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund in Food and Wine - SHE CAN Fund invests in the professional advancement and career growth of high-potential, professional women, with a particular focus on women of color. Our mission is to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions in wine & spirits, hospitality, and finance industries by providing professional development - https://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/
Microsoft TechSpack Community Engagement Fellowship Grant - Community organizations focused on creating inclusive economic opportunities will have the opportunity to apply to receive a mix of funding and contextual technical assistance through in-person and virtual support. Awarded organizations will select a member of their team to represent their organization as a TechSpark Fellow. Applicant must be US-based non-profit. Funding up to $50,000 - https://customervoice.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v4j5cvGGr0GRqy180BHbRzqG-8hAJq1BsU8sgfjznelUQUpCUkJVOTgyTThESk1RTURRR1JUSldUWSQlQCN0PWcu
National Black Business Pitch - The National Black Business Pitch (NBBP) is a competition designed to connect Black-owned businesses to corporations who seek to expand and diversify their supply chain with new products and services. Prize of $10,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://nationalblackbusinesspitch.com/
Novae Grants Database - Novae Grants database are intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups - https://grants.novaegrants.com/
Spark Cleantech Accelerator - 12-week program and will kick-off on August 14 at the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The program provides mentorship, connections, stipends, prototyping services, and business acceleration services to early stage cleantech entrepreneurs to help commercialize new innovations. Funding of $15,000. Apply by 5/12/2023 - https://www.tnresearchpark.org/spark/accelerator/
SPUR (Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach) Pathways - Through an integrated and collaborative approach, Macy’s, Inc. and Momentus will provide access to a range of capital options from microloans to growth capital to equity investments. This represents a commitment to underrepresented businesses and aims to galvanize the retail industry to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs - https://www.macysinc.com/purpose/spurpathways
Start Path Small Business (Mastercard) - During the 4-month program, startups will have the opportunity to leverage Mastercard's network and subject matter expertise to uncover product partnerships, scale their companies and power solutions that drive safe, secure and simple experiences. Companies should be in one of following industries: Customer Service, Banking, Security, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Payment Processing, Digital Lending, FinTech -https://developer.mastercard.com/programs/start-path-small-business/
Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. They partner with small business owners, providing personalized business support and building connections with local communities. If you are interested in being considered as a “client” for free services, you can fill out this form https://partner.startsmallthinkbig.org/bofainstitute (for English) or https://partner.startsmallthinkbig.org/bofainstitute-esp (for Spanish) They also offer free webinars (in Eng and Span). See this link for their upcoming events: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses
TL Effect Mentorship Program - The TL Effect is an in-house mentorship program geared towards women-of-color entrepreneurs looking to take their consumer-focused early-stage start-up to the next level. One recipient will receive a $20,000 grant - https://blog.thirdlove.com/the-tl-effect/
TRANSFORM Business Grant - The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systemically oppressed groups who demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks. Grants for $1,000. Apply by 8/20/2023 - https://www.transformgrant.org/
Truist NonProfit Grant - The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines - https://www.truist.com/purpose/truist-foundation/grant-application
Vela Educaion Fund Grants - ELA supports thousands of independent operators who facilitate learning outside the traditional bounds of ‘school.’ Must be US based and serve K-12 learners or programs outside of traditional public, private, or charter schools. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 6/16/23, 8/11/23, 10/6/23 - https://velaedfund.org/microgrants/
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant - Small businesses can access, for free, personalized learning through over 40 courses, mentorship, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding. Funding for $10,000. Apply by 5/12/2023 - https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training
Veterans Business Outreach Center - The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business. There are 22 locations (soon expanding to 35) and they offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities. - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program
Visible Hands Accelerator - You can apply to this program if you are the founder of an early-stage, tech/tech-enabled startup with high growth potential and your gender and/or racial identity is underrepresented in entrepreneurship. This includes - but isn't limited to - women, non-binary, trans, Black, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous American people. Funding is $200K for 5% equity. Appy by 5/29/2023 - https://www.visiblehands.vc/accelerator
Warrior Rising Grant - Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations. Funding of $20,000 - https://www.warriorrising.org/apply/
Wish Local Empowerment Program - You must be a Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local (which is free). Grants for up to $2000 - https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment
Women and Minority Business Owner Down Payment Grant (Bank of America) - Non-repayable grant is for up to $25,000 on SBA owner-occupied commercial estate loans for business locations within select opportunity zones (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles) Program may expand based on pilot. - https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/downpaymentgrant
STATE-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
Arkansas
UpStart Small Business Grant - Grants for small businesses located in Washington County, AR. Grants for 5,000 https://www.startupjunkie.org/upstart-thrift#
California
Carson, CA Small Business and Commercial Improvement Grants - Small Business Grant Program will provide grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for businesses impacted by the pandemic, while the Commercial Facade Improvement Program will offer a dollar-for-dollar matching grant to encourage businesses to make aesthetic improvements to their storefronts. Businesses must be located in Carson and have 50 employees or fewer. - https://ci.carson.ca.us/communitydevelopment/SBGProgram.aspx
Lake County, CA Microgrant Program - Must be physically located in Lake County and have <5 full-time equivalent employees. Grants for $2,500 on a first come, first served basis - https://www.lakecountycaedc.org/grants/
Long Beach Visual Improvement Grant Program - This City of Long Beach Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant will provide direct financial relief to local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by crime and vandalism on or after 10/1/2022. Eligible businesses can receive $1,500 to cover repairs to their storefront caused by vandalism. http://longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants
Mountain Small Business Grant program (San Bernadino) - Mountain businesses and non-profits with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for a one-time $3,000 grant, and businesses with more than 50 but fewer than 500 employees can receive $15,000 to assist with recovery from the recent snowstorms. Business must have a brick-and-mortar location in the affected unincorporated San Bernardino Mountains that is used by employees and customers. - https://snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/
RDC’s Micro-Grant Fund - Must be for-profit business headquartered in either Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County. Grants up to $3000. Apply by 5/12/2023 - https://www.rdcnm.org/microgrant-fund
San Bernardino County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant - Must be a business located within the San Bernardino County boundaries with 5 or less employees. Grants for $2,500 - https://www.selectsbcounty.com/major-initiatives/microbusiness-covid-19-relief-grant
San Francisco Vandalism Relief Grant - Business must have a storefront that was damaged after July 1, 2020 and business must have less than $8M in revenue. Grants for $2,000 - https://sf.gov/get-grant-vandalism-related-costs-your-small-business-storefront
Santa Rosa Small Business Exterior Improvement Grant - Business must be based in Santa Rosa and have 500 employees or fewer. Average award will cover 70% of project costs. Apply by 6/24/23 - https://www.srcity.org/3772/Small-Business-Support-Program
Colorado
Advanced Industries Export Grant - Helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses who want to export or are currently exporting. This grant is for small- and medium-sized businesses for up to $15,000. https://oedit.colorado.gov/advanced-industries-export-grant
Certifiably Green Denver - Grants are available to help minority and/or women-owned small businesses become more sustainable. Businesses can apply for up to $10,000. - https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/Resources-for-Businesses/Certifiably-Green-Denver
Connecticut
American Savings Foundation - American Savings Foundation is an independent charitable foundation in Connecticut, providing grants to local nonprofit organizations. With a core focus in New Britain and Waterbury, the Foundation also serves 62 additional towns throughout the state. Funding up to $5000. Apply by 10/12/2023 - https://www.asfdn.org/grants/community-grants
Hartford Small Business Grant - Applicants must be a small business located downtown or in a major commercial corridor within the City of Hartford. Grants for up to $100K and required 50% match - hartfordct.gov/smallbiz
Meriden Business Investment and Growth Program - Priority funding will be for projects located in the Meriden Transit Oriented District, being located in a census tract, to permit additional employment and business opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Funding up to $300,000. Apply by 12/31/2024 - https://www.medco.biz/arpa/
West Hartford, CT Small Business and Nonprofit Grants - Business or non-profit must be physically based in West Hartford, CT with less than 50 employees. Grants for up to $10,000 - https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/economic-development/small-business-non-profit-recovery-grant-program
Delaware
Site Readiness Fund - The Site Readiness Fund provides grants, loans or other economic assistance to qualified businesses or local governments based in Delaware that invest in constructing, renovating, or improving commercial, industrial sites that are readily available to businesses - https://business.delaware.gov/site-readiness-fund/
Florida
Mom and Pop Small Business Grant (Miami/Dade) - Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program offers funding opportunities for small owned and operated businesses to purchase equipment, supplies, advertising/marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems and to make minor renovations. Applications are filed by District and all have different due dates. See website for details - https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1471548035447835
Orlando Business Funding Availability - Website with links to several funding options for businesses based in Orlando, FL- https://www.orlando.gov/Community-Programs-Events/Grant-Funding-Availability
Osceola Microenterprise Assistance Program - The program will provide a one time $5,000 grant to qualified, for-profit businesses located within unincorporated Osceola County (Tax District 300) by using CDBG-CV funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. This program will operate on a first-come, first-ready basis. Grants for $5,000-https://www.osceola.org/news/microenterprise-assistance-program-to-provide-financial-aid-to-qualifying-small-businesses.stml
Georgia
Chatham County Small Business Grants - Must be a business affected by COVID-19 with less than 100 employees and located in unincorporated Chatham County. Grants up to $25,000 - https://www.chathamcountyga.gov/OurCounty/ARPA
Columbus, GA Grants - Small businesses physically located in the city of Columbus (three options - small biz, hospitality and non-profits). Grants up to $40,000- https://www.columbusga.gov/arp
Conyers, GA Small Business Grants -https://www.conyersga.com/government/about-conyers/arpa-funds-assistance
Invest Atlanta Commercial Property Improvement Grant - Small Business owners are eligible to apply for grants of up to $50,000 that can be used for both internal and external improvements to their commercial property. Small businesses across the city are eligible with priority to minority-owned small businesses in disinvested areas, as identified in the One Atlanta Economic Mobility Plan. - https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/commercial-property-improvement-grant
Hawaii
Oahu Business Recovery grant program - The Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant program has expanded eligibility and will reopen to new applications at 8am HST on Monday, May 15, 2023. Funding up to $50,000 -https://www.oahubizgrant.org/
Illinois
Back to Business (B2B) Grants for Creative Arts, Hotels & Restaurants - Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply. Funding up to $250,000. Apply by 5/10/2023 - https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b.html
Danville, IL Small Business Grant - Businesses must be restaurants which prepare and sell food either for on-premise or off-premise consumption or have been deemed by the State of Illinois as a “non-essential” business which was required to “cease all activities except for minimum basic operations”. Must have a commercial business location within the City of Danville (home-based businesses are ineligible). Grants for $10,000 https://www.cityofdanville.org/government/community-development/cdbg-covid-19-small-business-assistance-grant
Gurnee, IL Small Business Grant - The village of Gurnee, Illinois launched a small business grant program last month. Grants can be used to improve business facilities and each business must provide at least half of the capital (match) for each project. Grants up to $10,000 - https://www.gurnee.il.us/business/small-business-capital-investment-grant-program
Schaumburg Small Business Grants - The Village of Schaumburg has allocated $245,000 to provide grants of up to $30,000 to small businesses defined as having 50 or fewer employees. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until grant funds are expended. https://centerofconcern.org/schaumburg-small-business-grants/
Small Business Improvement Fund – Chicago - Grants for permanent building improvements and repairs. Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development facilitates the program. Local businesses can apply for grants that cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of their remodeling or building costs. Funding up to $250,000. Different application deadlines based on location in Chicago. - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/small-business-improvement-fund/home.html
TechRise Chicago - TechRise Chicago hosts virtual weekly pitch competitions for BIPOC and Woman/Trans/Non-Binary entrepreneurs building early-stage startups out of Chicagoland. Each week, 5 founders are invited onstage to pitch their business to a panel of VC judges. Funding up to $50,000 -https://techrise.co/apply/
Kansas
Topeka & Shawnee County Small Business Incentive Program - The for-profit business must be located in the City of Topeka or Shawnee County and less than 100 employees - quarterly deadlines - https://www.gotopeka.com/small-business-incentive/
Kentucky
Kentucky STEP Grant - The STEP grant provides reimbursement to eligible small businesses for allowable international export development activities. Funding up to $10,000 - http://kyexports.com/step-grant/
Louisiana
Hispanic Owned Business Grant for Louisiana - Must be at least 51% Hispanic owned business for profit business operating in the state of Louisiana and be/become a Member of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Louisiana. Grants are $2,500 - first come, first served. https://hispanicchamberla.com/hispanic-owned-small-businesses-grant/
Maryland
ExportMD Program - Maryland companies that receive an ExportMD Award are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project. Apps due first of each month - https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/exportmd-program
Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund - This is an evolving loan fund, which supports small businesses that don’t qualify for traditional loans or financing. This specific program will grant priority to businesses in Baltimore City and rural regions across the state. - https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/meaf
Massachusetts
Cambridge, MA Small Business E-Commerce Grant - Priority will be given to Cambridge-based businesses with fewer than 25 employees, businesses with no or little online presence, and businesses that have seen a severe decrease in sales from pre-pandemic levels. Funding up to $4000. Apply by 8/21/2024 - https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Business/Assistance/ecommercegrant
Sussex County Small Business Grant Program - Business must have been legally established in Sussex County since Jan. 1, 2019 and have annual revenue less than $4 million and 50 or fewer full-time employees. Funding up to $15,000 - https://www.sussexcountysbg.com/
Michigan
Lansing Small Business Support Grants - The program will provide vital funding assistance, in the form of reimbursement grants up to $50,000, to support small businesses looking to be a part of Downtown Lansing’s transformation as the community works towards recovery following the COVID pandemic. Funding also available for nonprofits-https://www.downtownlansing.org/small-business-support-grants/
Match on Main Grants Reimbursement grant program provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that serves to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support eligible activities. - https://www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main/
Pure Potential Business Grants - Business must be for-profit and located within Livonia. Must have fewer than 100 employees. Funding up to $15,000 - https://www.livonia.gov/1912/Pure-Potential
Small Business Growth Activator - Washtenaw County - Your business must have been open and operating in Washtenaw County as of March 16, 2020 and have fewer than 5 employees. Eligible businesses may receive additional website, bookkeeping, and marketing support valued up to $2,500. Grants of $5,000 - https://www.washtenaw.org/3710/Small-Business-Growth-Activator
Minnesota
Center for Economic Inclusion - The $50,000 fund will make investments of $5,000 each to ten Black or Latina owned businesses Minneapolis or St. Paul region. Must have been in business at least 3 years and have 3 or more employees. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 5/16/2023 - https://www.centerforeconomicinclusion.org/accelerator-grant-application
Finnovation Lab Fellowship - The FINNOVATION Lab is inviting applications for its Fellowship Program to support impact driven entrepreneurs as they lead and launch sustainable and innovative businesses. Supported by the Bush Foundation, its goal is to inspire, equip, and connect social business leaders in Minnesota through an immersive nine-month program. Funding of $50,000. Apply by 5/14/2023 - https://www.finn-lab.com/institute
Small Business Hub for Minnesota - Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) DEED has dozens of resources available to Minnesotans looking to start or grow a small business. -https://joinusmn.com/doing-business-here/grow-your-business/index.jsp
Missouri
North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant - Businesses and nonprofits located on 11 eligible corridors and neighborhoods in North St. Louis can apply for operational support and façade and storefront improvement grants. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/grants/north-st-louis-commercial-corridor/index.cfm
New Hampshire
Coos Economic Development Corporation Grant - For small businesses in Coos County: Berlin, Colebrook, Gorham, Lancaster, and Whitefield. Grant awardees will receive up to $5,000 towards storefront rent for 3-months, insurance, utilities, signage, and other reasonable expenses. - https://www.coosedc.org/blogcontent/popupgrant
Manchester Small Business Grant and Program Assistance - Support small businesses based in Manchester, NH with fixed business costs, including rent, utilities, and payroll, accrued during the pandemic, costs associated with transitioning to e-commerce business platforms, outdoor space upgrades, and other technical assistance needs. Grants up to $10,000 -https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/American-Rescue-Plan-Act
New Jersey
Mercer County Small Business Grant - The ideal business for this opportunity will be located in Mercer County, have undergone hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer a brick-and-mortar location. Furthermore, the perfect applicant is a business whose main operation involves walk-in clients. Funding for $10,000 -https://grantworks.quickbase.com/db/bsypt9y7r?a=dbpage&pageID=2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Small Business Improvement Grant - All creditworthy, small, minority-owned or women-owned businesses in New Jersey may apply for assistance under the Small Business Improvement Grant. Businesses may be reimbursed for capital improvements, or purchase and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants up to $50,000 - https://www.njeda.com/smallbusinessservices/
New Mexico
Las Cruces Storefront Repair Grant - Program would cover broken windows, broken doors, broken locks and etching on windows. Funding of $2,500 - https://www.lascruces.gov/2592/Storefront-Repair-Grant
Los Alamos Small Business Grant - Small business must be located within Los Alamos County. Grants for up to $25,000. Apply by 11/1/2024 - https://www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/economic_development/a_r_p_a_covid_relief
New York
Cayuga County Small Business Assistance Grant - Business must be a for-profit with less than 25 employees and located in Cayuga County and licensed to do business in NYS and Cayuga County. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 6/12/2023 - https://cayugaeda.org/countygrant/
Empire State Development Corp.’s COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program - Individual businesses can apply for tax credits of up to $25,000, which may cover up to half of qualified, pandemic-related expenses. Qualifying expenses include supplies or upgrades related to health and safety, including disinfectants, new HVAC equipment, touchless kiosks, and outdoor-space expansions. - https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-capital-costs-tax-credit
Just Brooklyn Prize - The Just Brooklyn Prize, presented by The Social Justice Fund in partnership with Brooklyn Community Foundation, is awarded to five BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) changemakers annually who are dedicated to strengthening and building power within Brooklyn’s communities. Leaders are submitted for consideration through a public nomination process (April 10 - May 15, 2023) and chosen by a Selection Committee of distinguished Brooklynites. The $20,000 prize is awarded without restrictions, in honor of winners’ contributions to the borough in the pursuit of racial and social justice. Apply by 5/15/2023 - https://www.bksjf.org/justbrooklyn
Launch NY - Launch NY is a nonprofit venture development organization in Upstate New York that provides pro bono mentoring and access to risk capital for high-growth startups in the Upstate area - https://launchny.org/entrepreneurs/apply-now/
Oyster Bay Forward Grant Program - Grant Program is open to businesses that employ up to 50 full-time equivalent employees as well as sole proprietors. Open to for-profit and non-profits. Grants for $5,000 - https://ndc.smapply.io/prog/oyster_bay_forward/
Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program - Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level. Company must be registered to do business in New York - https://esd.ny.gov/pre-seed-and-seed-matching-fund-program
Rockland County Grants - Grant opportunities for restaurants and small businesses located in Rockland County. Funding up to $25,000. Apply by 9/15/23 - https://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-executive/reviving-and-rebuilding-rockland/grants/
Schenectady Small Business grants - Schenectady is offering grant funding to small businesses in the city. To be eligible for the grants, businesses must be located in Schenectady, must employ 10 people or less and have suffered a 25% loss in revenue since the start of the pandemic. The program will also prioritize businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. Grants up to $15,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://www.cityofschenectady.com/FormCenter/Development-15/Schenectady-Economic-Recovery-Program-fo-71
North Carolina
Landfall Foundation Grants - Applicants must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Project beneficiaries must be located within the North Carolina counties of New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://www.landfallfoundation.org/new-page-5
Oklahoma
Kendall Whittier Main Street Capital Improvement Grant - Capital Improvement grant is aimed at taking the business or property to the next level, including purchasing an important piece of equipment or business expansion. Businesses must be located in a commercial property in designated areas of Tulsa. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 4/15/23 and 7/15/23 - https://visitkendallwhittier.com/rcigrant/
Ohio
Lima Small Business Grants - Must be for-profit business located in Lima, OH with fewer than 25 employees. Grants up to $5000 -https://www.cityhall.lima.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/9589/City-of-Lima-COVID-19-BA-Grant-Application---FINAL?bidId=
Pennsylvania
JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women - The JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women provides capital and coaching to women owned enterprises with strong growth potential in Greater Philadelphia. Funding up to $50,000. Apply by 6/1/2023 - https://gust.com/programs/jvs-fund-for-women-spring-2023
Philadelphia Food Justice Initiative (PFJI) - PFJI welcomes ideas and projects from any applicant that wants to build food justice in Philadelphia and embodies a health justice vision. Nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, cooperatives or collectives working on food justice are eligible to apply and can seek up to $100,000 for their project. Apply by 5/26/2023 - https://www.reinvestment.com/grants/phl-food-justice-initiative/
Quality Jobs Program Grant (Philadelphia) - The City of Philadelphia launched the Quality Jobs Program (QJP), a fund that invests in eligible businesses creating new full-time employment opportunities that pay a living wage and include health insurance benefits for Philadelphia residents. Funding up to $125,000 - https://www.phila.gov/2023-03-09-businesses-can-now-apply-for-the-quality-jobs-program/
Scranton Small Business Grants - Businesses must be in a qualifying Low-to-Moderate service area within the City of Scranton. Grants up to $5000 -https://scrantonpa.gov/2022/02/17/microgrants-for-small-business-startups/
Trans Resilience Fund - Applicants must be non-profit groups/organizations (two or more individuals working collectively to provide services to the broader community), not individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants must be located in and serving Philadelphia and/or Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, or Delaware Counties. Funds must be used to support the trans community - see link for details up. Funding up to $20,000. Apply by 5/19/2023 - https://www.genderjusticephilly.org/transresiliencefund
South Carolina
Richland County, SC - Businesses in Richland County that have 50 or fewer employees and can demonstrate revenue loss because of COVID-19 can qualify for aid. Grants up to $15,000 - http://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Home/News/ArtMID/479/ArticleID/2406/COVID-19-Relief-Available-for-Small-Businesses-in-Richland-County
Texas
CWE’s Texas Rural Woman Grant Program - The purpose of this program is to foster greater economic development activity in Rural Texas by encouraging and enabling rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Businesses in rural and micropolitan areas can apply. Busineses in metropolitan areas cannot apply. Grants for $10,000. Opens 5/15/23 - 6/9/23 - https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/texas-rural-woman-grant/
Fort Bend, TX Small Business Grant - To qualify, you must be a Fort Bend business that has been operational since December 30, 2019 and prove a revenue decline of at least 25 percent from 2019 to 2020. Grants for $5000-$25,000 -https://fortbendcounty.com/expansion-and-relocation/grants
Harlingen Revitalization Grant - Revitalize Harlingen is a small business site improvement matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that will provide, in the form of an incentive grant, up to $10,000 for site and store front improvements; encouraging the retention of jobs for business enterprises in the City of Harlingen - https://harlingenedc.com/revitalize-harlingen
Pharr, TX Small Business Grant - New or existing small businesses within Pharr can now access the funds they need to grow, thanks to the Pharr EDC II Small Business Grant Program. Designed as a reimbursable grant, this funding can help pay for essential upkeep and growth projects, these grants are a practical application of the PEDC’s commitment to helping commerce thrive in Pharr. Funding of $5,000 for new businesses and up to $10,000 for existing businesses - https://pharredc.com/small-business-grant/
Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program - TTIR Program was established to provide one-time reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19. -https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-travel-industry-recovery-grant-program
Virginia
B-Force Accelerator - A 12-week intensive for black and Latinx businesses that are at least 2 years old to prepare them for capital access. Must be located in Norfolk. https://blackbrand.biz/b-force-accelerator/
James City County Small Business Relief Grant - Existing businesses located in James City County are eligible to apply. Must be locally or regionally owned and have less than 20 employees. Grants up to $15,000 - https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/3803/COVID-19-Small-Business-Relief-ProgramGr
Washington (state)
Seattle Storefront Repair Grant - Storefront Repair Fund grants will help cover costs to repair current property damage or reimburse business owners for costs paid out of pocket for past damages. Eligible property damages include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks and etching on windows. This grant will not cover loss of stolen goods or damages such as graffiti. Business must be within Seattle city limits. Funding up to $2,000 - https://www.seattle.gov/office-of-economic-development/small-business/small-business-programs/storefront-repair-fund#applicationandrequireddocumentation
Tri Cities Small Business Incentive Program - Applicants must be a member of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and not have more than 30 employees. (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland). Grants of $1,000. Apply by 6/2/2023 - https://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/small-business-incentive-program.html
Information courtesy of Kirsten Barker - Program Director for the Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell University, of which Coach Racquel is an alumnus.
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