Quote from Imran Ahmad on September 18, 2024, 3:57 pm

 Are you a startup owner looking for funding or capital to grow your business? Finding the right Startup funding is critical to launching and scaling at the startup stage, especially when steering a new company toward growth without initial revenue. However, the process can be confusing and time-consuming. Fear not! This comprehensive startup capital funding list, including grants, loans, capital investment, and other opportunities, will provide you with a curated list of 200+ opportunities to make the process easier.

Understanding Your Options

1. Grants: Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid, often highly competitive.
2. Loans: Borrowed money with interest, requiring strong credit or a solid business plan.
3. Capital: Investment in exchange for equity (part ownership); for high-growth potential.
4. Debt Capital: Funds borrowed from lenders, such as banks or bondholders, must be repaid with interest.
5. Equity Capital: Investment in exchange for the company’s partial ownership (shares), with investors sharing in future profits (and potential losses).
6. Crowdfunding: Raising small amounts of money from a large pool of individuals, usually through online platforms.
7. Bootstrapping: Funding a business with personal savings and minimizing operating costs during the early stages.

Challenges – Finding the Right Startup Funding Source

Finding the right fit is the first hurdle. Many programs have specific eligibility criteria based on industry, location, or business stage. Additionally, the application process itself can be demanding. Don’t let this overwhelm you – let’s explore the list of 200+ grant opportunities curated just for your startup!

List Of Grants

We've curated a comprehensive list of grant funding opportunities from various sources. You can use filters like location, women-owned businesses grants, BIPOC, veterans, etc. to get the right grants.

NOTE: The “deadlines” mentioned here are tentative and subject to change. Make sure you do your side’s research and get ready to apply for the appropriate grant opportunity at the right time.

1) Hustler's MicroGrant

Donor: Deja Vu Parker of WBLS, in collaboration with HerSuiteSpot

About: The Hustler's MicroGrant offers a $1,000 business grant to support small business owners across the United States. Aimed at passionate entrepreneurs with big dreams, this grant provides financial aid to help them take their businesses to the next level. The application process is straightforward, with applications accepted on a monthly basis. An administrative fee of $10 is required to apply. Recipients of the grant will be notified, and the grant can be used for various business needs, from operations to growth initiatives.

Focus: Small business support, entrepreneurship, business growth

Region: United States

Eligibility: Small business owners, startups, entrepreneurs

Benefits: $1,000 grant

URL: https://www.hersuitespot.com/hustlersgrant/

Deadline: Ongoing

2) BGE Energizing Small Business Grants

Donor: BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric)

About: This grant program provides funds to small businesses located in BGE’s service area. It aims to support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and foster community growth. The grant focuses on businesses that are essential to the economic health and community vibrancy of their local areas.

Focus: Business development, economic recovery, community support

Region: BGE service area (Central Maryland)

Eligibility: Small businesses in BGE's service area

Benefits: Grants up to $20,000, support for business expenses, including but not limited to rent, payroll, and other operational costs

URL: https://helloalice.com/grants/bge/

Deadline: Ongoing

3) Keep It Local Business Fund

Donor: NAACP and Nextdoor Kind Foundation

About: This fund awards microgrants to U.S. small business owners of color to support local communities. The aim is to inspire recipients to drive positive change in their communities and create a broader movement of kindness. Grants provide financial support, public recognition, and access to resources and training.

Focus: Community support, small business development, racial equity

Region: United States

Eligibility: Small businesses owned by people of color

Benefits: $5,000 grant, public recognition, participation in events, ad credits on Nextdoor, access to business training

URL: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/keep-it-local-business-fund

Deadline: Ongoing

4) She Loves Tech Global Competition 2024

Donor: She Loves Tech

About: She Loves Tech Global Competition is celebrating its 10th anniversary by encouraging and highlighting female-led innovation in the technology sector. Startups led by women are invited to join and showcase their ideas. The competition emphasizes various criteria, including market opportunity, traction, scalability, growth potential, innovation, creativity, and the caliber of the founder and team. The competition process includes activation and screening, regional mentoring and semifinal, selection, and global bootcamp and final.

Focus: Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship

Region: Global (Regional focus areas are mentioned in the eligibility section)

Eligibility: Female-led startups

Benefits: Thematic Awards and an equity-free cash prize of $20,000 USD for the Global competition winner. Category Award winners will be selected by She Loves Tech from the applicants' pool and will participate in the Global Finals in Singapore.

URL: https://www.shelovestech.org/competition

Deadline: Ongoing

5) IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

Donor: IFundWomen
Funding Information: Universal Grant Application was launched to reduce friction for the many entrepreneurs who, in order to survive the pandemic, find themselves applying to an endless stream of grants.
Eligibility Criteria: All startups, small businesses, and projects which are owned by women in majority are eligible.
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, projects
Region: United States
Grant Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://ifundwomen.typeform.com/to/ad358U?_ga=2.12937458.496877280.1649290998-367567224.1649290998&typeform-source=ifundwomen.com
Deadline: Ongoing

6) NASE Grants for United States Entrepreneurs

Donor: National Association of Self-Employed
Funding Information: NASE foundation provides grants to the entrepreneurs of United States every month. Every entrepreneur is eligible to apply for the monthly grants, so, you are.
Eligibility Criteria: Every entrepreneur
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurs
Region: USA
Grant Website: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
Grant Benefits: $4,000

Deadline: Ongoing

7) J.W. Couch Foundation Annual Grants

Donor: J.W. Couch Foundation

About: The J.W. Couch Foundation provides annual grants to non-profit or for-profit organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in various focus areas. They aim to support causes that contribute to the preservation of historical sites, wildlife conservation, food and waste management, animal wellbeing, early childhood education, 21st-century education, mental health, digital wellbeing, outdoor activities, and mentorship. The foundation strongly believes in partnering with organizations committed to improving communities and the environment.

Focus: Preservation, Historical Preservation, Wildlife Conservation, Food & Waste Management, Animal Wellbeing, Early Childhood Education, 21st-Century Education, Mental Health, Digital Wellbeing, Get Outside, Mentorship

Region: Flexible

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations

Benefits: Flexible funding based on the focus area. The foundation provides financial support to selected organizations to implement and sustain their projects.

URL: https://jwcouchfoundation.org/

Deadline: Ongoing (Quarterly Deadlines for Grants:

March 31, 2024: Grant Applications Due

April 19, 2024: 1st Quarter Review Deadline

September 20, 2024: Grant Applications Due

October 18, 2024: 3rd Quarter Review Deadline)

8) Dream Business Launch for Moms

Donor: ZenBusiness
Funding Information: ZenBusiness supports mom-owned businesses in America by offering an opportunity to launch their dream businesses. The service includes everything needed to kickstart a business, from securing the business name to forming an LLC, saving on taxes, tracking expenses, managing from a centralized dashboard, and providing lifetime support.
Focus Areas: Empowering moms to start and grow their dream businesses.
Region(s): United States.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to moms across America.
Benefits: Affordable business launch starting at $0 plus state fees, 5 to 10 minutes setup, LLC formation for personal liability protection, tax deductions, expense tracking, centralized management, and lifetime support.
Grant Website: https://www.zenbusiness.com/moms/
Deadline: Ongoing

9) Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC)

Donor: Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Monsha'at
Funding Information: The Entrepreneurship World Cup is a global pitch competition and support program. Every year, entrepreneurs from 200 countries compete for US$1 million in cash prizes and additional investments. Beyond the competition, EWC provides participants with resources, mentorship, and world-class connections to enhance their skills and elevate their ventures. Since its launch in 2019, EWC has registered 400,000 participants from 200 countries, distributing over US$3M in cash prizes and US$256M worth of perks and support.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Pitch, Startup Growth
Region(s): Global (200 countries)
Eligibility Criteria: Entrepreneurs from idea stage to scale-up
Benefits: US$1 million in cash prizes, investment opportunities, mentorship, resources, and global recognition.
Grant Website: https://www.genglobal.org/ewc/apply
Deadline: Sept 2024 - July 2025 (Ongoing)

10) BIG Awards for Business

Donor: Business Intelligence Group
Funding Information: The BIG Awards for Business have a longstanding history of highlighting success in deserving companies. They offer 12 distinct awards that spotlight leaders, entrepreneurs, and brands across a wide range of industries. The awards aim to recognize companies, their products, their teams, and their strategies through a panel of expert judges. A significant emphasis is placed on highlighting achievements by women, small businesses, and those dedicated to reducing environmental impact.
Focus Areas: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Brand Recognition, Women in Business, Small Businesses, Environmental Conservation
Region(s): Not specified
Eligibility Criteria: Startups, Organizations, Products, Individuals
Benefits: Personalized Trophy, Digital logo for royalty-free use, Business Intelligence Group-issued press release, Press Release template for distribution, Feedback and scoring provided by judges, Recognition within the Business Intelligence Group Community
Grant Website: https://www.bintelligence.com/awards/big-awards-for-business
Deadline: October 11, 2024

11) Business Brilliance Awards

Donor: BOC UK
Funding Information: The Business Brilliance Awards UK is an event that celebrates the success of leading companies from across the world. The awards aim to recognize outstanding achievements in the workplace and provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their brilliance. The awards are open to all organizations worldwide, regardless of size, type, or location. Both for-profit and non-profit entities can participate. The awards have attracted nominations from various parts of the world, including some of the world's largest and most renowned companies. The main component of an entry is a 2,000-word document, and participants can also include supporting materials like photographs, testimonials, graphs, and videos.
Focus Areas: Business excellence, workplace achievements
Region(s): Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: All organizations worldwide, including large, small, public, private, for-profit, and non-profit.
Benefits: Recognition through the Brilliance trophy for the top winner. Other eligible nominations with high scores will be designated as Golden and Silver winners, receiving framed Certificates.
Grant Website: http://www.boc-uk.com/awards/business-brilliance-awards-uk/
Deadline: October 6, 2024

12) UNICEF Funding Opportunity for Health Tech Startups

Donor: UNICEF
Funding Information: The UNICEF Venture Fund aims to invest in Open Source frontier technology solutions that can significantly impact children’s health, nutrition, and mental health. The fund offers up to US$100K in equity-free funding for early-stage, for-profit tech startups that can enhance children's lives. They are particularly interested in startups that utilize technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science (DS), drones, blockchain, or extended reality (XR). Preference is given to companies registered in one of UNICEF’s programme countries with working prototypes and a commitment to Open Source licensing. The initiative encourages applications from female and youth-led startups.
Focus Areas: Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Drones, Blockchain, Extended Reality.
Region(s): UNICEF’s programme countries
Eligibility Criteria: Early-stage, for-profit technology startups registered in one of UNICEF’s programme countries.
Benefits: Up to US$100K in equity-free funding.
Grant Website: https://www.unicef.org/innovation/venturefund/call-for-health-solutions
Deadline: October 20, 2024

13) Innovation Grant RFP

Donor: Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF)
Funding Information: The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) has introduced the Innovation Grant program to support projects that innovatively address unmet health needs within the community. The program emphasizes the importance of creativity, scalability, and sustainability in the proposed projects.
Focus Areas: Addressing unmet health needs, Innovative solutions, Scalability, Sustainability
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit organizations based in the United States
Benefits: Maximum grant amount of $50,000
Grant Website: https://www.jhf.org/innovation-grant-rfp
Deadline: LOI Submission: October 15, 2024; Full Proposal Submission: December 1, 2024; Grant Award Announcement: January 15, 2024

14) NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Technology (RADx® Tech) for Maternal Health Challenge

Donor: National Institutes of Health
Funding Information: The U.S. faces a maternal health crisis with a high maternal mortality rate and limited access to maternity care for millions. The NIH is offering up to $8 million in prizes to accelerate the development of technologies that can improve maternal health, especially for those in "maternity care deserts." The RADx® Tech for Maternal Health Challenge focuses on home-based or point-of-care diagnostic devices, wearables, and other remote sensing technologies to enhance postpartum healthcare. These technologies aim to empower postpartum individuals, caregivers, or healthcare providers with actionable health information. The priority conditions for monitoring during the postpartum period include cardiovascular diseases, hemorrhage, sepsis, and mental health conditions like postpartum depression and psychosis.
Focus Areas: Maternal health, Diagnostic technology, Postpartum care, Remote sensing technologies
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: U.S.-based Innovators, teams of individuals, start-ups, businesses (small to large), non-profit organizations, academic or independent research institutions. Innovators can participate as a Team or an Entity.
Benefits: Total prize purse of $8,000,000. Prizes awarded after each phase:
Viability Assessment Phase: $20,000 per winner (up to 25 winners)
Deep Dive Assessment Phase: $75,000 per winner (up to 12 winners)
Technology Assessment Phase: Interim Milestone up to $300,000 per winner (up to 12 winners) and Testing & Verification up to $500,000 per winner (up to 6 winners).
Grant Website: https://www.poctrn.org/radx-tech-maternal-health
Deadline: November 1, 2024

15) Faire Small Business Grant Program

Donor: Faire Wholesale, Inc.

About: This grant provides select new retail stores with $5,000 to stock their shelves with products via Faire's wholesale marketplace. The program aims to support independent retail businesses, especially those opened between 2023 and 2024 or those planning to open in 2024. To apply, businesses need to provide information about their store, financial details, and submit a short video explaining their vision, community involvement, and how the grant would benefit them. Faire will select six winners per promotion period (Summer and Fall 2024) based on impact, community engagement, and diversity. Grants are awarded in the form of Faire credits.

Focus: New retail businesses, wholesale products, community engagement, business growth

Region: United States (excluding Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and overseas military installations)

Eligibility: Independent retail businesses; opened in 2023-2024 or plan to open in 2024; based in the U.S.

Benefits: $5,000 in Faire credits for stocking products

URL: https://www.faire.com/small-business-grant

Deadline: November 30, 2024 (Fall Promotion Period); Ongoing until further notice

16) DARPA’s Artificial Intelligence Cyber Challenge (AIxCC)

Donor: DARPA
Funding Information: The AI Cyber Challenge is a 2-year cybersecurity competition organized by DARPA. The challenge aims to bring together experts in AI and cybersecurity to develop defenses for critical software. The competition will focus on using AI to create the next generation of cybersecurity defenses essential for today's digital society. Collaborators in this effort include Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, the Linux Foundation, the Open Source Security Foundation, Black Hat USA, and DEF CON.
Focus Areas: AI, Cybersecurity
Region(s): Not specified
Eligibility Criteria: There are two tracks for participation: Open Track and Funded Track. Most participants will register through the Open Track. However, DARPA will fund up to seven small businesses to compete in the Funded Track. For the Funded Track, competitors will be selected from proposals submitted to a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) solicitation.
Benefits:
Semifinal Competition Prizes: Up to the top five teams will advance to the final competition, with each receiving $2 million.
Final Competition Prizes:
1st Place: $4 million
2nd Place: $3 million
3rd Place: $1.5 million
Grant Website: https://aicyberchallenge.com/
Deadline: Open Track registration is from November 1 – December 15, 2024. Funded Track proposal submission is from August 17 – October 3, 2024.

17) Military Entrepreneur Challenge

Donor: Second Service Foundation
Funding Information: The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) is a nationwide grant program designed to support veterans, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs. It provides them with an opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to expand their small businesses. The MEC is a three-part event, which includes a speed coaching session, a private pitch session to a judging panel, and an opportunity to present business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant. The event is supported by partners such as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Holland & Knight LLP, and the Brewing the American Dream Program by Sam Adams.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Small Business Growth, Military Community Support
Region(s): Nationwide, USA
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be at least 21 years old. They should be a veteran, Reservist, National Guardsman, transitioning active-duty Military Member, military spouse, or a Gold Star family member. Applicants should be low-income and lack financial means to start or grow an early-stage business or nonprofit. They must own at least 51% of the business entity. Nonprofits are eligible if the applicant is the organization’s senior executive director or equivalent.
Benefits: Networking opportunities, learning sessions, and a chance to win a small business grant.
Grant Website: https://secondservicefoundation.org/mec/
Deadline: Ongoing

18) Military Influencer Conference 2024

Donor: We Are The Mighty
Funding Information: The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) is the premier event for individuals and entities that shape and support the military community. The 2024 edition of MIC will showcase a supplier diversity tradeshow featuring military brands. The event will also host the Mighty 25 Awards Gala and a comprehensive three-day conference. This conference will consist of eight distinct tracks, with over 100 partners and thousands of attendees expected. MIC serves as a central hub for transition, entrepreneurship, social impact, entertainment, and culture within the military community.
Focus Areas: Transition, Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, Entertainment, Culture
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Eligibility Criteria: Military entrepreneurs and influencers
Benefits: 100k cash prizes, Networking, exposure to military brands, participation in the Mighty 25 Awards Gala, access to diverse conference tracks
Grant Website: https://militaryinfluencer.com/
Deadline: Ongoing

19) The Edison Best New Product™ Awards

Donor: Edison Awards
Funding Information: The Edison Best New Product™ awards is an annual global competition that honors excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation. The award recognizes the intellectual capital, research, planning, engineering, design, strategy, and marketing that goes into making a new product or service successful. It also acknowledges the persistence and excellence that characterized Thomas Edison’s work. Winning the award can significantly raise public awareness of the product or service and contribute to its success.
Focus Areas: New product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, innovation.
Region(s): Global
Eligibility Criteria: Any individual, inventor, innovator, team, or company involved in product or service innovation. Marketing professionals and agencies can also nominate on behalf of their innovative clients.
Benefits: Recognition for excellence in innovation, increased public awareness, and potential for greater market success.
Grant Website: https://edisonawards.com/nominations/
Deadline: November 10, 2024

20) Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge

Donor: Hello Tomorrow
Funding Information: The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is an initiative aimed at innovators and visionaries. It seeks to transform groundbreaking ideas into reality. The challenge focuses on deep tech startups or projects that utilize advanced technology to address societal, environmental, or industrial challenges. Winners of the challenge receive various benefits, including coaching, introductions to potential investors, partners, and clients, and the opportunity to connect with industry experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs at the Global Summit. Additionally, participants can join the Deep Tech Pioneers community for year-round access to a global network.
Focus Areas: Deep Tech Startups, Societal Challenges, Environmental Challenges, Industrial Challenges
Region(s): Global
Eligibility Criteria: Early-stage startups or projects up to series A, based on new technology, scientific discovery, or complex engineering process, addressing an unmet industrial, societal, or environmental need or creating a new market, teams of at least 2 people, not a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company.
Benefits: €100K Grand Prize, €30K 2nd prize, €20K 3rd prize (all equity-free, no strings attached), visibility through Deep Tech Pioneer recognition, pitch or showcase opportunities, media exposure, 1-on-1 meetings with renowned VCs and CVCs.
Grant Website: https://hello-tomorrow.org/global-challenge/
Deadline: Ongoing

21) America’s Seed Fund - Project Pitch

Donor: America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF
Funding Information: The NSF Project Pitch provides funding for innovative startups engaged in research and development. They focus on startups that have the potential to make a significant impact globally or revolutionize industries. Funding is specifically for research and development activities that create new products, services, or scalable solutions based on fundamental science or engineering.
They select and fund approximately 400 startups annually. The Project Pitch is an opportunity for startups to determine if their project aligns with NSF funding.
Focus Areas: Technology innovation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biological technologies, environmental technologies, and more
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: Startups, entrepreneurs
Benefits: Up to $2 million funding based on project suitability.
Grant Website: https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/project-pitch/
Deadline: Ongoing

22) Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP)

Donor: PenFed Foundation
Funding Information: The PenFed Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP) is dedicated to supporting Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs with scalable startup companies, from the idea phase to Series A and beyond. VEIP assists founders in fundraising and provides clarity on accessing capital. They also identify top US cities for Veteran entrepreneurs based on factors like public support, ease of doing business, and economic growth. Additionally, VEIP offers webinars on topics like startup financials, investor insights, pitch preparation, and more. They also have a Master’s Program, a top accelerator for Veteran and military spouse founders, which prepares startups for investor fundraising and scaling. This program includes a retreat, virtual classes, mentorship, and a Demo Day where founders pitch to investors. VEIP also operates as a full venture fund, investing in Veteran-owned businesses. Since 2018, they have invested over $7,000,000 in 20 Veteran-owned companies.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Startup Funding, Business Education
Region(s): US
Eligibility Criteria: Veteran and military spouse founders with scalable startups
Benefits: Education, Networking, Investment, Business Coaching, Accelerator Program
Grant Website: https://penfedfoundation.org/how-we-help/veip/
Deadline: Ongoing

23) Community Development Grants

Donor: City of Chicago

About: The Community Development Grants (CDGs) by the City of Chicago support business and neighborhood development through various funding levels. These grants use funds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other sources to promote job creation and quality-of-life improvements for residents. Funding is available for small, medium, and large projects and covers a range of business-related investments, including office, retail, light industrial, cultural, institutional, and mixed-use developments.

Focus: Business development, neighborhood vitality, job creation, quality-of-life improvements

Region: Chicago, Illinois

Eligibility:

• Business owners
• Property owners
• Non-profit organizations
• Community developers
• Entrepreneurs

Benefits:

Small: Up to $250,000

Medium: $300,001 to $5 million

Large: $5 million and up

URL: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-development-grant/home.html

Deadline:

Small: November 8, 2024

Medium: February 14, 2025

Large: Ongoing

24) VEIP’s Investment Operation

Donor: PenFed Foundation
Funding Information: VEIP’s Investment operation is a full venture fund that provides capital to select veteran-owned businesses. The fund follows the program-related investment (PRI) model, and gains from portfolio investments are reinvested into the foundation and fund – all at the benefit of future veteran entrepreneurs.
Focus Areas: Investment, Veteran-owned Businesses, Venture Fund
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: Veteran-owned and Veteran-led companies
Benefits: Investment, Business coaching and advising, help with accounting, audit, and reporting procedures, Introductions to additional sources of financing, Marketing, advertising, and public relations expertise
Grant Website: https://penfedfoundation.org/how-we-help/veip/
Deadline: Ongoing

25) Pivot.Grow. Q3 Grant

Donor: Start.Pivot.Grow.

About: The Start.Pivot.Grow. $2,500 quarterly micro-grant aims to support small business owners by providing non-dilutive funding, meaning recipients do not have to give up any equity in their business. This grant is intended to help with various business expenses such as utilities, rent, inventory, professional development, software, marketing, and bookkeeping services. Applicants must demonstrate a need for the grant and explain how the funds will be used to benefit their business. Only U.S.-based for-profit businesses are eligible, and the business must be in operation for at least two years with an annual revenue of $50,000 or more. Applications are accepted year-round with a rolling deadline, and only one application per business is allowed. Winners also receive additional resources like the Digital Business Growth Planner and the Prep My Loan Planner.

Focus:

• Small business support
• Business growth
• Operational costs
• Professional development

Region: United States

Eligibility:

• In business for at least two years
• Annual revenue of $50,000 or more
• 1-2 employees, including the owner
• S.-based for-profit businesses

Benefits:

• $2,500 grant
• Digital Business Growth Planner
• Prep My Loan Planner

URL: https://www.startpivotgrow.com/microgrant

Deadline: October 1, 2024

26) Fearless Strivers National Grant Competition

Donor: The Fearless Fund
Funding Information: The grant opportunity is for black women owned businesses of the United States only. With Mastercard prizing, eleven lucky small businesses across the country will receive $10,000 grants, digital tools to help them get and sustain their business online, and Priceless one-on-one mentorship so they can continue to bolster their business.
Fearless Fund invests in women of color-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing.
Eligibility Criteria: The Fearless Strivers Grant Contest is open only to Black females who are at the time and date of entry:
• Legal U.S. residents
• Eighteen (18) years of age or older
• Principal owner of a U.S.-based small business
Focus Areas: Black females
Region(s): USA
Benefits: $10,000 + one-on-one mentorship
Grant Website: https://fearlessfund.smapply.io/
Rules of the Contest: https://www.fearless.fund/official-rules
Application Deadline:
Q1: 2/1/24 – 2/22/24
Q2: 4/1/24 – 4/30/24
Q3: 6/1/24 – 6/30/24
Q4: 8/1/24 – 8/31/24

27) 17th Annual 2024 Globee® Awards for Women in Business

Donor: Globee® Awards

About Funding: The 16th Annual 2024 Globee® Awards for Women in Business is an international recognition program that celebrates and honors the achievements of women in the business world. It provides a unique platform for women in business and the workplace to showcase their accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to their respective industries. The awards program is open to women in business and workplaces worldwide, offering a chance to receive international recognition for their accomplishments. The awards celebrate excellence in various categories including leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and more.

Focus Areas: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Mentorship

Regional Focus: Worldwide

Eligibility: Women in Business and Workplaces

Benefits: International Recognition, Credibility and Prestige, Opportunity to Showcase Accomplishments

Grant Page: https://globeeawards.com/women-in-business/

Deadline: Ongoing

28) Secretsos Small Business Grant

Donor: Secretsos™

About: The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant is designed to support entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. It offers a $2,500 financial boost to help small business owners overcome challenges and accelerate growth. The grant is open to businesses operating in eligible U.S. states and territories, businesses with a primary physical location in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island are not eligible. Applicants must provide details about their business, explaining what makes it unique and how they would use the funds. A $15 application fee is required, which ensures the legitimacy of each applicant and helps cover administrative costs. The grant recipient will be chosen from the pool of applicants who apply between July 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, with the winner announced on October 15, 2024.

Focus:

• Entrepreneurship
• Business growth
• Financial support
• Small business development

Region: United States (Businesses with a primary physical location in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island are not eligible.)

Eligibility:

• 21 years or older
• Active business
• Operates in eligible U.S. states/territories
• Excludes businesses in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island

Benefits:

• $2,500 grant
• Full discretion in the use of funds for business enhancement

URL: https://www.secretsos.net/SOS_Grant

Deadline: October 1, 2024

29) NextGen Fall 2024 Application

Donor: Black Girl Ventures
Funding Information: The NextGen Fall 2024 Application is a grant opportunity provided by Black Girl Ventures. Their mission is to provide Black/Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship. They fund and scale tech-enabled, revenue-generating businesses (under $1M) founded by people who identify as Black/Brown and woman. They ignite civic engagement and hyperlocal infrastructure at the intersection of business support services, supplier diversity, social and financial capital.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Support Services, Supplier Diversity, Social and Financial Capital
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Black or Brown individuals, enrolled at an HBCU (undergrad and grad allowed), ability to commit to training 3 hours per week for 8 weeks, between the ages of 18 and 24, and in at least their sophomore year, interest in entrepreneurship and growing your network and being a part of a community of student entrepreneurs across the country.
Benefits: Access to community, capital, and capacity building
Grant Website: https://blackgirlventures.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: August 17, 2024

30) 2024 Support Latino Business Impact Fund Grants

Donor: Support Latino Business

About: This grant honors the sixth annual Support Latino Business Day and celebrates Latino/x small business owners and entrepreneurs. A total of $10,000 will be distributed through the SLB Impact Fund, awarding four $2,500 grants. The program aims to support diverse small businesses and foster an equitable economy. Only the first 150 eligible applications will be reviewed and judged based on the quality of responses, clarity of the business pitch, and the applicant's business journey and goals. The winners will be selected by the Support Latino Business directors.

Focus: Latino/x business support, small businesses, entrepreneurship, community development, economic impact

Region: United States (including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories)

Eligibility: Latino/x founder (50%+ ownership), legally registered U.S. for-profit business, operational for at least one year (before September 2023), U.S. resident (18+), listed in the SLB Directory, follows @SupportLatinoBiz on Instagram

Benefits: $2,500 grants (4 winners)

URL: https://supportlatino.biz/2024-support-latino-business-impact-fund-grants/

Deadline: October 1, 2024, 11:59 PM Pacific Time

31) Novel Tools and Devices for Animal Research Facilities and to Support Care of Animal Models (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Donor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
Funding Information: This grant opportunity encourages applications from small business concerns for projects to develop novel tools and devices to improve handling of laboratory animals, ease the management of animal facilities, and enhance experiments which use animal models. The intent is to facilitate the design, implementation, and creation of tools and devices to directly benefit the welfare of research animals, and to advance equipment to improve infrastructure and environmental conditions of animal facilities that support biomedical and bio-behavioral research.
Focus Areas: Animal welfare, Biomedical research, Bio-behavioral research, Laboratory animal handling, Animal facility management
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, may be allowed.
Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333209
Deadline: September 05, 2024

32) Warrior Rising Grant

Donor: Warrior Rising
Funding Information: Warrior Rising offers support to veterans who are interested in starting their own businesses. They provide assistance at various stages of the business development process, from conceptualization to operational stages. However, if you are considering forming a nonprofit organization, please note that while Warrior Rising may offer training and mentoring, financial assistance for nonprofits may have limitations to avoid conflicts with Donor concerns.
Focus Areas: Business startups and entrepreneurship for veterans.
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Veterans
Benefits: Warrior Rising provides training, mentoring, and guidance to help veterans develop their business skills and complete the necessary work themselves. They may also offer start-up or launch grants, but funding is contingent upon a robust business model and thorough planning.
Grant Website: https://www.warriorrising.org/become-vetrepreneur/
Deadline: Ongoing

33) Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC)

Donor: The Second Service Foundation
Funding Information: The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a nationwide grant program that supports veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs. It provides networking, learning opportunities, and a chance to compete for capital to grow their small business. The program consists of a three-part event, including a speed coaching session, a private pitch session to a judging panel, and an opportunity to pitch business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant.
Focus Areas: Small business development and growth for veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs.
Region: Nationwide (United States).
Eligibility Criteria: Veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs.
Benefits: Networking opportunities, learning resources, and a chance to compete for a small business grant.
Grant Website: https://secondservicefoundation.org/mec/
Deadline: Ongoing.

34) Hivers and Strivers

Donor: Hivers & Strivers Capital
Funding Information: Hivers & Strivers Capital provides early-stage financing to ventures led by U.S. military veterans. They believe that entrepreneurs with military experience possess strong leadership skills and aim to support them in building successful companies. They are industry agnostic and finance veterans from all military branches. Their funding approach includes investment at various stages of the business, expertise in strategic planning, introductions to key stakeholders, operational support, and access to a peer-to-peer network of veteran entrepreneurs.
Focus Areas: Startups led by U.S. military veterans.
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: U.S. military veterans
Benefits: Financial investment, strategic planning expertise, introductions to stakeholders, operational support, access to a network of veteran entrepreneurs
Grant Website: https://hiversandstrivers.com/pitch-us-overview/
Deadline: Ongoing

35) Federal Grant Support Program

Donor: Commerce And Econ Opp
Funding Information: The State of Illinois aims to increase its federal funding to benefit its residents and businesses. While the state receives less federal grants per person compared to other states, it can enhance the competitiveness of Illinois-based stakeholders applying for competitive federal grants. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Federal Grant Match Program offers $15 million to Illinois-based businesses and organizations seeking competitive federal grants. This program aims to encourage more applicants, provide critical assistance to meet match eligibility requirements, and align projects with the state's economic development goals and priorities.
Focus Areas: Not specified
Region: Illinois
Eligibility Criteria: Illinois-based businesses and organizations
Benefits: Funding awards ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000
Grant Website: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3073-2554.html
Deadline: General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications.

36) Galaxy Grant

Donor: Galaxy of Stars
Funding Information: The Galaxy Grant, provided by Galaxy of Stars, is a grant opportunity that aims to support minority- or women-owned businesses. It offers new opportunities each month, providing a chance to receive a grant of $2,750. In addition, for the month of June, applicants will also be entered into a special draw to win a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. To apply for the grant, interested individuals need to complete a short form on the Galaxy of Stars website. By referring a friend, applicants can double their chances of receiving the grant. The application deadline for this month's Galaxy Grant is June 30.
Focus Areas: Minority- or women-owned businesses
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Minority- or women-owned businesses
Benefits: Grant award of $2,750 and a chance to win a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Grant Website: https://galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grants/
Deadline: Ongoing

37) 2024 IFS Grant

Donor: National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
Funding Information: The IFS Grant, provided by the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), aims to economically empower and sustain African American communities by supporting entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity. The grant provides funding and mentorship resources to selected recipients, helping them address their business needs and implement effective strategies.
Focus Areas: The IFS Grant focuses on supporting businesses and initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and development of African American communities.
Region: The IFS Grant is available to individuals and businesses operating within the United States and also extends its support to interactions with the Black Diaspora.
Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofits, startups, teams, groups, and businesses are eligible to apply for the IFS Grant. The grant opportunity is open to individuals and entities committed to promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within African American communities.
Benefits: The IFS Grant offers selected recipients’ various benefits, including cash grants and access to NBCC's signature programs and membership resources. Winners will receive financial support to address their business needs and can leverage mentorship resources to implement effective strategies.
Grant Website: https://famousamos.nationalbcc.org/
Deadline: The application process for the IFS Grant opens on May 18, 2024, and qualified entries must be submitted by June 26, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

38) Powershift Entrepreneur Grant

Donor: NAACP, Medium Rare, The Shark Group

About: The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant empowers Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources, contributing to the growth of Black businesses across the nation. The grant provides selected businesses with $25,000 and additional resources to support their development.

Focus: Black entrepreneurs, business growth, economic empowerment

Region: United States

Eligibility: Black entrepreneurs

Benefits: $25,000 grant, mentorship from Daymond John, participation in Black Entrepreneurs Day broadcast

URL: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/powershift-entrepreneur-grant

Deadline: October 11, 2024

39) 2024 CESAR® Workplace Grants Application

Donor: CESAR® brand, Powered by the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program
Funding Information: The 2024 CESAR® Workplace Grants Application, powered by the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, aims to support businesses in establishing or enhancing dog-friendly programs in their workplaces. With insights from Mars Petcare's BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, the CESAR® brand seeks to provide assistance in obtaining amenities, dog-friendly design, and effective pets-at-work policies.
Focus Areas: Dog-friendly workplace programs
Region: Open to businesses in various regions (not specified)
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses of all types and sizes, including for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental organizations operating in collective workplace/office environments.
Benefits: Grant recipients will have the opportunity to apply for either $2,500.00 or $5,000.00 to establish new dog-friendly workplace programs or enhance existing programs. In addition to the funding, award recipients will receive CESAR products, a free training session from Mars Petcare experts, and up to three hours of consultative work credit with Civic Design Center or their designee to support the success of their program.
Grant Website: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7307822/2024-Cesar-Workplace-Grant-Application?utm_source=PressRelease&utm_medium=Online&utm_campaign=CESARGrants
Deadline: Friday, July 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

40) TL Effect Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program for Women of Color

Donor: ThirdLove
Funding Information: The TL Effect is an in-house mentorship program designed specifically for women of color entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of their consumer-focused startups. The program aims to provide support and guidance to these entrepreneurs by offering brand amplification, business and financial advice from ThirdLove founders, mentorship from ThirdLove teammates with expertise in relevant areas, and a $20,000 grant to assist in their company's growth.
Focus Areas: Start-ups led by women of color
Region: All 50 states in the United States
Eligibility Criteria: Women of color with early-stage, consumer-focused start-ups that have an existing product or service, without any venture capital (VC) funds.
Benefits: The selected recipient of the TL Effect program will receive a $20,000 cash grant, brand amplification through ThirdLove's social and blog platforms, dedicated space for meetings and work in ThirdLove's offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, direct access to ThirdLove founders for guidance on fundraising and other important topics, mentoring from ThirdLove team members in various aspects of the business, and the opportunity to leverage content created by ThirdLove for their own channels.
Grant Website: https://www.thirdlove.com/pages/tl-effect
Deadline: Applications for the 6th cohort of the TL Effect will open in 2024.

41) TRANSFORM Business Grant

Donor: TRANSFORM
Funding Information: The TRANSFORM Business Grant is a funding opportunity designed to support entrepreneurs belonging to systemically oppressed groups. Each grantee will receive a $1,000 microgrant, as well as a customized, year-long business strategy and development program.
Focus Areas: Social impact and business development
Region: United States (applicants must be based in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status)
Eligibility Criteria: The grant is open to individuals and teams/groups in the United States, belonging to systemically oppressed groups. This includes BIPOC individuals, individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals.
Benefits: Recipients of the TRANSFORM Business Grant will receive a $1,000 microgrant and a year-long business strategy and development program. They will also have access to customized support and resources.
Grant Website: https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/

Deadline:

• March 15-31, 2024
• September 15-30, 2024

42) HerRise Micro-Grant

Donor: Yva Jourdan Foundation, Inc. in partnership with HerSuiteSpot
Funding Information: The HerRise Micro-Grant is a financial assistance program specifically designed for Women of Color entrepreneurs. It aims to support them in starting or expanding their businesses by providing micro-grants. These grants are made possible through the contributions of corporate sponsors and Donors who recognize the importance of helping Women of Color overcome the funding barriers they often face. The grant offers a monthly award of $1,000 to a small business owner, enabling them to access the resources they need to grow their business.
Focus Areas: Business development, entrepreneurship, innovation
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Women of Color entrepreneurs who own at least 51% of their businesses and are currently registered in the US. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are not eligible for this grant.
Benefits: Recipients of the HerRise Micro-Grant receive a financial award of $1,000 to be used for various business needs, such as purchasing equipment, marketing materials, software, or website development.
Grant Website: https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/
Deadline: Last day of each month

43) Small Business Sweepstakes

Donor: Index by Pinger
Funding Information: The Small Business Sweepstakes is a grant opportunity offered by Index by Pinger. In celebration of Small Business Month, Index aims to support small businesses by providing them with financial assistance. The grant offers a cash prize of $5,000 to one lucky small business, which can be utilized in various ways to enhance the business's operations and contribute to its long-term success. Whether it's investing in branding, marketing, equipment upgrades, inventory, or building cash reserves for stability, the grant aims to empower small businesses to achieve their goals.
Focus Areas: All small businesses
Region: Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses are eligible to participate in the Small Business Sweepstakes.
Benefits: The recipient of the grant will receive a $5,000 cash prize, which can be used at their discretion to support their business's growth and development.
Grant Website: https://static.getinde x.com/smallbizsweepstakes/
Deadline: May 31, 2024

44) Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) Program for Women of Color Business Owners

Donor: Publish Her
Funding Information: The Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) Program is a grant opportunity specifically designed for women of color business owners. It aims to provide support and resources to female-identifying entrepreneurs. Since 2018, Publish Her has awarded over $250,000 in grants and services to women.
Focus Areas: This grant program focuses on women of color-owned businesses that are making a positive difference in the lives of others and the world.
Region: The grant is open to applicants from the United States.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) Program, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a legal resident of the United States.
Be 21 years of age or older.
Identify as a woman of color.
Own a business that is 100% women-owned.
Have a legally established business entity in the United States, which has been in operation for at least one year.
Generate $50,000 or more in annual revenue.
If selected as one of the ten qualifiers, you must be willing to submit a two-minute video about your business and its impact and encourage the public to vote for you.
Benefits: The selected grant recipient will receive a $5,000 grant to support their business. Additionally, being chosen as a qualifier and winner provides exposure and recognition for the recipient and their business.
Grant Website: https://publishherpress.com/grants-for-women-business-owners/
Deadline: The grant application period begins on June 1, 2024, and closes on August 31, 2024. The announcement of the ten qualifiers and public voting will take place in September 2024, and the grant winner will be announced in October 2024.

45) Comcast RISE

Donor: Comcast
Funding Information: Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment) was established in 2020 to assist small businesses that were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in their recovery and growth. The program aims to support a wide range of small businesses while prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Comcast RISE provides selected businesses with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grants, creative production assistance, media scheduling, and a technology makeover.
Focus Areas: Economic growth, small business development
Regional Focus Areas:
• Baltimore (City of Baltimore)
• Detroit (Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, Washtenaw County)
• Memphis (Shelby County)
• Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
• Portland, OR (Multnomah County)
Eligibility Criteria:
• Small businesses located and operating within the specified geographic areas
• Business owned by an individual aged 18 or older who actively manages the day-to-day operations
• Owner possesses at least 51% equity in the business
• Independently owned and operated business (not a franchise)
• Active business operation for at least three years
• Revenue-generating for at least the 12 months prior to the program period
• Not classified as a non-profit, chamber of commerce, educational provider participating in FCC's E-Rate Universal Service Program, religious organization, political advertiser, marijuana-related business, drug paraphernalia manufacturer or retailer, virtual MVPD, internet service provider, gun manufacturer or retailer, fireworks manufacturer or retailer, tobacco/vape manufacturer or retailer, provider of illegal products or services, adult entertainment company, ride-sharing service provider, or government employee
• Employing 100 or fewer employees
• Not having previously received a Comcast RISE monetary grant, consultation, media, creative production, or technology makeover
• Business owner without prior felony convictions, tax-related convictions, or child support delinquency convictions, and not currently serving as a government official or employee
Benefits:
• Business consultation services
• Educational resources
• Monetary grant
• Creative production assistance
• Media scheduling
• Technology makeover
Grant Website: https://risegrants.ey.com/RISE/
Deadline: June 30, 2024

46) Boss Beauties Foundation Grant for Female-Founded Businesses

Donor: Female Founder Collective Inc. in partnership with Boss Beauties Foundation
Funding Information: The Female Founder Collective Inc., in collaboration with Boss Beauties Foundation, is offering a grant opportunity of $10,000 for female-founded businesses that are making a positive impact on the future of parents, families, and children. This grant aims to support innovative solutions addressing maternal health and wellness, family care, parental employment support, ed-tech programs, and new frameworks for the family operating system at home.
Focus Areas: Maternal health and wellness, family care, parental employment support, ed-tech programs, frameworks for the family operating system at home
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: The applicant business must be legally registered, located, and operating within the US. The verified founder of the business, who must be 18 years of age or older, must demonstrate quantifiable impact in solutions for mothers, children, and/or families. The business must be service or product based.
Benefits: The grant award includes a $10,000 cash prize, exclusive one-year free access to The 10th House membership platform, one-on-one mentorship sessions with Rebecca Minkoff (Co-Founder of The Female Founder Collective & Founder of Rebecca Minkoff) and Lisa Mayer (Co-Founder and CEO of Boss Beauties), and 10 hours of marketing support from the Boss Beauties team over the course of one calendar year. The winner will be announced on June 30th. The recipient of the grant is responsible for any tax implications associated with the winnings.
Grant Website: https://femalefoundercollective.com/grant-boss-beauties
Deadline: June 30, 2024

47) Cartier Women's Initiative Fellowship

Donor: Cartier

About: The Cartier Women's Initiative Fellowship program provides human capital support to fellows, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to grow their businesses and build their leadership capacity. Through coaching, mentorship, and various programs, fellows are guided by academics, practitioners, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, enabling peer learning and development.

Focus: Business growth, Leadership development, Empowerment

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs

Benefits:

1. Leadership Communication: High-visibility speaking opportunities and foundational programs on high-performance communications.
2. INSEAD Impact Entrepreneurship Programs: A 3-day executive leadership program to deepen fellows’ knowledge on managing, scaling, financing, and measuring impact.
3. 1:1 Customized Training: Fellows choose their preferred human capital development track, including Impact Measurement, Financial Modelling, Fundraising, Business Experiments, and Sales and Business Development.
4. Leadership Coaching: 8 hours of intensive 1:1 leadership coaching sessions over 6 months with a certified coach.
5. Well-being Journey: Events and activities focused on self-care and well-being throughout the fellowship journey.
6. Impact Awards: A dedicated event for former Cartier Women's Initiative Fellows who have achieved extraordinary impact, with grants of $100,000 each in addition to human capital support and media visibility.

URL: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/fellowship

Deadline: Ongoing

48) 2024 Small Business Growth Fund (Round 2)

Donor: Hello Alice, in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and supported by Etsy and Progressive
Funding Information: The 2024 Small Business Growth Fund (Round 2) is a grant opportunity provided by Hello Alice, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive. The aim of the grant is to support small business owners in accelerating their growth. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available to successful applicants.
Focus Areas: Small businesses
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Small business owners are eligible to apply for the grant. To qualify, the business must have less than $1 million in annual revenue, demonstrate a commitment to their customers and community, and have a clear plan for the use of the grant funds.
Benefits: The grant offers awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to selected small business owners. These funds can be used to support and accelerate the growth of their businesses.
Grant Website: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/2024-small-business-growth-fund-round-2
Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 Small Business Growth Fund (Round 2) is July 22, 2024 at 3:00am GMT+5.

49) NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant (2024)

Donor: Vistaprint, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, NAACP
Funding Information: The NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant is a collaboration between Vistaprint, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and the NAACP. This grant program aims to empower Black-owned small businesses by providing financial support and valuable resources. Qualified applicants have the opportunity to receive a grant of $25,000, along with design and marketing assistance.
Focus Areas: Economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses
Region: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and selected areas of Connecticut
Eligibility Criteria: Black-identifying entrepreneurs who own and operate the business (51%+ ownership), with a maximum of 25 employees (excluding the owner). The business must be based in the specified regions.
Benefits: Grant funding of $25,000, customized marketing and design resources, exposure on national co-branded platforms
Grant Website: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/naacp-power-forward-small-business-grant-2024
Deadline: July 1, 2024

50) Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Grant

Donor: Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Funding Information: The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) funds social impact organizations that tackle the world's most significant and urgent challenges. They seek to support ventures that bring about transformative change and address pressing societal problems affecting people's lives. DRK provides funding and resources to selected organizations that demonstrate potential for substantial positive impact.
Focus Areas: Social and environmental issues of critical importance
Region: Africa, Europe, India, Latin America, and the United States
Eligibility Criteria: Independent nonprofit organizations, impact-driven for-profit entities (including US 501(c)(3) and non-US equivalents, C corporations, B corporations, and hybrid organizations), fiscally sponsored organizations with plans to spin out, post-pilot pre-scale organizations (with programs, products, or services already in the market or field, early indication of impact, and 3-5 years of operation), and organizations led by committed founders who are or intend to be full-time.
Benefits: Selected organizations receive a three-year funding term, with a total grant amount of $300,000. For for-profit organizations, the initial investment is typically $150,000, with a subsequent investment based on organizational metrics and milestones. Additionally, a senior member of the DRK team, often the one involved in the diligence process, joins the organization's board to provide active support and help build capacity for scaling and achieving goals.
Grant Website: https://www.drkfoundation.org/apply-for-funding
Deadline: Rolling application process throughout the year

51) 2024 Big50 Startup Competition

Donor: Startup 50
Funding Information: The 2024 Big50 Startup Competition is an opportunity for tech startups founded in 2014 or later to showcase their innovative ideas and compete to become one of the top 50 startups of the year. By participating in the competition, startups have the chance to gain recognition, attract potential investors, and receive valuable exposure in the industry.
Focus Areas: All areas of technology and innovation are eligible for this competition.
Region: The competition is open to startups from all regions and locations.
Eligibility Criteria: Tech startups founded in 2014 or later are eligible to enter the competition. There are no restrictions based on the legal structure of the startup (e.g., nonprofits, for-profits, etc.).
Benefits: The top 50 startups selected in the competition will receive prestigious recognition as the top tech startups of the year. This can lead to increased visibility, media coverage, and potential investment opportunities. Additionally, participating startups will have the chance to network with industry experts, venture capitalists, and other entrepreneurs.
Grant Website: https://startup50.com/recommend-a-startup/
Deadline: Rolling for 2024

52) The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Donor: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) in partnership with Centre Foundation
Funding Information: The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program provides financial resources and access to small business consulting services for creative entrepreneurs in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania. The program aims to support individuals who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who already operate a for-profit micro business in the creative sector. It focuses on helping creative entrepreneurs grow their business, audience, and revenue, while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Priority is given to entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and those whose work benefits low-income communities.
Focus Areas: Marketing, Architecture, Visual Arts & Crafts, Design, Film & Media, Digital Games, Music & Entertainment, Publishing
Region: Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania
Eligibility Criteria: Creative entrepreneurs who are at least 18 years old, current residents of Pennsylvania for at least one year, and have a business with gross revenue less than $200,000. The business must operate in one or more of the specified creative industry areas.
Benefits: Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,000, which must be used to support business formation or development. Please refer to the Program Guidelines for a comprehensive list of eligible and ineligible expenses.
Grant Website: https://centre-foundation.org/granting-programs/pennsylvania-council-on-the-arts-partnership/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator-program/
Deadline: Rolling basis, with applications reviewed by the 15th of each month.

53) Empower Digital Grant Program

Donor: Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
Funding Information: The Empower Digital Grant Program offered by MGCC provides funding to eligible small businesses in Massachusetts. The grant aims to support these businesses in enhancing their digital capabilities by funding relevant capital expenses, tools, and services. The program requires businesses to partner with a Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) provider. The grant offers up to $5,000 for digital services and up to $5,000 for digital capacity-building capital expenses. The funds were allocated through the Commonwealth's Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 and will be available until fully disbursed.
Focus Areas: Digital capabilities, digital services, digital capacity-building
Region: Massachusetts
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses based in Massachusetts
Benefits: Funding for digital services and digital capacity-building capital expenses
Grant Website: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/empowerdigital
Deadline: March 31, 2024

54) LTST23 Pitch Track Application

Donor: LEAD TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. conference
Funding Information: The LTST23 Pitch Track Application is a grant opportunity for female-led or gender-diverse startups in Europe. It allows these startups to pitch their ideas to a jury of business leaders, venture capitalists (VCs), and angel investors at the LEAD TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. conference in Vienna. The aim is to support startups that are addressing pressing challenges and making a positive impact on society. The grant offers attractive prizes, exposure through various channels, and networking opportunities with potential investors and industry experts.
Focus Areas: Climate Tech, Health Tech & Fem Tech, Education & HR, Fintech & Insurtech, Circulal Economy
Region: Europe
Eligibility Criteria: Female-led or gender-diverse startups based in Europe are eligible to apply. The grant is open to both pre-seed and seed startups.
Benefits:
Opportunity to pitch ideas to a jury of business leaders, VCs, and angel investors
Prizes for the 1st and 2nd winners in the seed and pre-seed categories
Promotion of the participating startups through event materials, digital channels, community networks, and local media
Inclusion in the top-30 report featured by Female Founders, reaching over 68k entrepreneurial minds
Grant Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeui2eJyCHcKZRTRaY0xvithwCGPQffxwaEV5G8rvx2opfAdA/viewform
Deadline: July 3, [Current Year]

55) America's Top Small Business 2024

Donor: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Funding Information: The America's Top Small Business Awards, previously known as the Dream Big Awards, have been reimagined to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of small businesses in the United States. These awards aim to highlight the contributions of small businesses to the country's economic growth. The 2024 America's Top Small Business Awards are presented in partnership with Iron Mountain and Dell Technologies.
Focus Areas: Small businesses across various industries.
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: For-profit businesses operating primarily within the United States for at least one year. The applicant must have fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for both 2021 and 2024. Employees, officers, and directors of sponsors and their affiliated entities, as well as their immediate families or individuals residing in their household, are not eligible to apply.
Benefits: The winner of America's Top Small Business 2024 will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize. Additional non-cash prizes are available for finalists.
Grant Website: https://topsmallbusiness.uschamber.com/
Deadline: July 7, 2024

56) Women In Business Awards

Donor: Globee® Awards
Funding Information: The Globee® Business Awards presents the 16th Annual 2024 Women in Business Awards, a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in the business world. This international recognition program provides an opportunity for women in business and the workplace to showcase their accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to their respective industries. The awards celebrate excellence in various categories, including leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and more. Participants have the chance to gain global recognition, enhance their personal brand or organization's credibility, and inspire others with their success stories.
Focus Areas: Women in Business
Region: Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: Women in business and workplaces from companies and organizations globally
Benefits: Participants have the opportunity to gain international recognition, enhance their personal brand or organization's credibility, and become part of a vibrant community of accomplished women.
Grant Website: https://globeeawards.com/women-in-business/
Deadline: Early-bird entry

Deadline: June 28, 2024

57) D-Prize Awards 2024

Donor: D-Prize
Funding Information: D-Prize aims to support the development and distribution of poverty-fighting interventions that have already been proven effective. While numerous interventions exist, there are still significant gaps in their delivery, leaving millions of people without access to essential tools for poverty alleviation. D-Prize seeks innovative business or NGO proposals that can scale the distribution of these proven interventions. The selected teams will receive funding of up to $20,000 USD to launch their new organization in regions with extreme poverty.
Focus Areas: Health, Water, Education, Agriculture, Livelihoods, Energy, Public Services, Custom (specific poverty interventions)
Region: Any region with extreme poverty
Eligibility Criteria: Aspiring entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world, of any age, and any background. Existing organizations can apply if they are distributing an existing intervention and require high-risk capital not supported by current funding. Existing organizations should have operated for no more than 18 months and raised no more than $30,000 in outside funding.
Benefits: Up to $20,000 USD in funding, mentorship, and support to launch and grow the venture.
Grant Website: https://d-prize.org/
Deadline: June 4, 2024

58) Future Climate Venture Studio Grant

Donor: Future Climate Venture Studio
Funding Information: The Future Climate Venture Studio is an opportunity for innovators to address the pressing challenge of climate change. It is led by the University of Connecticut in collaboration with R/GA Ventures, CT Next, and other partners from the fields of energy finance, venture capital, and technology. The studio aims to identify, support, and collaborate with startups that are working on critical aspects of the climate challenge, such as decarbonization, alternative energy, planetary resilience, and social impact. The program provides access to expert advisors, resources, network connections, tailored studio content, financial capital, relationship capital, and creative capital to help startups expand and improve their products, services, and technologies.
Focus Areas: Mitigation, Carbon tech, Industrial decarbonization, Blue tech, Adaptation, Natural ecosystem management, Built environment innovation, Modeling and data, Energy, Battery storage and performance, Distributed energy, Alternative energy, Social, Food, water, and transportation systems, Circular solutions, Disparate impact solutions.
Region: Not specified.
Eligibility Criteria: Startups and tech companies.
Benefits: Selected companies will receive investment capital to expand and improve their existing products, services, and technologies. They will also have access to a network of top executives and experts in the climate tech ecosystem, as well as customized services from strategists, technologists, designers, and other consultants. Furthermore, companies will benefit from UConn's interdisciplinary faculty, core technology facilities, corporate partnership opportunities, technical help, and guidance from industry-funded centers of excellence.
Grant Website: https://rga-ventures.typeform.com/futureclimatevs
Deadline: June 18, 2024

59) GYCAF Microgrants

Donor: Global Youth Climate Action Fund (GYCAF)
Funding Information: GYCAF Microgrants provide financial support to youth-led organizations and networks working on climate action projects in communities that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The fund aims to empower young people to pursue green entrepreneurship, create a green economy, and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and conservation of the environment. The microgrants focus on various areas such as sustainable agriculture, clean energy, oceans, capacity building, green stewardship, and technology and innovation, addressing climate-related challenges in these domains.
Focus Areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Clean Energy, Oceans, Capacity Building, Green Stewardship, Technology and Innovation
Region: North America, Asia, Africa, South America, Europe
Eligibility Criteria: Youth-led organizations and networks are eligible for these microgrants. The organizations should have at least 80 percent majority youth ownership and operate with individuals under the age of 30. They should demonstrate strong motivation for creating positive change through grassroots activism in their communities and seek grants to either kick-start or support existing initiatives. Projects or initiatives should have clear environmental and socio-economic impacts, a well-planned strategy, timeline, budgeting, and team management.
Benefits: Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from USD 500 to USD 1,000, depending on their application and eligibility.
Grant Website: https://gycaf.org/grant-focus/grant-guidelines/
Deadline: February 11, 2024

60) Diversity in Tech Awards

Donor: Diversity In Tech Awards, JP Morgan, ORACLE, FTI Consulting, fiserv
Funding Information: The Diversity in Tech Awards is an annual event held to recognize and celebrate organizations that are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. It started as the Women in Tech Awards and has now expanded to acknowledge all aspects of diversity within the field. The awards program features 17 categories that honor achievements in promoting diversity in tech and women in tech.
Focus Areas: International Diversity Role Model, LGBTQ+ inclusion, social mobility, disability inclusion, cultural inclusion, generational inclusion, health and wellness, tech leadership, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, mentorship, data science, and more.
Region: Not specified
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals, teams, networks, and companies within the tech industry.
Benefits: The recipients of the awards will be recognized for their contributions and achievements in promoting diversity and inclusivity. It provides an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and gain recognition within the industry.
Grant Website: https://diversityintechawards.online/
Deadline: June 16, 2024

61) WFF Startup Innovation Awards

Donor: Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC)
Funding Information: The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), is a global startup competition designed to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs who are utilizing technology to drive sustainable transformations in agrifood systems. The focus is on addressing global hunger and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering new technologies and innovations that benefit the planet and enhance agrifood systems.
Focus Areas: The WFF Startup Innovation Awards are aligned with four categories: better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life. These categories seek to identify startups with the greatest potential for positive impacts in transforming agrifood systems.
Region: The grant opportunity is open to agrifood system specialists, innovators, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria: The competition is open to companies whose work impacts any element of agrifood systems, including production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food products originating from agriculture, forestry, or fisheries. It also encompasses broader economic, societal, and natural environments within which these systems are embedded.
Benefits: The WFF Startup Innovation Awards offer finalists and award winners the opportunity for global visibility, access to capital, networking opportunities with global entities such as governments, United Nations agencies, corporations, venture capitalists, and partners. Additionally, recipients gain mentorship opportunities to pioneer technological breakthroughs and contribute to a sustainable future for our food.
Grant Website: https://www.world-food-forum.org/innovation-lab/startup-innovation-awards/en/
Deadline: The application deadline for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards is June 15, 2024.

62) Fund Her Future Grant

Donor: Block Advisors by H&R Block

About: The Fund Her Future Grant provides funds and services to empower women-owned businesses, especially those making a difference in their communities. Block Advisors is addressing the funding and resource challenges faced by women founders by offering more than $100,000 in grants and services. The program will award one first prize of $50,000 and four honorable mentions of $12,500 each. All winners receive a year of small business services including business structure analysis, bookkeeping, payroll, Beneficial Ownership reporting, and tax support.

Focus: Women-owned businesses, community impact, business growth

Region: United States

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses, small businesses with at least 51% female ownership, owners 18 years or older, operating in the U.S.

Benefits: $50,000 grant for first prize, $12,500 grants for honorable mentions, one year of small business services

URL: https://www.blockadvisors.com/fund-her-future-small-business-grants/

Deadline: May 26, 2024

63) She’s Connected by AT&T

Donor: AT&T

About: A grant opportunity to support female-owned small businesses in the U.S. The program offers a chance to win $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and promotion through the She’s Connected by AT&T platform. The goal is to highlight and support women entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Focus: Female entrepreneurship, small business support, brand building

Region: United States

Eligibility: Female-owned small businesses, legal U.S. residents, 18 years or older, 50 employees or less

Benefits: $50,000, one year of AT&T service with a new device, feature episode involvement

URL: https://www.att.com/shesconnected/

Deadline: July 10, 2024

64) Honeycomb Credit Community Funding Program

Donor: Honeycomb Credit
Funding Information: The Honeycomb Credit Community Funding Program provides an opportunity for local businesses to borrow money from everyday investors in their community. By launching an offering on Honeycomb, business owners can raise the funds they need to grow while sharing their financial success with their customers, fans, and community. The program offers fixed-rate, 3-5 year term loans with terms tailored to suit the needs of the business. Once the offering minimum is reached, funds can be disbursed quickly, allowing businesses to access capital faster than ever. Additionally, Honeycomb handles all repayments and tax documentation for the life of the loan, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the business owner.
Focus Areas: Local business growth, Community funding
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Open to local businesses in the United States seeking funding and willing to engage with their community through investment offerings.
Benefits:
• Access to capital through borrowing from local investors.
• Hands-on support from a team of small business experts throughout the process.
• Compliant marketing plan and campaign strategy to maximize success.
• Professionally shot campaign video showcasing the business and investment offering.
Grant Website: https://www.honeycombcredit.com/grow?utm_campaign=Fundid&utm_source=fundidDeadline: Rolling applications

65) BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program

Donor: BMO

About: The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program aims to support the growth of women-owned businesses by providing financial aid. Launched in collaboration with Deloitte, this program is designed to help businesses expand through new products/services or markets. Fifteen women-owned businesses will be awarded grant packages.

Focus: Business growth, women-owned businesses, financial aid

Region: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Eligibility: Women-owned businesses, for-profit businesses, operating for at least 2 years, annual revenues of $5 million USD or less, located in specific U.S. states

Benefits: $10,000 USD, personalized crystal vase, one hour of coaching, potential membership facilitation, online profile, recipient badge

URL: https://www.bmo.com/en-us/main/business-banking/women-in-business/

Deadline: May 14, 2024

66) Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT)

Donor: Maryland Department of Commerce
Funding Information: The Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT) aims to support small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, in targeted areas surrounding six Maryland casinos. The fund utilizes proceeds from video lottery terminals (slots) to provide financial assistance to eligible businesses. At least 50% of the VLT allocations are deployed to small, minority, and women-owned businesses within the specified areas, while the remaining 50% is available to similar businesses located throughout Maryland. The funding can be used for various business needs, helping to promote growth and economic development in the state.
Focus Areas: Small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, economic development
Region: Targeted areas surrounding Maryland casinos and throughout Maryland
Eligibility Criteria:
• Eligible Fund Managers oversee the distribution of video lottery terminal funds.
• Businesses must be small, minority-owned, or women-owned.
• Specific contact information for Fund Managers in different areas of Maryland is provided on the grant website.
Benefits: Financial support for small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, in targeted areas surrounding Maryland casinos
Opportunity for funding for various business needs, promoting growth and economic development
Grant Website: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/vlt
Contact: Maryland Department of Commerce
401 E.Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
1-888-246-6736
410-767-6300
Deadline: No specific deadline mentioned on the grant page. It is recommended to contact the Fund Managers listed on the grant page for more information and application details.

67) JVS Women Spring Fund

Donor: JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women
Funding Information: The JVS Women Spring Fund is a grant program that aims to empower women by providing financial support and resources to help them achieve their professional and personal goals. The program is open to women entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who are looking to make a positive impact. It supports a wide range of initiatives, including business ventures, education, leadership development, and social enterprises. Successful applicants receive funding, mentorship, and access to a network of resources. The grant program strives to promote gender equality and empower women from diverse backgrounds. The total funding available for the Spring 2024 cycle is up to $50,000.
Focus Areas: Women empowerment, entrepreneurship, professional development
Region: Greater Philadelphia, United States
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be women-owned enterprises with strong growth potential in Greater Philadelphia.
Benefits: Financial support of up to $50,000 per team
Access to mentorship and networking opportunities
Grant Website: https://gust.com/programs/jvs-fund-for-women-spring-2024
Deadline: June 1, 2024

68) NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business

Donor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Funding Information: The NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business grant opportunity provides support to Small Business Concerns (SBCs) for investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trials related to the mission and goals of the NINDS. This funding opportunity allows SBCs to evaluate drugs, biologics, devices, diagnostics, as well as surgical, behavioral, or rehabilitation therapies. The funding is provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The grants are structured in three phases, with Phase I focusing on establishing technical merit and feasibility, Phase II on advancing technology toward commercialization, and Phase III involving the full commercialization of the product or technology using non-SBIR funds.
Focus Areas: Neurological disorders, clinical trials, therapeutic development
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Only United States small business concerns (SBCs) are eligible to apply
• SBCs must meet specific criteria, including being organized for profit, having a place of business located in the United States, and operating primarily within the United States
• SBCs must have less than 500 employees, including affiliates
• Ownership and control requirements vary based on the type of SBC (e.g., more than 50% directly owned and controlled by individuals, venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, etc.)
• Benefits:
• Phase I grants: Total funding support (direct costs, indirect costs, fee) normally not exceeding $256,580
• Phase II grants: Total funding support (direct costs, indirect costs, fee) normally not exceeding $1,710,531
Application Process: Interested applicants can visit the grant's website to access detailed application instructions and apply online.
Grant Website: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-21-267.html
Deadline: April 6, 2024

69) ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future

Donor: Village Capital and MetLife Foundation
Funding Information: The ADAPT program aims to support startups in the United States that are addressing social resilience challenges related to climate change, healthcare, wellness, and economic mobility. The program will select 20-24 startups and provide them with a range of support, including mentorship, networking opportunities, training workshops, and exposure through Village Capital's program website and communications channels. Additionally, the top two companies from each track will receive a grant of USD $50,000 to further scale their solutions. The program includes a mix of virtual and in-person workshops, with the final Venture Forum taking place in December 2024. The application deadline is September 6, 2024.
Focus Areas: Social resilience, climate change, healthcare, wellness, economic mobility
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity
• Headquarters or operations in the US
• Market-based solution addressing social resilience challenges
• Minimum viable product (MVP) and raised less than $1.5M in equity
• At least one full-time founder based in the US
• Meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, can include successful pilots, number of users, strategic partnerships)
Benefits:
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with investors, founders, and business leaders
• Connections with other founders in the program and Village Capital's investor and alumni network
• Three interactive workshop weeks tailored to help companies identify early milestones and prepare for their next round of capital
• One-on-one coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model and using financial metrics to drive business and investor diligence
• Exposure on Village Capital's program website and other communication collateral
• Opportunity to receive a grant of USD $50,000 for the top two companies from each track
Grant Website: https://vilcap.com/programs/adapt-innovation-for-social-resilience-united-states
Deadline: September 6, 2024

70) John Templeton Foundation's Grant Program in 2024

Donor: John Templeton Foundation
Funding Information: The John Templeton Foundation's Grant Program in 2024 aims to support innovative thinkers with unconventional ideas that challenge traditional notions and span across different fields. The foundation provides funding opportunities for research and public engagement in various funding areas, including Character Virtue Development, Culture & Global Perspectives, Life Sciences, Public Engagement, Philosophy & Theology, Individual Freedom & Free Markets, Human Sciences, and Mathematical & Physical Sciences. The foundation seeks to foster open-mindedness, enhance knowledge, and stimulate inquisitiveness through its creative programs that engage the public with these ideas. Grant recipients may also gain access to a network of scholars and experts in their field, along with collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The foundation values projects with the potential for long-term impact and lasting change in their respective fields.
Focus Areas: Character Virtue Development, Culture & Global Perspectives, Life Sciences, Public Engagement, Philosophy & Theology, Individual Freedom & Free Markets, Human Sciences, Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Region: Global (charitable entities inside and outside the United States may apply)
Eligibility Criteria:
• Innovative programs that engage the public with unconventional ideas
• Research and catalyze conversations that inspire awe and wonder
• Charitable entities (including individuals and for-profit companies engaged in charitable work) consistent with the foundation's tax-exempt status
Benefits:
• Support for innovative and interdisciplinary research, public engagement and outreach, and programs promoting character development and spiritual growth
• Access to a network of scholars and experts in the respective field
• Collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities
• Potential for long-term impact and lasting change
Application Process: The grant application process consists of two stages. The first stage is the Online Funding Inquiry (OFI), which requires basic information about the proposed project, such as the project title, request amount, relevant dates, project importance, a brief description of activities, and involved people and organizations. After completing and submitting the OFI, applicants may be invited to submit a detailed Full Proposal.
Grant Website: https://www.templeton.org/grants/apply-for-grant
Deadline: August 19, 2024

71) Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM)

Donor: Environmental Protection Agency
Funding Information: The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM) is a competitive pass-through program initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program aims to support community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible subrecipient groups representing underserved and disadvantaged communities. The EPA will select multiple pass-through entities to provide grant funds via subawards to these organizations. The funding is intended to address environmental justice concerns and promote sustainable and equitable communities. The total program funding available for this opportunity is estimated to be $550 million, with individual awards ranging up to $50 million. The application deadline has been extended to June 30, 2024.
Focus Areas: Environmental justice, community empowerment, sustainability
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofits and businesses
Benefits:
• Estimated total program funding of $550 million
• Potential grant awards of up to $50 million
• Support for community-based nonprofit organizations and eligible subrecipient groups
• Opportunity to address environmental justice issues and promote sustainable communities
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=346337
Deadline: June 30, 2024

72) Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Donor: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and Centre Foundation
Funding Information: The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program aims to provide financial resources and access to small business consulting services for creative entrepreneurs in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania. The program supports aspiring for-profit business owners as well as existing micro businesses in the creative industries. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are available to help entrepreneurs grow their business, audience, and revenue. The program particularly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prioritizes investments in creative entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and those located in and benefiting low-income communities.
Region: Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania, United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be at least 18 years old and a current resident of Pennsylvania for at least one year
• The business's gross revenue must be less than $200,000
• Must be a creative entrepreneur in one or more of the following creative industry areas: Marketing, Architecture, Visual Arts & Crafts, Design, Film & Media, Digital Games, Music & Entertainment, or Publishing.
Benefits: Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,000 to support the growth of creative businesses.
Application Process: Interested applicants can visit the Centre Foundation website for more information and to apply. For inquiries about the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, applicants can contact Rachael Hartman at (814) 237-6229 or rachael@centre-foundation.org.
Grant Website: https://centre-foundation.org/granting-programs/pennsylvania-council-on-the-arts-partnership/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator-program/
Deadline: Rolling basis

73) BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards

Donor: BBVA Foundation
Funding Information: The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards recognize outstanding contributions in various domains of scientific knowledge, technology, humanities, and artistic creation. These awards encompass a wide range of disciplines, including Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), Biology and Biomedicine, Information and Communication Technologies, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Climate Change, Economics, Finance, and Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Music and Opera. The Climate Change Award acknowledges research efforts and impactful actions related to addressing climate change, while the Humanities and Social Sciences award alternates annually between these two disciplinary domains. The Music and Opera category includes composition, performance, musical direction, stage direction, and video art creation associated with musical or operatic works. The total prize fund for the awards is €400,000, which will be divided equally among the winners in each category. Additionally, winners receive a diploma and a commemorative artwork.
Focus Areas: Science, technology, humanities, artistic creation
Region: Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria:
• Nominations can be submitted by scientific or cultural organizations, institutions, societies, academies of science or culture, R&D centers, university schools or departments, research or teaching institutes, hospital departments and biomedical research centers, schools of music, orchestras, opera theaters and associations, public agencies, and other relevant organizations.
• Winners of the Nobel Prize and past winners of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards are eligible to nominate.
• The same nominating organization or individual can nominate multiple candidates, but no candidate can be nominated in more than one award category.
Benefits:
Monetary prize of €400,000 divided equally among the winners in each category.
Diploma and commemorative artwork.
Application Process: Nominations should be submitted through the dedicated form on the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards website. Nominations and accompanying documentation must be in English. The nominating institution or individual should provide information such as the award category, nominating institution and officer/body contact details, a signed letter of nomination, candidate particulars including affiliation and contact information, a description of the candidate's contributions and reasoned arguments for the nomination (up to three pages, single-spaced), and the candidate's curriculum vitae. If multiple individuals or organizations jointly submit a nomination, a nomination coordinator should be appointed to merge all materials into a single entry. The BBVA Foundation will confirm the acceptance of the entry and provide a reference number for subsequent correspondence. Incomplete or erroneous documentation will be notified for rectification within a specific timeframe. The BBVA Foundation ensures the confidentiality of all documentation received.
Grant Website: https://www.frontiersofknowledgeawards-fbbva.es/conditions/
Deadline: June 30, 2024

74) Promoting Research on Music and Health: Phased Innovation Award for Music Interventions

Funding Agency: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Funding Information: The Promoting Research on Music and Health grant aims to support innovative research focused on understanding the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of music interventions for the treatment of various diseases, disorders, and conditions. The grant utilizes a phased R61/R33 funding mechanism to facilitate mechanistic research and evaluate the clinical relevance of music interventions. The R61 phase provides funding for investigating the biological mechanisms or behavioral processes underlying music interventions in animal models, healthy human subjects, and/or clinical populations. It can also be used to develop innovative technology or approaches to enhance music intervention research. The R33 phase supports further mechanistic investigations in human subjects or animal models, intervention development, and pilot clinical studies. The grant encourages collaborations among basic researchers, translational science researchers, music intervention experts, clinical researchers, music health professionals, and technology development researchers. Preliminary data is not required to apply for this grant. The application deadline is June 19, 2024.
Focus Areas: Music and health research, music interventions, clinical applications
Eligibility Criteria:
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• County governments, city or township governments, special district governments
• Small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Independent school districts, state governments
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education
• Eligible agencies of the Federal Government, U.S. territories or possessions
• Regional organizations, faith-based or community-based organizations
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs)
• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)
• Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Benefits: $350,000
• Phased funding approach with the R61 phase providing initial support and the R33 phase supporting further investigations and pilot clinical studies
• Funding for research on biological mechanisms, behavioral processes, intervention development, and technology enhancement in the context of music interventions
• Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations and partnerships
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=328109
Deadline: June 19, 2024

75) TRANSFORM Business Grant

Donor: TRANSFORM
Funding Information: The TRANSFORM Business Grant supports entrepreneurs from systemically oppressed groups by providing a $1,000 microgrant and a customized, year-long business strategy and development program to each grantee. The grant is designed to empower individuals who are making a social impact and demonstrate financial need. There are two grant cycles in 2024, with applications accepted between February 20th-March 20th and July 20th-August 20th.
Focus Areas: Social impact, marginalized groups, financial need
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must belong to systemically oppressed groups, including but not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need
• Open to individuals and teams/groups
• Open to applicants in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status
Benefits:
• Financial support of $1,000 as a microgrant
• Customized, year-long business strategy and development program for each grantee
Grant Website: https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/
Deadline:
• March cycle: February 20th - March 20th, 2024
• August cycle: July 20th - August 20th, 2024

76) Small Business Sweepstakes

Donor: Index by Pinger
Funding Information: In celebration of Small Business Month, Index is giving away $5,000 to one lucky small business. The aim is to help small businesses succeed by allowing them to use the prize money in any way they see fit, such as investing in branding, marketing, equipment upgrades, inventory, or cash reserves. To enter, participants must fill out an entry form providing information about their business and explaining how they would use the prize money if they won. The maximum number of entries per business is five. The sweepstakes ends on May 31, and the winner will be announced on July 16.
Focus Areas: Small business support, business growth
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Open to small businesses in the United States
• Applicant must be 18 years or older
• Applicant must be the founder or a key team member
Benefits: Financial support of $5,000 for one small business
Can be used for branding, marketing, equipment upgrades, inventory, or cash reserves
Potential media exposure upon winning the sweepstakes
Grant Website: https://getindex.com/smallbizsweepstakes
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Winner Announcement: July 16, 2024

77) The TL Effect Grant

Donor: ThirdLove
Funding Information: The TL Effect is an entrepreneurial mentorship program established in 2020 to encourage and support startups led by women of color. Every year, one recipient is selected to receive a $20,000 grant, brand amplification, business and financial advice from ThirdLove's founders, and close mentorship from ThirdLove team members in their area of expertise. The program aims to provide resources and mentorship to help women of color scale and succeed in their businesses.
Focus Areas: Supporting women of color entrepreneurs, mentorship, startup development
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicant must identify as a woman of color
• Applicant must be a founder or key team member of a startup or small business
• Business must be located in the United States
Benefits:
• Financial support of $20,000 for one selected startup
• Brand amplification and exposure
• Business and financial advice from ThirdLove's founders
• Close mentorship from ThirdLove team members in their area of expertise
Grant Website: https://www.thirdlove.com/pages/tl-effect
Deadline: Ongoing

78) D-Prize Distribution Challenge

Donor: D-Prize
Funding Information: D-Prize aims to seed new ventures that distribute proven poverty interventions to close delivery gaps and increase access to basic poverty-fighting tools. The most promising teams will be awarded up to $20,000 USD to launch their new organization wherever extreme poverty exists. Applicants must design a new business or NGO that solves one of the Distribution Challenges listed on the D-Prize website. The competition has multiple challenge categories, including health, water, education, agriculture, livelihoods, energy, public services, and custom.
Focus Areas: Poverty alleviation, access to basic services, distribution of proven interventions
Region: Global (wherever extreme poverty exists)
Eligibility Criteria:
• Aspiring entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world, of any age, and any background
• Majority of awardees have not launched nor raised any funding
• Existing organizations can apply if distributing an existing intervention, have a need for high-risk capital, have operated for no more than 18 months, and raised no more than $30,000 in outside funding
Benefits: Financial support of up to $20,000 to launch new ventures addressing poverty and access to basic services
Potential networking and collaboration opportunities with other D-Prize entrepreneurs
Grant Website: https://d-prize.org/
Deadlines:
• Early Submission Deadline: May 14, 2024, at 23:59 PT (UTC -7)
• Regular Submission Deadline: June 4, 2024, at 23:59 PT
• Extension Deadline (for those who register): June 24, 2024, at 23:59 PT
• Register for an extension: www.d-prize.org/extension

79) GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation 2.0

Donor: GSMA, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Funding Information: The GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation 2.0 aims to support small and growing enterprises, including startups, leveraging digital technology to pilot or scale solutions that help vulnerable communities in LMICs build resilience against the impact of climate change and strengthen biodiversity. Grant funding of between GBP 100,000 and GBP 250,000 will be awarded to successful projects over 15 to 18 months, along with tailored technical assistance, including mentoring, networking, partnership facilitation, and monitoring and evaluation support.
Focus Areas: Climate resilience, adaptation solutions, digital technology, vulnerable populations
Region: Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Albania, and Moldova
Eligibility Criteria:
• Leverage digital technology, especially mobile, to deliver climate resilience and adaptation solutions
• Be a small and growing enterprise or start-up working in eligible countries
• Have active users and commercial revenue in at least one eligible country
• Be registered and operating in the country of project implementation
• Be fully compliant with relevant business licensing, taxation, employee, and other regulations
• Be registered and have a bank account capable of receiving GBP payments
• Demonstrate income derived mostly from commercial activities or a path to sustainability
• Commit to providing 25% or 50% matching funding depending on the total grant amount requested
Benefits: Financial support of GBP 100,000 to GBP 250,000 for selected projects
Tailored technical assistance, including mentoring, networking, and partnership facilitation
Monitoring and evaluation support
Grant Website: https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/the-gsma-innovation-fund-for-climate-resilience-and-adaptation/
Deadline: May 16, 2024

80) RDC Micro-Grant Fund

Donor: Regional Development Corporation
Funding Information: RDC's Micro-Grant Fund aims to help businesses in Northern New Mexico diversify, sustain or grow revenue, leverage other investments, and implement systems that lead to growth and job creation. The grant provides awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. Technical support and information on other funding opportunities are available to all applicants. The application process requires detailing critical purchases that will advance the commercial progress of the company. The deadline for applications is May 12, 2024.
Focus Areas: Business diversification, revenue growth, job creation
Region: Northern New Mexico (Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County)
Eligibility Criteria:
• For-profit business of any type, size, or stage
• Headquartered in one of the eligible counties in Northern New Mexico
• Business license, CRS#, and a business-only bank account
• In business for at least 6 months or more from the opening date of the application process
• Preference given to businesses located in rural areas and those not previously awarded
Benefits: Financial support of $500 to $3,000 for business growth and diversification
Can be used for purchasing equipment, consulting services, or specialized software
Access to technical support and information on other funding opportunities
Grant Website: https://www.rdcnm.org/microgrant-fund
Deadline: May 12, 2024

81) Project Grant Program - Individuals and Collectives

Donor: Calgary Arts Development
Funding Information: The Project Grant Program is aimed at providing one-time project funding to individual artists and artist collectives in Calgary, working in any artistic discipline with a professional practice. The program focuses on supporting projects that align with artistic practices, everyday creativity, and the vibrancy and vitality of Calgary's arts sector. Individual artists may apply for up to $15,000, and artist collectives may apply for up to $20,000. The total funding available for this program is $2 million. The application deadline is May 10, 2024.
Focus Areas: Artistic practices, everyday creativity, community initiatives, youth initiatives
Region: Calgary, Canada
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be individual artists or artist collectives
• Applicants must be based in Calgary, Canada
• Projects funded through this program must be completed by December 31, 2024
Benefits: Financial support of up to $15,000 for individual artists and up to $20,000 for artist collectives
Can be used for research, creation, development, production, presentation, or dissemination of artistic work
Support for experimentation or development of new or adapted approaches to practice
Grant Website: https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/programs/project-grant-program-individuals-collectives/
Deadline: May 10, 2024

82) Ladies Who Launch FUND Bootcamp

Donor: Ladies Who Launch

Funding Information: The FUND Bootcamp is a program that offers 120 women and non-binary small business owners across four U.S. cities the opportunity to participate in a one-week virtual bootcamp focused on funding and financing options. Thirty participants in each city will be selected to attend the bootcamp, culminating in an in-person networking event and pitch competition for a chance to win a cash prize to support their business growth. Applications are open from April 18 to May 31, 2024.
Focus Areas: Women and non-binary entrepreneurs, small business financing, education and networking
Region: Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, and Detroit
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicant must be a woman or non-binary founder or co-founder of the company
• Business must be registered within the greater metropolitan area of the city for the bootcamp they are applying to
• Applicant must be a legal resident or citizen of the United States or a U.S. territory
• Applicants must be 21 years or older • Only one entrepreneur per business may apply and/or participate
• Business must be at least 51% owned by participating founder or co-founder
• Business can be either a products- or services-based business
• Business must have an annual gross revenue between $25,000 - $199,999
Benefits: Participation in a one-week virtual bootcamp on funding and financing options, in-person networking event, and the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for a cash prize
Grant Website: https://www.ladieswholaunch.org/fund-program
Deadline: May 31, 2024 Program Dates and Locations:
• Atlanta, GA: Bootcamp from October 23-27, 2024; Pitch Competition on November 2, 2024
• Baltimore, MD: Bootcamp from September 11-15, 2024; Pitch Competition on September 21, 2024
• Denver, CO: Bootcamp from July 31-August 4, 2024; Pitch Competition on August 10, 2024
• Detroit, MI: Bootcamp from August 21-25, 2024; Pitch Competition on August 31, 2024

83) Driving Small Business Forward

Donor: Progressive Commercial
Funding Information: The Driving Small Business Forward fund program aims to support Black-owned small businesses by providing $25,000 towards a commercial vehicle for 10 selected businesses. Progressive Commercial, as the leading commercial auto insurer in the United States, is dedicated to serving small businesses and addressing the financial inequities faced by Black entrepreneurs. The grant can be used towards the purchase of a commercial vehicle that will help the business grow and expand its operations.
Focus Areas: Supporting Black-owned small businesses, promoting growth and expansion
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be a for-profit business majority (51%+) owned and operated by a Black-identifying entrepreneur(s)
• Applicant must be 18 years or older and a US resident
Benefits: Financial support of $25,000 towards a commercial vehicle for 10 Black-owned small businesses
Can be used to purchase a commercial vehicle to help grow the business
Increased visibility and potential exposure through the program
Grant Website: https://helloalice.com/grants/progressive/
Deadline: June 2, 2024, at 6 p.m. ET

84) Re-Start Retention Grant Program

Donor: City of Aurora, Illinois
Funding Information: The Re-Start Retention Grant Program was established to support small businesses located in all commercial areas of the City of Aurora that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the program is to prevent business closures and job losses by providing financial assistance for business expenses and operational costs. Grants will be awarded to reimburse a portion of business losses suffered as a direct result of the public health crisis and to help businesses adapt to new demands. The application process opens on February 1, 2024 and requires submitting a completed application form along with all required documentation and signatures.
Focus Areas: Small business support, COVID-19 pandemic recovery
Region: City of Aurora, Illinois
Eligibility Criteria:
• Business must be located in the City of Aurora
• Business must not be government-owned
• Business must not be delinquent on any State of Illinois tax obligations
• Business must not engage in activities unlawful under Illinois or federal law
• Business must not be on the federal System for Award Management excluded parties list
• Business must not have permanently closed
• Business must not employ more than 50 employees
• Applicant must not have made more than $2 million in gross revenue in 2019, 2020, or 2021
• Business must not have any outstanding code enforcement violations
Benefits: Financial support of $10,000 to help cover business expenses and operational costs
Assistance to prevent business closure and loss of jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Grant Website: https://www.aurora-il.org/DocumentCenter/View/10796/ENG-Re-Start-Grant-Application-August-2024
Deadline: May 30, 2024

85) Regional Council Capital Fund Program (ESD Grants - REDC)

Donor: Empire State Development
Funding Information: The Regional Council Capital Fund Program aims to support capital-based economic development initiatives that create or retain jobs, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and increase business activity in communities across New York State. The program is part of the State's Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which works in cooperation with 10 Regional Economic Development Councils to drive regional and local economic growth.
Focus Areas: Job creation and retention, economic development, community growth
Region: New York State
Eligibility Criteria:
• Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, not-for-profit corporations, business improvement districts, local development corporations, public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies), economic development organizations, research and academic institutions, incubators, technology parks, municipalities, counties, regional planning councils, tourist attractions, and community facilities
• Funds may be used for acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery, and/or equipment; acquisition of existing businesses and/or assets; demolition and environmental remediation; new construction, renovation, or leasehold improvements; acquisition of furniture and fixtures; soft costs up to 25% of total project costs; and planning and feasibility studies related to a capital project
Benefits: Capital grant funding for eligible economic development projects aimed at job creation and retention, and increased business activity
Grant Website: https://esd.ny.gov/regional-council-capital-fund-program
How to Apply: Applicants must complete and submit a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for review by Empire State Development and the Regional Council for the region in which the proposed project is located. For more information, eligible applicants should contact the local Empire State Development Regional Office.

86) BREAKTHROUGH Program

Donor: digitalundivided in partnership with JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways
Funding Information: BREAKTHROUGH is a national program that supports Black and Latinx women founders and their businesses in breaking through barriers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each company accepted into the cohort will receive a $5,000 grant. The program aims to empower innovative Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs to accelerate their revenue past the 5-figure mark and scale their businesses.
Focus Areas: Supporting Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs, business growth, technology integration
Region: Oakland/Bay Area, California, USA
Eligibility Criteria:
• Identify as a Black or Latina woman
• Have an established business in the Oakland/Bay Area that has been registered for at least 1 year
• Have majority ownership of an established for-profit business with demonstrated traction
• Have a technology component to the business (website or mobile app)
• Generate a minimum of $50,000 annual business revenue
Benefits:
• Financial support of $5,000 for selected businesses
• Participation in the BREAKTHROUGH Program from June 20th to July 6th, with a final celebratory event
• Networking opportunities and potential mentorship from industry professionals
Grant Website: https://www.digitalundivided.com/breakthrough
Deadline: May 21, 2024

87) Community Leader (All In Neighborhood) Grants

Donor: Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC)
Funding Information: CitizensNYC awards micro-grants up to $3,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to address issues they identify as important to them. The grantmaking focuses on supporting projects that bring residents together to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships. The aim is to boost civic engagement, neighborhood wealth, and community health, especially in low-income communities.
Eligibility Criteria: Resident-led groups addressing issues important to their community
Focus Areas: Community building, neighborhood improvement, local leadership, community partnerships, small business support
Region: New York City
Benefits: Financial support up to $3,000 for community building projects
Grant Website: https://www.citizensnyc.org/grantmaking
Deadline: Not specified, please check the grant page for updates

88) Neighborhood Business Grants

Donor: Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC)
Funding Information: Grants up to $10,000 are awarded to fill gaps in funding by prioritizing businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. The program focuses on businesses that give back to the community they serve, such as providing hiring opportunities for community members, donating food, or partnering with community-based organizations. Proposals that focus on both physical and human infrastructure (e.g., technical system upgrades, location alterations, hiring support, marketing, training, PPE) will be prioritized. The program provides grants rather than loans.
Grant Website: https://www.citizensnyc.org/grantmaking
Deadline: Not specified, please check the grant page for updates
Focus Areas: Community building, neighborhood improvement, local leadership, community partnerships, small business support
Region: New York City
Eligibility Criteria:
• Small businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, or women
• Businesses that give back to their community
Benefits:
• Financial support up to $10,000 for small businesses
• Focus on businesses that contribute to their community

89) The Blueprint Grant

Donor: SheaMoisture
Funding Information: The Blueprint Grant celebrates the undeniable influence of Black women on the beauty industry and aims to uplift the next generation of trailblazers. This grant and mentorship program provides support and guidance to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are forging their unique paths. The grant amount is not specified but will be based on the applicant's project proposal and budget requirements.
Focus Areas: Beauty industry
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicant must identify as a Black woman
• Applicant must be an entrepreneur, founder, or creator in the beauty industry
• Must be based in the United States
Benefits: Financial support for beauty projects
Mentorship from experienced professionals in the beauty industry
Networking opportunities within the SheaMoisture community
Grant Website: https://www.sheamoisture.com/theblueprint.html
Deadline: Ongoing

90) Black Ambition Prize

Donor: Black Ambition (Founded by Pharrell Williams)
Funding Information: The Black Ambition Prize aims to support Black, Hispanic, and HBCU-affiliated founders in the fields of consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and Web 3.0. The competition provides access to growth capital, pitch feedback, and mentorship. Eligible ventures will compete for awards between $15,000 to $1,000,000, with up to 250 semi-finalists selected and one grand prize winner receiving $1,000,000. The deadline for applications is May 8, 2024.
Focus Areas: Consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, Web 3.0
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• For-profit venture in the specified fields
• Legally incorporated in the U.S.
• Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx
Benefits:
• Prize award of $15,000 to $1,000,000
• Coaching through pitch, wellness, and leadership workshops
• Community support through online and in-person events and funder introductions
• Cohort-based mentorship
• Exclusive training opportunities with global brands
• Resources and support valued at more than $20,000 through partners
• Graphic design support
• Marketing opportunities
Grant Website: https://www.blackambitionprize.com/apply-now/
Deadline: May 8, 2024

91) Small Business Marketing Grant

Donor: AnnuityFreedom
Funding Information: The Small Business Marketing Grant is aimed at supporting Black-owned and minority-owned businesses by providing free SEO evaluations, advice, and planning to help drive organic traffic from search engines. There is no cap on the number of grant recipients per month, and selections are made on a rolling basis. There is no application deadline. Note that there is no cash component in this grant.
Focus Areas: SEO evaluations, marketing support, minority-owned businesses
Region: Not specified
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicant must have a live website (social media accounts do not qualify)
• Open to feedback and recommendations
• Can access their website editor or CMS to make site revisions
• Has a Google account to request assistance via Google Form
• Has a verified Google Search Console for their website
Benefits: Free SEO evaluations, advice, and planning to help drive organic traffic from search engines
No application fee or additional costs
Grant Website: Google Form link provided
Deadline: Rolling for marketing consideration
Winner Selection: Based on whether and how much the program thinks they can help the applicant

92) Greenhouse Accelerator Program - Juntos Crecemos Edition

Donor: PepsiCo
Funding Information: The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a six-month, mentor-guided program supporting the growth of Hispanic-owned food and beverage small businesses in the United States. The program is part of PepsiCo's Racial Equality Journey, aiming to invest $50 million in Hispanic small businesses over five years. Ten selected companies will receive a $20,000 grant and participate in a business optimization program. At the end of the program, one winning company will be awarded an additional $100,000 in funding and an opportunity to continue working with PepsiCo.
Focus Areas: Hispanic-owned food and beverage businesses, innovative solutions in the food and beverage industry
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Net-revenue between $250,000 to $2,000,000 USD in the last financial year
• Be a Hispanic-owned business with licensing in the United States
• Be willing to work with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator mentors and public relations team throughout the six-month Accelerator program and attend Accelerator events
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Benefits:
• Financial support of $20,000 for 10 selected companies
• Personalized mentorship from PepsiCo experts
• Access to a six-month business optimization program
• One winning company will receive an additional $100,000 in funding and the opportunity to continue working with PepsiCo
Grant Website: https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/juntos-crecemos/
Important Dates:
• Applications Open: April 10, 2024
• Applications Close: May 15, 2024
• Program Launch Event: June 28, 2024
• Program Mid-Point Virtual Event: August 2024
• Winner Announcement Event: November 2024

93) Caress Dreams Fund Grant

Donor: Caress in partnership with IFundWomen
Funding Information: The Caress Dreams Fund Grant is a program aimed at supporting and elevating women of color founders. Caress has invested $1M to fund these entrepreneurs and is continuing their commitment by awarding 12 deserving applicants with $5,000 grants each. Additionally, recipients will receive a seat in the award-winning IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator, which will provide them with the tools and resources necessary to successfully crowdfund their projects in 2024.
Focus Areas: Women of Color entrepreneurs and their businesses
Region: United States (including the District of Columbia)
Eligibility Criteria:
• The applicant must be a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia.
• The applicant must be at least the age of majority (18 years old in most U.S. states, 19 in NE and AL, and 21 in MS) at the time of entry.
• The applicant's business must be operating for at least one full calendar year, beginning no later than April 10, 2024.
• The applicant's business must have annual revenue of $10K or more.
• The applicant must be willing to crowdfund in 2024.
Benefits:
• A $5,000 grant to support and grow the applicant's business.
• A seat in the IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator, which will provide tools and resources for successful crowdfunding in 2024.
Grant Website: https://ifundwomen.com/grants/caress-dreams-2024-application
Deadline: May 24, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST

94) TEDCO Social Impact Funds

Donor: TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation)
Funding Information: TEDCO's Social Impact Funds, including the Pre-Seed Builder Fund and the Inclusion Fund, are designed to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities. The funds focus on pre-seed and early-stage technology start-ups and aim to optimize the path to follow-on funding for sustainability. The Pre-Seed Builder Fund typically invests up to $200,000 via convertible notes, while the Inclusion Fund supports companies that face challenges securing pre-seed and seed funding.
Focus Areas: Technology start-ups from all industries
Region: Maryland, USA
Eligibility Criteria:
For Pre-Seed Builder Fund:
• Principal place of business in Maryland
• At least one full-time employee
• No less than 50% of founders demonstrate economic disadvantage

For Inclusion Fund:
• At least one full-time employee
• Founder, officers, or managers agree to receive executive support
• At least 30% ownership by one or more individuals who have demonstrated social and economic disadvantage
• For at least one year after receiving TEDCO's investment, the company must be controlled and managed by one or more individuals who have demonstrated social and economic disadvantage
Benefits:
• Pre-Seed Builder Fund: Investment up to $200,000 via convertible notes, hands-on and educational executive support, peer-to-peer mentorship/collaboration, and networking opportunities
• Inclusion Fund: Investment in early-stage technology start-ups, executive support, and opportunity for follow-on financing or investing
Grant Website: https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/social-impact-funds
Deadline: Applications are assessed on an ongoing basis. Apply through the online application page on TEDCO's website.
Additional Notes: Before applying, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the applicable TEDCO investment legislation regulations at 14.04.01 (Definitions), 14.04.02 (Investment Programs), and 14.04.07 (Investment Committee).

95) SBDC Technology Commercialization Support

Donor: Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Funding Information: The SBDC's Technology Support Center offers specialized services to researchers, entrepreneurs, and firms in science and engineering-oriented industries. These services help them identify, develop, and commercialize their technologies, including research and development or the innovation of existing technology applied in new ways. The support offered includes one-on-one counseling, training, workshops, and resources for businesses engaged in technology transfer, licensing, and government contracts, such as SBIR/STTR.
Focus Areas: Engineering, biosciences, information technology, agriculture, and other high-tech areas.
Region: Maryland, United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations
Benefits:
• One-on-one counseling at no cost
• Training on topics like commercialization strategies, intellectual property protection, and proposal preparation
• Financial support through SBIR, including proposal review and analysis
• Assistance with technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization
• Intellectual property protection support
• Alternative financial sources, such as preparing for angel or venture-capital funding
• Access to technology resources in Maryland
Grant Website: https://www.marylandsbdc.org/consulting/technology-commercialization
Deadline: Ongoing
Additional Notes: This opportunity is not a traditional grant but provides support and resources for technology-focused businesses. The SBDC Technology Support Center aims to help businesses in technology commercialization and growth.

96) NIWC Pacific Broad Agency Announcement - C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research, Cryogenics & Quantum

Donor: Department of Defense, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
Funding Information: This funding opportunity aims to advance Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities, enabling technologies for Information Operations and Cyberspace Operations, and Information Technology systems. The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) is looking for unique and innovative approaches for defining and developing next-generation integratable C4ISR capabilities and command suites. The funding is available through procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions.
Focus Areas:
• C4ISR capabilities advancement
• Information Operations enabling technologies
• Cyberspace Operations enabling technologies
• Information Technology systems research
• Cryogenics & Quantum research
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations, teams
Benefits: The funding opportunity does not specify an award ceiling or floor, but it offers financial support for research and development in the specified focus areas.
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=340981
Deadline: June 07, 2024
Additional Notes: This funding opportunity is considered to be the result of full and open competition, fully compliant with PL 98-369, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984."

97) CyberCorps(R) Scholarship for Service

Donor: National Science Foundation
Funding Information: The CyberCorps(R) Scholarship for Service program is authorized by the National Science Foundation (NSF), in coordination with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to offer a scholarship program to recruit and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission of federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
The program aims to increase the number of qualified and diverse cybersecurity candidates for government cybersecurity positions; improve the national capacity for the education of cybersecurity professionals and research and development workforce; hire, monitor, and retain high-quality CyberCorps® graduates in the cybersecurity mission of the Federal Government; and strengthen partnerships between institutions of higher education and federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
Focus Areas: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Proposals may only be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US. Community colleges are eligible only as sub-awardees of the partnering four-year SFS institutions. As of the submission deadline, PIs, co-PIs, or other senior project personnel must hold primary, full-time, paid appointments in research or teaching positions at US-based campuses of institutions eligible to submit to this solicitation.
Benefits: The program has an estimated total program funding of $20,000,000 with an award ceiling of $5,000,000 and an award floor of $2,000,000.
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347330
Deadline: Jul 17, 2024

98) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Universal Access to Information and Communication Technology

Donor: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living
Funding Information: The RERC program aims to enhance the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. It conducts advanced engineering research and develops innovative technologies to address specific rehabilitation issues or remove environmental barriers. This particular RERC will focus on research, development, and related activities to ensure accessibility standards are met or exceeded for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) used by people with disabilities, promote availability and usability of individualized ICT configurations across devices and contexts, and identify barriers and facilitators of sustainable adoption of innovations providing universal access to ICT. One grant will be awarded in FY 2024, with a 60-month project period comprising five 12-month budget periods.
Focus Areas: Rehabilitation engineering, accessibility, information and communication technology, disability services, and technology adoption
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: The estimated total program funding is $925,000, with an award ceiling of $925,000 and an award floor of $920,000.
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=342592
Deadline: June 5, 2024

99) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Universal Access to Information and Communication Technology

Donor: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living
Funding Information: The RERC program aims to enhance the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. It conducts advanced engineering research and develops innovative technologies to address specific rehabilitation issues or remove environmental barriers. This particular RERC will focus on research, development, and related activities to ensure accessibility standards are met or exceeded for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) used by people with disabilities, promote availability and usability of individualized ICT configurations across devices and contexts, and identify barriers and facilitators of sustainable adoption of innovations providing universal access to ICT. One grant will be awarded in FY 2024, with a 60-month project period comprising five 12-month budget periods.
Focus Areas: Rehabilitation engineering, accessibility, information and communication technology, disability services, and technology adoption
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: The estimated total program funding is $925,000, with an award ceiling of $925,000 and an award floor of $920,000.
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=342592
Deadline: June 5, 2024

100) New London/WBDC Small Business Grant Program

Donor: Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
Funding Information: The New London/WBDC Small Business Grant Program aims to support the growth of small businesses in New London, Connecticut. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that can demonstrate a measurable impact on the business, its growth, and profitability. The grant funds cannot be used for operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases, or debt repayment.
In addition to the grant program, the WBDC offers free business advisory services to support small businesses in Connecticut. If a business is ineligible for the grant, they can still schedule an appointment with a WBDC business advisor for assistance at microgrants@ctwbdc.org.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, job creation, and business development
Region: New London, Connecticut
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, the business must:
• Have been in business for at least one year (as of the date of application submission) with a record of sales
• Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000
• Be registered in Connecticut
• Be located in New London, Connecticut and have a zoning permit from the City of New London
• Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
• Have an established business checking account
• Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting)
• Be a for-profit business
• Be owned by a person that is at least 18 years old
Benefits: Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 for clearly defined projects that contribute to business growth and profitability
Grant Website: https://ctwbdc.org/new-london-wbdc-small-business-grant-program/
Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Upcoming review dates are as follows:
Applications submitted by February 15th, 2024
Applications submitted by March 15th, 2024
Applications submitted by April 17th, 2024

101) Pass It On Awards

Donor: AnitaB.org, Systers, and other community members
Funding Information: The Pass It On Awards Program is designed to honor Anita Borg's vision of creating a network of women technologists supporting one another. The cash awards are provided to fund women in computing or projects that inspire and support girls and women entering the field. The awards encourage recipients to "pass on" the benefits they gain, thereby fostering a movement of women helping women. These awards are funded through generous donations from Systers (Anita Borg's online community) and other community members.
Focus Areas: Assistance with studies, job transfers, or other life transitions
Broader projects benefiting girls and women in computing
Projects inspiring more girls and women to enter the computing field
Assistance with educational fees and materials
Mentoring and other support groups for women in technology or computing
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Any woman over the age of 18 may apply, as long as she is either in or aspires to be in computing fields.
Benefits: The cash awards can be used for various needs and projects, such as assistance with studies, job transfers, life transitions, educational fees and materials, or broader projects that benefit and inspire girls and women in computing.
Grant Website: https://anitab.org/awards-grants/pass-it-on-awards/
Deadline: Opening Soon

102) AnitaB.org PitcHER™ Contest

Donor: AnitaB.org in collaboration with Backstage Capital
Funding Information: The annual AnitaB.org PitcHER™ contest is a pitch competition for women and non-binary entrepreneurs leading early-stage technology startups. The competition is held at Grace Hopper Celebration, the world's largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists. The top six finalists will compete for a total of $100,000 in investment capital provided by Backstage Capital, which will be split among the top three finalists, including an Audience Favorite. The top six finalists will also receive GHC 23 registration, travel, and lodging accommodations.
Focus Areas: Early-stage technology startups led by women or non-binary founders, across various industries. The competition is sector-agnostic.
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses and nonprofit organizations
• Executive Team: The applicant must identify as a woman or non-binary, be the founder of the business, and be part of the current executive team (e.g., CEO or CTO).
• Stage: The startup is in its early stage of development (seed), with a minimum viable product (MVP) and some user feedback. Revenue is not required.
• Funding: The startup has raised less than $2 million in total funding, including self-funding, friends and family, angel investors, grants, etc.
• Location: The startup is based in the U.S. and serves the U.S. market (although it may also be international).
• Return of Capital (For-profit startups only): The startup provides compelling evidence that it will be profitable enough to reward investors for risk.
• Scale of Impact (Nonprofit startups only): The startup provides compelling evidence that it will have an impact that aligns with its mission.
Benefits: The top six finalists will compete for a total of $100,000 in investment capital provided by Backstage Capital.
The top six finalists will receive GHC 23 registration, travel, and lodging accommodations.
Accelerator Program Scholarship for all grant recipients
Access to forgivable loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.
Opportunities to explore site redevelopment or acquisition based on business growth and needs
Grant Website: https://anitab.org/awards-grants/pitcher/
Deadline: April 14, 2024

103) 1 Million Black Businesses Initiative (1MBB)

Donor: Operation HOPE, Shopify, and a coalition of 60 other corporate, governmental, and private partners
Funding Information: The 1 Million Black Businesses Initiative aims to start, grow, and scale one million Black businesses by 2030 to provide a successful path to wealth creation for the Black community. Launched in October 2020, the initiative has already supported 169,000+ Black businesses, with 5% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S. being helped by 1MBB. The funding is primarily provided by Shopify, with a 10-year commitment valued at approximately $130 million, along with the support of other partners.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, business ownership, wealth creation, financial literacy, and economic development for Blacks of America
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Black entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States
Benefits: $50,000 in small business grants, with $5,000 given to each of the ten selected businesses
Accelerator Program Scholarship for all grant recipients
Access to forgivable loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000
Opportunities to explore site redevelopment or acquisition based on business growth and needs
Grant Website: https://operationhope.org/initiatives/1-million-black-businesses/
Deadline: Ongoing
NOTE: This initiative is not a direct grant program, but rather a comprehensive support program that provides resources, education, coaching, and access to capital for Black entrepreneurs and business owners in the United States.

104) Center for Economic Inclusion Vanguard Accelerator - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

Donor: Founders First CDC, NEOO, Center for Economic Inclusion
Funding Information: The Vanguard Accelerator aims to support Black, Indigenous, and Latina-owned businesses in Minneapolis/St. Paul by offering capital investment, funding, and resources to accelerate their growth. The grant includes $50,000 in small business grants, accelerator program scholarships, access to forgivable loans, and options for site redevelopment or acquisition.
Focus Areas:
• Capital investment for Black, Indigenous, and Latina-owned businesses
• Business education and accelerator programs
• Access to forgivable loans
• Site redevelopment or acquisition opportunities
Region: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Eligibility Criteria:
• Black, Indigenous, or Latina-owned business
• Minimum of 3 years in business
• 3 or more full-time employees
• Business located in the Minneapolis or St. Paul region
• Annual business revenue between $75,000 and $3M
• Current business model: Business-to-business (B2B) only
Benefits: $50,000 in small business grants, with $5,000 given to each of the ten selected businesses
Accelerator Program Scholarship for all grant recipients
Access to forgivable loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000
Opportunities to explore site redevelopment or acquisition based on business growth and needs
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/center-for-economic-inclusion-vanguard-accelerator
Deadline: August 2024

105) Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant - Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant aims to support diverse small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by providing a total of $100,000 in grant funding to 25 businesses. The grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs and purchase, fix, or enhance equipment necessary for managing growth challenges and scaling for the future. In addition to the grant, all recipients will receive a scholarship to one of Founders First's acclaimed accelerator programs, aligning with their mission to provide continued education to founders.
A total of 90 semi-finalists will be selected for the final judging round, and 25 grant finalists will be announced during a live press event after confirming participation in a required accelerator program.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, diversity and inclusion, job creation, capacity building
Region: Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Eligibility Criteria:
• Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area
• Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million
• Current staff of 2-20 employees
• Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months
• Must be located in the state of Pennsylvania or New Jersey
Benefits: Grant amount: $100,000 in total, distributed among 25 businesses
Scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/pa-nj
Deadline: August 2024

106) SoCal Job Creators Quest Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The SoCal Job Creators Quest Grant is designed to support diverse-led small businesses in Southern California. A total of $100,000 will be distributed among 25 selected businesses, with each grant recipient also receiving a scholarship to one of Founders First's accelerator programs. The grant money can be utilized for growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs, as well as to purchase, fix, or enhance equipment necessary for managing growth challenges and scaling the business for the future.
Focus Areas: Supporting diverse-led small businesses in Southern California, job creation, and business growth
Region: Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and San Diego regions in Southern California
Eligibility Criteria:
• Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area
• Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million
• Current staff of 2-20 employees
• Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months
• Must be located in the specified Southern California regions
Benefits: Grant funding of up to $4,000 for each of the 25 selected businesses
Scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/socal
Deadline: August 2024

107) Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant aims to support diverse small businesses in Texas. A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 25 businesses, with each grant recipient also receiving a scholarship to one of Founders First's accelerator programs. The grant funding can be utilized for growth capital, to hire or rehire premium wage jobs, and to purchase, fix, or enhance equipment necessary to manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, job creation, diverse-led businesses
Region: Texas
Eligibility Criteria:
• Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area
• Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million
• Current staff of 2-20 employees
• Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months
• Must be located in North, Central, or South Texas regions
Benefits: Grant amount: A share of the $100,000 fund, awarded to 25 businesses
Accelerator Program Scholarship: All grant recipients will receive a scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/texas
Deadline: August 2024

108) National Grant for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The National Grant for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses is a $25,000 fund that will make investments of $1,000 each to 25 veterans who are running employer-based small businesses across the United States. The grant money can be used in any way the founders need, such as seeking professional assistance with preparing documents to qualify for funding. The grant is provided in honor of Stephen L. Tadlock, U.S. Navy Veteran, and is inspired by Founders First CEO, Kim Folsom's brother.
Focus Areas: Military Veteran-owned small businesses
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a U.S. military veteran
• Must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner
• Must have an active U.S. based business
• Business annual revenue does not exceed $5M
• Must have between 2 to 50 employees
Benefits: $1,000 grant for each of the 25 selected veteran-owned small businesses
Flexible use of funds to support business needs
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/stephen-tadlock
Deadline: June – August 2024

109) National Kitty Fund

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The National Kitty Fund aims to support mom-preneurs by providing micro-investments to mothers who are running employer-based small businesses with at least two employees. For 2024, the Kitty Fund will award a total of $25,000 in the form of $1,000 grants to 25 mother-led business owners. The grant money can be used for various business needs, such as seeking professional assistance with preparing documents to qualify for funding. The application process involves providing information about the business and a short pitch video. The deadline for applications is April 17, 2024.
Focus Areas: Supporting mother-led businesses, women entrepreneurs
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• Founder identifies as a mother
• Must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner
• Business must be located in the United States
• Business annual revenue does not exceed $5M
• Must have between 2 to 50 employees
Benefits: Financial support of $1,000 for 25 mother-led businesses
Can be used for various business needs
Potential exposure through the grant finalist announcement during a live press event
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kitty-fund
Deadline: April 17, 2024

110) National Pride Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC
Funding Information: The National Pride Grant aims to provide financial support for LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses across the United States. This grant will allocate a total of $25,000, divided among 25 eligible businesses, to help them grow and generate over $1 million in revenues. Recipients can explore options for site redevelopment or acquisition, depending on their stage of growth and needs, for expanding their business.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, LGBTQIA+ community, site redevelopment, and acquisition.
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:
• Identify as an LGBTQIA+ owned business
• Have a minimum of 1 year in business
• Employ 2 or more full-time employees
• Have an active U.S. based business
Benefits: Grant recipients will receive a share of the $25,000 fund, with each of the 25 selected businesses receiving an equal portion. They will also have the opportunity to explore options for developing and acquiring brick-and-mortar properties to expand their businesses.
Grant Website: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/pride-grant
Deadline: August 2024

111) Collab Capital Investment

Donor: Collab Capital
Funding Information: Collab Capital aims to decrease the racial wealth gap by investing in innovative, early-stage, Black-owned companies. They provide initial investments between $500,000 and $750,000 and follow-on investments up to $2 million. Collab Capital focuses on three core areas: the Future of Work, the Future of Care, and the Future of Learning. Their investments primarily target companies based in cities with high concentrations of Black entrepreneurs and low concentrations of capital.
Focus Areas: Businesses and startups owned by black people of America
Region: Primarily cities with high concentrations of Black entrepreneurs and low capital, such as Atlanta, Washington DC, Houston, Detroit, St. Louis, and New Orleans. Investments are limited to the US and its territories.
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses
Benefits: Initial investments between $500,000 and $750,000, with follow-on investments up to $2 million, support and networking opportunities.
Grant Website: https://collab.capital/process/
Deadline: Ongoing

112) Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Grants

Donor: Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
Funding Information: The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has various programs aimed at addressing different humanitarian challenges. Programs like the Aurora Dialogues and the Aurora Humanitarian Index aim to foster discussion and understanding of humanitarian issues, while programs like the Aurora for Artsakh and #AraratChallenge provide direct support for humanitarian crises.
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a foundation that addresses urgent humanitarian challenges worldwide, focusing on providing assistance to the most destitute. The Initiative promotes action-based philanthropy with tangible results through various programs such as the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, #AraratChallenge movement, Aurora Dialogues, Aurora Grants, Aurora Community, Aurora Index, and the 100 LIVES Initiative. The Aurora Grants, in particular, support educational initiatives, preservation of Armenian heritage, and promotion of humanitarian efforts and Armenian history.
Focus Areas: Humanitarian aid, education, Armenian heritage preservation, action-based philanthropy
Region: Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, groups
Benefits: Grant recipients receive financial support, access to a global network of humanitarians and philanthropists, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange through programs like the Aurora Community.
Grant Website: https://filmmakerswithoutborders.org/grants/ https://auroraprize.com/en/prize-about
Deadline: Ongoing

113) Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Matching Grant Program

Donor: Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
Funding Information: The Biz-M-Power program offers financial assistance to small businesses in Massachusetts for acquisition, expansion, improvement, or lease of a facility, purchase or capital lease of equipment, or other capital needs. It is a crowdfunding matching grant program, where businesses must crowdfund a minimum of $1,500 and a maximum of $20,000 to receive a 2:1 matching grant from MGCC between $3,000 and $40,000. In total, businesses can earn $60,000+ through this program. The program is funded by the Commonwealth’s Operating Budget with $7,500,000 allocated for this purpose. Preference is given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups and those operating in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, facility acquisition or improvement, equipment purchase, capital needs
Region: Massachusetts
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses
The applicant must be a small business in Massachusetts with a public-facing, brick-and-mortar location, employing 1-20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (including business owners), having annual revenue not exceeding $2,500,000, and operating for at least 3 months. Home-based businesses, nonprofits, chains, and franchises with more than 2 locations are not eligible.
Benefits: 2:1 matching grant from MGCC between $3,000 and $40,000, crowdfunding support, and optional Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Sponsor support
Grant Website: https://filmmakerswithoutborders.org/grants/ https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/bizmpower
Deadline: June 30, 2024

114) Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Matching Grant Program

Donor: Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
Funding Information: The Biz-M-Power program offers financial assistance to small businesses in Massachusetts for acquisition, expansion, improvement, or lease of a facility, purchase or capital lease of equipment, or other capital needs. It is a crowdfunding matching grant program, where businesses must crowdfund a minimum of $1,500 and a maximum of $20,000 to receive a 2:1 matching grant from MGCC between $3,000 and $40,000. In total, businesses can earn $60,000+ through this program. The program is funded by the Commonwealth’s Operating Budget with $7,500,000 allocated for this purpose. Preference is given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups and those operating in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.
Focus Areas: Small business growth, facility acquisition or improvement, equipment purchase, capital needs
Region: Massachusetts
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses
The applicant must be a small business in Massachusetts with a public-facing, brick-and-mortar location, employing 1-20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (including business owners), having annual revenue not exceeding $2,500,000, and operating for at least 3 months. Home-based businesses, nonprofits, chains, and franchises with more than 2 locations are not eligible.
Benefits: 2:1 matching grant from MGCC between $3,000 and $40,000, crowdfunding support, and optional Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Sponsor support
Grant Website: https://filmmakerswithoutborders.org/grants/ https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/bizmpower
Deadline: June 30, 2024

115) IFundWomen BOTOX® Cosmetic Grant Program

Donor: BOTOX® Cosmetic in partnership with IFundWomen®
Funding Information: The IFundWomen BOTOX® Cosmetic Grant Program aims to close the Confidence Gap by supporting 20 groundbreaking women entrepreneurs with $25,000 grants, coaching, and mentorship. The selected honorees will join the IFundWomen® Method Crowdfunding Accelerator, designed to boost ambitions, enhance confidence, and drive long-term impact for future women founders.
Focus Areas: Empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Women entrepreneurs who demonstrate groundbreaking ideas and are looking for funding, coaching, and mentorship to boost their confidence and success in the business world.
Benefits:
• $25,000 grant for each of the 20 selected women entrepreneurs
• Coaching and mentorship
• Participation in the award-winning IFundWomen® Method Crowdfunding Accelerator
Grant Website: https://ifundwomen.com/BOTOXCosmetic
Deadline: Not mentioned, it is advisable to check the grant page for updates on deadlines.

116) Incfile's Entrepreneur Grant

Donor: Incfile
Funding Information: Incfile's Entrepreneur Grant is aimed at supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs by providing them with financial assistance and resources to pursue their dreams of business ownership and entrepreneurial success. The grant has two categories: Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant and Fresh Start Business Grant. The former targets students, while the latter focuses on adult entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Ownership, Education
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria:
For Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant:
• Must be a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student
• Must attend a U.S.-based high school, trade school, or university
• Must hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must have an interest in starting a business
For Fresh Start Business Grant:
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must be a U.S. resident
• Must be planning to start a new business or grow an existing business in a significant way
Benefits:
• For Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant:
• $2,500 to put towards education expenses
• For Fresh Start Business Grant:
• Incfile's Gold plan for free ($385 value), including incorporation services in your state, free Registered Agent services for a year, and a free tax consultation
• $2,500 to put towards business startup costs
Grant Website: https://www.incfile.com/entrepreneur-grant
Deadline: The 2024 deadlines are March 31st, June 30th, and September 30th.
Additional Notes: To apply for either grant, applicants must complete an online application, create a short 2-minute video explaining how entrepreneurship will impact their life, and submit a sample business plan.

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117) 2024 Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant

Donor: Texas Woman's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs
Funding Information: This grant program aims to encourage economic development in Texas by supporting veteran woman-owned small businesses in undertaking new and innovative projects. Twenty-five $5,000 grants, totaling $125,000, are available for this round of funding.
Focus Areas: Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology; addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; property improvements; marketing or advertising campaigns; other business-related activities approved by CWE.
Region: Texas, United States
Eligibility Criteria:
• 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more veteran women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• For-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship
• Honorably discharged, general discharge under honorable conditions, active duty in a military transition assistance program, or reservist/national guard
• Current on property, sales, payroll, and other taxes
• Located and operated within Texas
• No felonies or convictions for crimes of dishonesty or breach of trust
• Not involved in pending or current litigation
• Operating with required permits and licenses
Benefits: $5,000 grant, small business training course, business plan approval, and 3 hours of small business advising.
Grant Website: https://texaswomansuniversity.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: May 6, 2024
Additional Notes:
10% owner investment (cash or equipment) required for matching funds
Receipts for all grant funds must be submitted before July 31, 2024
Ineligible applicants include TWU faculty/staff, students, prior grant winners, and participants of certain CWE programs within the last year

118) AccelerateHER Grant Program

Donor: Texas Woman's University (TWU) Center for Women Entrepreneurs
Funding Information: The AccelerateHER program is designed to support women-owned start-ups in the Greater Abilene/West Texas area. It aims to provide early-stage entrepreneurs with resources, education, and mentoring to fast-track their start-ups into scalable and successful businesses. Six woman-owned businesses will be selected for an intensive in-person program.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Women-owned businesses, Start-ups
Region: Greater Abilene/West Texas area
Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be women-owned start-ups with at least 51% ownership by women
• Businesses must be located in the Greater Abilene/West Texas area
• Proof of woman-owned and controlled documentation (e.g., woman-owned certification, sole proprietor/assumed name filings, LLC or LLP documentation, certification of organization, articles of incorporation, or partnership agreement)
Benefits:
• 24/7 access to a private dedicated workspace at The Domain Abilene
• Direct access to a business advisor and mentors
• Intensive entrepreneurial training from industry experts
• Resources to develop an updated media kit
• The Domain Abilene virtual assistant
Grant Page: https://texaswomansuniversity.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: April 26, 2024
Additional Notes: Applicants must submit documentation showing at least 51% ownership by women. Accepted forms of documentation include any woman-owned certification, sole proprietor/assumed name filings, LLC or LLP documentation showing the managing members, certification of organization, articles of incorporation, or partnership agreement. If one document alone doesn't show this, then send the corresponding agreement with it. EIN, Sales and Use Tax Permit, passport, driver's license, social security card, and credit card should not be sent as proof of being woman-owned.

119) FY 2021 - 2024 Economic Development RNTA

Donor: Department of Commerce
Funding Information: The Economic Development RNTA program offers strategic investments on a competitive merit basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Grants and cooperative agreements under this program are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.
Focus Areas: Economic development, job creation, private investment, research, and technical assistance
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: $1,500,000
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344181 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334079
Deadline: April 6, 2024

120) Economic Development Support for Planning Organizations

Donor: Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Funding Information: The Planning program by EDA provides assistance to eligible recipients to create regional economic development plans to stimulate and guide the economic development efforts of a community or region. The program supports Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). The majority of funding under the Planning program is for Partnership Planning grants for Indian Tribes and EDA-designated Economic Development Districts (EDDs). The program also supports short-term and state planning efforts to create and/or retain higher-skill, higher-wage jobs in the nation's most economically distressed regions.
Focus Areas: Economic development, planning, and regional development
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: $40,000 to $200,000
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344181 https://sam.gov/fal/dfb8867d71da4af0969add17938aa0bc/view
Deadline: Ongoing

121) DRL FY2024: Leveraging Intersectionality to Ensure Zero Obstruction to Women's Empowerment

Donor: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Funding Information: This grant aims to protect and defend the universal human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity of all individuals, including those who experience violence, discrimination, and marginalization based on various factors such as religion, sex, disability, race, and others.
The grant supports the mandates of various special representatives, envoys, and advisors in the areas of racial equity, justice, LGBTQI+ rights, international disability rights, religious freedom, and global women's issues.
Focus Areas: Women's empowerment, gender equality, and inclusivity, jobs creation, employment, business development
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: $100,000
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344181https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345470
Deadline: March 28, 2024

122) Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 5

Donor: Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
Funding Information: Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 5: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions.
The WORC Initiative aims to provide grant funds to help impacted communities develop local and regional workforce development solutions that align with existing economic development strategies and community partnerships. These solutions should promote new, sustainable job opportunities and long-term economic vitality in the targeted regions.
This grant seeks to address issues such as skill gaps, job training, and sustainable employment opportunities to ensure long-term economic growth in the targeted regions.
Given the wide range of eligible applicants, potential projects could vary significantly in their scope and approach. This could include initiatives to improve access to job training, enhance workforce development infrastructure, or create innovative partnerships between various stakeholders, such as employers, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Collaboration between different stakeholders and an emphasis on creating sustainable solutions will be crucial for this grant. Applicants should focus on creating proposals that demonstrate a clear understanding of local and regional needs, as well as effective ways to address those needs through partnerships and resource sharing.
As the grant is still under development, interested parties should register for future updates on the Grants.gov website to stay informed about any changes or additional information.
Focus Areas: Business Development, Jobs Creation, Labor and Training
Region: Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions of the United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: Estimated Total Program Funding: $44,200,000
Award Ceiling: $1,500,000
Award Floor: $150,000
Number of Awards: 35
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344181
Deadline: Estimated Application Due Date - Jun 05, 2024

123) 7(a) Loan Program

Donor: Small Business Administration (SBA)
Funding Information: The 7(a) Loan Program is SBA's most common loan program that offers financial assistance to small businesses with special requirements. The maximum loan amount is $5 million.
It can be used for various purposes, such as working capital, refinancing current business debt, purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies, and acquiring real estate.
Uses of 7(a) Loan:

• Long- and short-term working capital
• Revolving funds based on the value of existing inventory and receivables
• Purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies, or materials
• Purchase of real estate, including land and buildings
• Construction of a new building or renovation of an existing building
• Establishing a new business or assisting in the acquisition, operation, or expansion of an existing business
• Refinancing existing business debt, under certain conditions
Focus Areas: Business development, research, training, expansion
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, nonprofit organizations
Benefits: Up to $5 million capital
• Access to capital for various business needs
• Flexible loan repayment terms
• Monthly payments of principal and interest
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344181 https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
Deadline: Ongoing

124) 2024 Small Business Growth Fund

Donor: Hello Alice in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), funded by Etsy and Progressive
Funding Information: The 2024 Small Business Growth Fund is awarding small business owners between $5,000 and $25,000 in grants to help accelerate their growth. The grant is unrestricted and can be used for the benefit of the recipient's business. The grant recipients may also receive recognition on the Hello Alice and/or GEN platforms.
Focus Areas: Small Businesses
Region: United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
Eligibility Criteria: For-profit businesses, startups, or projects
Benefits: $5,000 and $25,000
Grant Website: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/2024-small-business-growth-fund-round-1
Deadline: The application deadline for;
Round 1 is April 21, 2024
Round 2 is July 21, 2024
Round 3 is October 20, 2024

125) 2024 Ashden Awards

Donor: Ashden
Funding Information: The Ashden Awards is an international competition that recognizes and supports innovative solutions to the world's biggest sustainability challenges, such as climate change, energy access, and sustainable food and agriculture.
There are several award categories, including:
• Sustainable Buildings and Cities
• Sustainable Mobility
• Sustainable Energy for All
• Sustainable Cooling
• Natural Climate Solutions
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Health and Wellbeing
• Energy Access
• Finance and Business Model Innovation
Focus Areas: Climate change, energy access, and sustainable food and agriculture
Region(s): Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and community groups
Benefits: Winners receive a prize of £25,000, tailored support, and access to a network of sustainability leaders and experts.
They also gain recognition and publicity for their work, which can help to attract new partners and funding opportunities.
Grant Website: https://ashden.org/awards-apply/
Deadline: Ongoing

126) Partner to Empower

Donor: Brookfield Properties
Funding Information: Partner to Empower is now accepting applications for our nationwide properties. Partner to Empower is a program dedicated to helping break down the systemic racial barriers that members of our communities face. This program will help business owners of color, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans, open brick-and-mortar stores in our malls by providing:
• One-on-one business planning and guidance
• Networking opportunities and resources
• Funding dedicated to store construction expenses
• A tailored, four-week Retail Workshop led by industry experts
Focus Areas: Open brick and mortar stores
Eligibility Criteria: Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans
Region: United States
Benefits: Expenses associated with the build-out and construction of a physical store
Number of Awards: Flexible
Grant Website: https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-businesses/retail/leasing/business-resources/partner-to-empower.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pte23&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrTj8nnCjHrbE-OnNx8ZE14p7qessaeyn0t86lY1-mpDlIkAsqK0RxxoC-fMQAvD_BwE
Deadline: Opening from July 2024

127) Startup Runway Pitch Competition

Donor: Startup Runway
Funding Information: Startup Runway is a pitch competition and investor introduction platform for existing businesses led by women and founders of color headquartered in the United States.
If your company is still ‘an idea’ please do not submit. Companies with an MVP and a few customers are the most competitive.
If your business is a nonprofit, a retail store, or a service provider, you probably don’t qualify.
Business models that do qualify for our investor introduction platform include all software, all apps, games, medical devices and healthcare innovations, all software-enabled services, and all new technology, any sector.
Focus Areas: Startups by women or person of color
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Startups at the Minimum Viable Product stage
Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://startuprunway.org/apply-for-startup-runway-today/
Deadline: Ongoing

128) Democratizing the Friends & Family Round Grant Program

Donor: Project Entrepreneur by UBS, HelloAlice
Funding Information: This is the second year of the Democratizing the Friends & Family Round program that Project Entrepreneur has launched with Hello Alice. In 2024, UBS awarded $1 million to 40 female founders of color based across the U.S. Project Entrepreneur, a program by UBS, aims to level the playing field for female founders by providing access to the resources, training, and networks they need to build and grow their companies. In partnership with Hello Alice, UBS is offering $25,000 in grants and mentorship to 20 female founders of color in NYC who are leading venture-scalable companies.
Focus Areas: Women entrepreneurs
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses, startups
Benefits: $25,000
Grant Website: : https://helloalice.com/grants/ubs/
Deadline: March 3, 2024

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129) Black Business Support Fund Grant

Donor: Kinetic by Windstream
Funding Information: Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This grant program is for black owned entrepreneurs of United States only.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Your business must meet the following requirements to participate in the Black Business Support Fund Grant program:
• You must be a new or current small business customer within our service area;
• Your small business must be black-owned and have 25 or fewer employees;
• You must not be currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings;
• Your small business must not be a: non-profit organization, Wine & spirits, check-cashing agency, gun shop, pawn shop, cannabidiol (CBD) stores or adult entertainment business; and
• You may not apply on behalf of multiple small businesses or receive multiple awards.
Focus Areas: All businesses
Region: United States
Grant Website: https://business.windstream.com/bbsf#
Grant Benefits: $2,500, Free internet for one year, free business consultation
Deadline: September 25, 2024

130) The Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award

Donor: Fifteen Percent Pledge
Funding Information: This is one of the biggest grant competitions in terms of cash awards in the USA. Applicants must first create, update, or complete their business profile in our Business Equity Community in order to access award application questions. The application will consist primarily of video responses, and it will be open for four weeks. A review committee will select semi-finalists, and the winner will be selected through public voting.
• Business Eligibility Criteria: Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community. Click here: https://15percentpledge.org/account
• Business sells a product and has annual revenue of $250K or more
• Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity in the company
• Has between 3-15 employees, including the founder
• Fosters inclusivity and showcases community impact by pushing against systemic infrastructures that have not prioritized unique consumer needs
Focus Areas: Selling physical product(s)
Region: United States
Grant Website: https://15percentpledge.org/award
Grant Website: https://15percentpledge.org/account
Grant Benefits: 3 awards $200,000, $35,000, and $15,000
Deadline: December 31, 2024
Application Opens: November 14, 2024

131) The BOSS Network and Sage's Invest in Progress Grant (2024)

Donor: BOSS Network, Sage
Funding Information: This year Sage will invest $10,000 grants for 25 Black women entrepreneurs, provide 1-year of monthly mentorship through the BOSS Business University, marketing, and guidance to help Black women achieve their goals with everything that’s needed to successfully start and grow a business. In 2024, the BOSS Network launched the BOSS Impact Fund’s “Invest in Progress” grant in partnership with Sage.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, startups owned by black women in majority
Focus Areas: All businesses
Region: United States
Grant Website: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/the-boss-network-and-sage-s-invest-in-progress-grant-2024
Grant Benefits: 25 awards $10,000 each
Deadline: Feb 25, 2024

132) Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant

Award: $2,500 towards education expenses.
Target: High school seniors, undergraduates, graduates, or trade school students.
Eligibility Criteria:

• Must attend a U.S.-based high school, trade school, or university.
• GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher.
• Must have an interest in starting a business.

Application Process:

• Complete the online application.
• Create a short, 2-minute video explaining how entrepreneurship will impact your life.
• Submit a sample business plan.

Application Dates:
Future dates coming soon.
Apply: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant?redirect=fromIncfile

133) The Biggest International Startup Competition

Donor: WMF
Funding Information: The WMF encourages and supports the development of innovative entrepreneurial projects also capable of producing a positive influence on the environment and society. For this reason, the WMF Startup Competition gives the opportunities to the applying startups to indicate specific challenges of the future that they are preparing to tackle innovatively.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, startups
Focus Areas: Solutions that solving pressing issues of Cities & Communities, Health, Work, Culture & Travel, Food & Agriculture, Learning & Education, Retail & Customer Experience, Marketing, Media & Entertainment, Sports & Events, Finance & Insurance, Life On Planet Earth
Region: Worldwide
Grant Website: https://en.wemakefuture.it/call/startup-competition/#form
Grant Benefits: Flexible
Deadline: April 2, 2024

134) SBIR & STTR Grant Programs

Donor: U.S. Small Business Administration
Funding Information: These grants provide funding to businesses of all sizes that are researching and developing new technologies, or collaborating with a research institution to develop new products or services.
You may be eligible to apply for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant if you are a business that is collaborating with a research institution to develop new products or services. These grants are open to businesses of all sizes and provides funding of up to $1 million.
Business Eligibility Criteria:
1. Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States
2. More than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or by other small business concerns that are each more than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States; and
3. No more than 500 employees
Focus Areas: These grants are open to businesses that are researching and developing new technologies, or collaborating with a research institution to develop new products or services.
Region: United States only.
Grant Website: https://www.sbir.gov/about
Grant Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/contracts/apply-for-grants
Grant Benefits: Businesses may receive up to $1 million in funding through the SBIR and STTR grants.
Deadline: Ongoing

135) IRONMAN Foundation Community Grant

Donor: IRONMAN Foundation
Funding Information: The IRONMAN Foundation Community Grant program supports organizations within select North American and international race communities. Grants to Texas, Utah, New York, and Maryland nonprofit and for-profit organizations for charitable activities that benefit communities in eligible locations. Funding is intended to support a wide range of health, education, human services, community, athletic, and public benefit organizations. Charitable organizations serving any of the 2021 Community Grant race communities are eligible to apply.
The IRONMAN Foundation creates positive, tangible change in race communities through grant funding and volunteerism.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit and for-profit organizations
Focus Areas: Health, Education, Human services, Community, Athletic, and Public benefit
Region: Texas, Utah, New York, and Maryland
Grant Website: https://secure.ironmanfoundation.org/np/clients/ironmanfoundation/customobjectdata.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&&webFormId=4
Grant Benefits: Flexible
Deadline: Ongoing

136) BIG Awards for Business

Donor: Business Intelligence Group

About: The BIG Awards for Business have a longstanding history of highlighting success in deserving companies. They offer 12 distinct awards that spotlight leaders, entrepreneurs, and brands across a wide range of industries. The awards aim to recognize companies, their products, their teams, and their strategies through a panel of expert judges. A significant emphasis is placed on highlighting achievements by women, small businesses, and those dedicated to reducing environmental impact.

Focus: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Brand Recognition, Women in Business, Small Businesses, Environmental Conservation

Region: Global

Eligibility: Startups, Organizations, Products, Individuals

Benefits: Personalized Trophy, Digital logo for royalty-free use, Business Intelligence Group-issued press release, Press Release template for distribution, Feedback and scoring provided by judges, Recognition within the Business Intelligence Group Community

URL: https://www.bintelligence.com/awards/big-awards-for-business

Deadline: October 11, 2024

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137) Wish Local Empowerment Program

Donor: Wish Local
Funding Information: Apply to receive between $500 - $2000 to help rebuild your small business. They are dedicating a $2M dollar fund to give up to 4,000 small businesses the financial support. The selected recipients will receive amounts between $500 - $2000. This program will only be open to Black-owned stores, to help promote equality and diversity in American business.
Business Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, you must fall under all of the categories listed below:
• You have a Black-owned business
• You are 18+ years of age
• Your store has 20 or fewer employees
• Your store is a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States
• Your store earns an average annual revenue under $1M
• If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local
Grant Website: https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment?hide_login_modal=true
Grant Benefits: $500 - $2000
Deadline: Till all the funds are consumed

138) Atomic Grants

Donor: Passion Collectives + Keystone Group International
Funding Information: Application is open for the Atomic® Grants Round 3. In 2024, they will award four Atomic Grants to applicants who are looking to create positive change for themselves and for others. These awards include a USD $1500 cash grant, 3 x 1 hour sessions of mentoring from leading strategy and culture consulting firm Keystone Group International, AND a free year of membership to Passion Collective On Demand so that you have support and expertise as you invest in yourself.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Atomic Grants are available to those who identify as a woman, and who are 21+. You can live anywhere in the world – as long as you have a way to receive the money digitally, and you are connected via email and social media.
Grant Website: https://www.passioncollective.co/atomic-grants
Q1 Applications: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrjIpiGqYT7Y21E-jhtQaDqW-Ny8zuBxmmfA9IT_mCEfsBpA/viewform
Grant Benefits: $1500 cash grant, coaching from leading strategy and Keystone Group International and a free year of Passion Collective On Demand!
Deadlines:
Q1: March 17, 2024
Q2: June 23, 2024
Q3: September 22, 2024
Q4: December 15, 2024

139) BIPOC Small Business Grant

Donor: Annuity Payment Freedom
Funding Information: BIPOC Small Business Grant by Annuity Payment Freedom. This grant by Annuity Payment Freedom was created in response to the impact of the pandemic on BIPOC-owned businesses. There are both marketing grants to help drive traffic and micro-grant opportunities. These are awarded to businesses on a rolling basis, with winners announced on the last day of each month.
Focus Areas: All businesses
Region(s): USA
Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO9xaqyz08PBWJiyogg9vLLeYd0ivMk8ckjI4a3IdypzAtCQ/viewform
https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submit

Deadline: Ongoing

140) Barclays Small Business Big Wins Grant

Donor: Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank
Funding Information: Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank is hosting its third-annual Small Business Big Wins grant. This year, small business owners have the chance to win up to $60,000 to help fund their small businesses. Applicants should submit a 500-word story detailing their journey to entrepreneurship to the grant page. Submissions will be accepted through February 28.
Eligibility Criteria: For-profit Businesses
Focus Areas: All businesses
Region(s): USA
Benefits: $60,000
Grant Website: https://www.barclayssmallbizbigwins.com/register/
https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submitDeadline: February 28, 2024

141) Amber Grants by WomensNet

Donor: WomensNet
Funding Information: This foundation was set up to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old—before realizing her business dreams. WomensNet, which founded the Amber Grant Foundation, gives away at least $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money, as well as a year-end grant of $25,000. Historically for female entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant can now be awarded to female-led nonprofit organizations with vision and passion.
Focus Areas: Women empowerment
Region(s): US & Canada
Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit Organizations and businesses owned by or run by a woman
Benefits: Three Awards ($25,000, $10,000, $5,000)
Grant Website: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/
Grant Website: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
GivingBack@gm.comApplication Deadline: February 28, 2024
NOTE: There is a $15 application fee payable.

142) Awesome Foundation Grants For Small Businesses

Donor: Awesome Foundation

Funding Information: The Awesome Foundation funds every month with a grant amount of $1,000 to a small business, social enterprise or a nonprofit organization with greater ideas and focuses for community

So, apply for this grant every month and hope someday you will be selected and awarded the grant money.

Eligibility: Anyone with a business, startup, idea or social enterprise can apply for this grant

Regional Focus: Worldwide

Apply Online: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/submissions/new
Grant Benefits: $1,000

Deadline: December 29, 2024

143) Verizon Digital Ready $10,000 Grants

Donor: Verizon Digital Ready
Funding Information: You may get a tailored curriculum from the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, which includes learning modules, professional coaching, networking opportunities, and more. Members can also apply for a $10,000 award to aid the development of small companies like yours. Users must finish any two courses, coaching events, and community events between July 1, 2012, and November 14, 2012, and submit an application by the latter date. Engagements made using the Personalized Mentoring tool are excluded from qualifying for grants.
Eligibility Criteria: Each individual with a business, startup or an idea can apply for the grant after learning any of the 2 courses available on the VerizonSmallBusinessEssentials.com
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, social enterprises
Region(s): Worldwide
Benefits: $10,000 in cash grant
Learn More: https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training?utm_source=small-business-majority&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=digital-ready-launch&utm_term=national-national
Contact: Email digitalready@verizon.com or call +1(800)-916-4351
https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fundApplication Deadline: November 14, 2024

144) StartHer Grant Program

Donor: Texas Woman’s University
Funding Information: This grant program awards $5000 to women owned businesses, startups, and social enterprises of Texas. This program's goal is to encourage more economic development activities in Texas by supporting and allowing woman-owned small enterprises to take on brand-new, cutting-edge initiatives. For this round of financing, a total of $125,000 (25 grant awards) is available.
Eligibility Criteria: Woman owned (at least 51%) business, startup or social enterprise. Registered in Texas
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, social enterprises
Region(s): Texas
Benefits: $5,000 (25 grants for 2024)
Grant Website: https://texaswomansuniversity.submittable.com/submit/236908/2024-starther-grant
https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fundApplication

Deadline: October 22, 2024

145) Fresh Start Business Grant

Award: $2,500 towards business startup costs.
Additional Benefit: Bizee's Gold plan for free ($385 value), including incorporation services, free Registered Agent services for a year, and a free tax consultation.
Target: Aspiring entrepreneurs aged 21 or older.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a U.S. resident.
Planning to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one.
Application Process:
Complete the online application.
Create a short, 2-minute video explaining how entrepreneurship will impact your life.
Submit a sample business plan.
Application Dates:
Future dates coming soon.
Apply: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant?redirect=fromIncfile

146) Global Innovation Fund 2024

Donor: Global Innovation Fund Org.
Funding Information: Global Innovation Fund Organization funds innovative projects (like yours) throughout the world. But there are some conditions before they finally give funding to the innovative startup. Some of them are;
i. GIF funds most of its funding to poor and deserving communities.
ii. This could be a new business model, policy practice, technology, or new ways of delivering products and services that benefit the poor.
iii. Your innovative startup must improve the life of its beneficiaries/customers in any mean.
Focus Areas: Solutions for reducing Poverty
Region: Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria: For-profit businesses & non-profit organizations
Grant Website: https://www.globalinnovation.fund/apply/https://www.uschamber.com/dream-big-awards
Grant Benefits: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Ongoing

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147) Ambar Grants for Women Startups and Small Businesses

Donor: WomensNet
Funding Information: A grant for women business owners created in honor of a young woman who died before she could fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams.
How to apply: Tell your story and pay a $15 application fee.
Potential Benefits: The program awards one $10,000 grant to a woman business owner each
month. One winner will also be awarded an additional $25,000 at the end of the year.
Grant Website: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
Eligibility Criteria: SMEs and Nonprofits
Funding Benefits: $25,000
Deadline: Ongoing

148) 3Rs Grant Program

Donor: 1863 Ventures
Funding Information: The 3Rs Program – Recover, Rebuild and Resilience is dedicated to helping Black business owners grow and scale during the current pandemic and continued racial unrest.
Eligibility Criteria: You identify as a Black or Brown business owner.
You and your business have been impacted by COVID-19.
You are looking for safe and supportive community to learn from and grow your business.
Focus Areas: Black or Brown business owner
Regional Focus Areas:
1. Charlotte, North Carolina

2. Des Moines, Iowa

3. El Paso, Texas

4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

5. Minneapolis, Minnesota

6. Iowa City, Iowa

7. Waterloo, Iowa

8. Raleigh, North Carolina

9. St. Paul, Minnesota

Grant Website: https://www.1863ventures.net/3rs
Process of Application: There are 3 steps to complete before applying for the grant.
STEP 1: Register to the 3R's Program by submitting your company information.
STEP 2: Receive Coaching Support and content to help you apply for the grant
STEP 3: Submit grant application
Grant Benefits: $5,000 in funding + coaching
Application Deadline: Ongoing

149) MelaninPreneurs Black-Owned Small Business Program

Donor: The DC Fashion Foundation
Funding Information: MelaninPreneurs Black-Owned Small Business Program is an annual
opportunity to receive business development assistance and an award of up to $5000 for black
owned businesses in the United States. Businesses are judged on products/services, marketing
plan, years in business and website design.
Grant Website: https://www.melaninpreneurs.com/business-program/
Eligibility Criteria: Black Owned Small Business
Grant Benefits: $5,000
Application Deadline: Ongoing

150) SoGal Social Enterprise Fund

Donor: SoGal Foundation
Funding Information: SoGal Foundation has partnered with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Just as importantly, grant recipients also receive mentorship and help navigating the fundraising process and access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams.
Grant Website: https://www.iamsogal.com/black-founder-startup-grant/
Eligibility Criteria: Women Founded SMEs and Nonprofits
Funding Benefits: $5k-10k
Application Deadline: Ongoing

151) 2024 ZenBusiness Grant Program

Donor: ZenBusiness
Funding Information: ZenBusiness will be awarding over $200,000 in form of grants in 2024. ZenBusiness is an agency which helps start, grow and expand business through various tools, services and platforms. This business grant is for those businesses who have used their services for the last 3 to 6 months. They provide one grant of $5,000 to business, startup or organization each month.
Each grantee will receive $5,000 in cash and free products valued at up to $550.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be at least 18 years of age to apply
• Business is a private entity and is registered in a state within the U.S. and maintains a primary place of business in the U.S.
• Have used ZenBusinesses formation service within the last 3-6 months to complete your new business formation.
• Your business must produce products or deliver services that are positive and solve a problem or meet a need in your community.
• Only one entry per entrant per month
• Winners of a previous award are not eligible to reapply for another grant
• We reserve the right to reject and/or disqualify any application that does not meet the eligibility requirements.
• Each entrant grants ZenBusiness permission to use their individual name, entity name, photograph, biography information, etc. for advertising, promotion, or publicity purposes in perpetuity.
• Recipient agrees to completing an on-camera interview approximately thirty days after receiving the award
• Recipient must provide their FEIN Number (if applicable), W-9, & banking details to receive the award via wire transfer.
Focus Areas: Startups and businesses
Region(s): United States
Benefits: $5,000
Grant Website: https://www.zenbusiness.com/zenbusiness-grant-program-2024-tac/
https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fundApplication Deadline: Ongoing

152) Engineering for Civil Infrastructure

Donor: National Science Foundation
Funding Information: The Engineering for Civil Infrastructure (ECI) program supports fundamental research in geotechnical, structural, materials, architectural, and coastal engineering. The ECI program promotes research that can shape the future of the nation’s physical civil infrastructure and that can contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, and hazards and disaster resilience. Types of civil infrastructure that the ECI program considers include, but are not limited to, buildings, residential construction, earth and earth retaining structures, and components of flood protection systems; water, waste disposal, and wastewater systems; energy infrastructure (excluding nuclear); and transportation systems (excluding pavements). Both disciplinary and convergent research that can address the challenges of physical civil infrastructure to be resilient and sustainable over its service lifetime are of particular interest. Broader impacts of ECI research include fostering community welfare for an equitable and prosperous nation and promoting environmentally friendly, circular economy policies.
Business Eligibility Criteria: Businesses, startups, nonprofit organizations
Focus Areas: Buildings, residential construction, earth and earth retaining structures, and components of flood protection systems; water, waste disposal, and wastewater systems; energy infrastructure (excluding nuclear); and transportation systems (excluding pavements)
Region: United States
Grant Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=306169
Grant Benefits: Flexible
Deadline: Ongoing

153) Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD)

Donor: Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD)
Funding Information: The Organizational Waste Reduction & Reuse Program (OWRRP) supports businesses, community and youth groups, institutions, and non-profits in central Vermont that take initiative to stimulate and expand opportunities to practice waste reduction, reuse, and additional recycling. The OWRRP provides seed money for waste reduction and reuse education, business development, technical assistance, and community projects throughout the District.
The OWRRP gives priority consideration to proposals that have as an integral component the social and environmental ethic or value of waste reduction and reuse that are part of the goals of the program. The OWRRP will not fund proposals that rely on continued monetary support from this grant fund.
Focus Areas:
• Promoting educational activities about reuse and recycling as an integral component of waste reduction.
• Expanding reuse and additional recycling opportunities and supporting their sustainability.
• Replacing systems relying on single-use, disposable items with those reusable and sustainable options.
• Establishing or enhancing partnerships and collaborations among municipalities, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, camps, environmental organizations, and learning centers, and other institutions.
• Increasing participation in reuse and additional recycling activities by CVSWMD residents.
• Pulling in additional resources, and/or catalyzing reuse and additional recycling activities in the CVSWMD.
• Saving valuable resources from entering the waste stream.
• Creating long-term and sustainable goals for reducing waste that can be maintained after the grant period.
Region: Vermont
Eligibility Criteria: Organizations, businesses, community and youth groups, institutions or nonprofits
Benefits: $500 -$5,000
Grant Website: https://www.cvswmd.org/uploads/6/1/2/6/6126179/web_owrrp_grant_guidelines.pdf
Deadline: Ongoing

154) The Eco-Challenge 2024: Sustainability Awards

Donor: OAS, YABT, PepsiCo
Funding Information: Young people from the OAS member States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its Associate Member States, have the opportunity to respond to a specific category challenge and address the priority they consider more suitable to the project they have developed.
The Eco-Challenge 2024 will work with young innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders to start and grow promising proposals and/or business ideas and lead them towards a development path that includes: Prototype, minimum viable product (MVP), traction and market validation.
Eligibility Criteria: Teams
Focus Areas: Education, Technology, Water Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Nutrition, Plastic Circular Economy, Women Empowerment, Environmental Conservation, community improvement
Region(s): United States, OAS member States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its Associate Member States
Benefits: $10,000
Grant Website: https://ticamericas.net/eco-challenge/reglas.php?l=calendario%20de%20actividades
https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submitDeadline: April 2, 2024

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155) J.M.K. Innovation Prize

Donor: J.M Kaplan Fund
Funding Information: In 2024, the foundation will award up to ten Prizes, each including a cash award of $150,000 over three years, plus $25,000 in technical assistance funds, for a total award of $175,000. Awardees also receive guidance through the Fund and its resource network, providing tools and training to support them through the challenges of a startup organization.
Applications are open to individuals or teams representing nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit organizations. The Prize will be awarded to projects or ideas that:
• Represent a game-changing answer to a clearly identified need;
• Innovate within one or more of the Fund’s three program areas;
• Demonstrate the potential to develop an actionable pilot or prototype with Prize funding; and
• Hold out the promise to benefit multiple individuals, communities, or sectors through a clearly articulated theory of change.
Focus Areas: Environment, heritage conservation, and social justice
Region(s): USA
Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit organizations
Benefits: $75,000 grant
Grant Website: https://www.jmkfund.org/innovation-prize-2024/
Application Deadline: April 28, 2024

156) MTLW Life Grants

Donor: Than Life Water Company (MTLW), PepsiCola
Funding Information: MTLW Life Grants provide funding to businesses, ideas, projects, and organizations that are making a positive impact on their communities. The grants are meant to support projects that make some impact on the lives of people and community.
Focus Areas: The program does not have specific focus areas.
Region(s): USA
Eligibility Criteria: Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and individuals are eligible to apply.
Benefits: $25,000
Grant Website: https://moretolifewtr.com/lifegrants#entry-form
Application Deadline: March 25, 2024

157) Sky's The Limit Friends and Family Funding

Donor: Sky's The Limit
Funding Information: Sky's The Limit Friends and Family Funding is a grant program that provides funding to small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them grow and succeed. The program is designed to support friends and family members who want to invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs but may not have the necessary resources to do so.
Focus Areas: The program does not have specific focus areas.
Region(s): USA and UK
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Sky's The Limit Friends and Family Funding, applicants must be small businesses or entrepreneurs seeking funding from their friends and family members. The business must be based in the United States and have a solid business plan with clear financial projections.
Benefits: $2,500 & Donations from friends & family
The program also provides resources and support to help applicants develop their business plans and financial projections.
Grant Website: https://www.skysthelimit.org/friends-and-family
Application Deadline: Ongoing

158) Open Road Alliance Funding

Donor: Open Road Alliance
Funding Information: Open Road is an investment fund which invests both in nonprofit organizations, projects, ideas and also in for-profit businesses, startups and ideas. They provide both grants and loans to businesses, social enterprises and nonprofit organizations.
Focus Areas: Anything that could benefit the community
Region: Worldwide
Grant Website: First you need to create a new account (in case you don’t already have one) via this portal: https://openroadalliance.force.com/fgm_portal__communitysignup?ln=en_US
After that you’ll be sending a letter of inquiry first and then if they invite you’ll send a full application.
Grant Guidelines: https://openroadalliance.org/about/
Inquiry: info@openroadalliance.org
Benefits: Flexible
Deadline: Ongoing

159) CEE Startup Challenge VIII

Donor: VestBee
Funding Information: This competition will provide funding to top startups and small businesses all around the world. Application is open for the CEE Startup Challenge. Join To Get Access To 250+ VC Funds, 250k EUR In Startup Tools & Credits, Business Support, And More!
Eligibility Criteria: They are looking for regional startups and scaleups from CEE raising seed, pre-series A, series A and beyond in the following verticals:
• Female Founders
• SaaS & Marketplace
• AI & Analytics & Big Data
• Fintech & Insurtech
• Mobility, Industry 4.0 & Manufacturing
• Planet & Sustainability
• Healthcare & Wellbeing
• Other
Focus Areas: Any business
Region(s): Worldwide
Benefits: Multiple benefits
Grant Website: https://www.vestbee.com/startups
Deadline: Ongoing

160) Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

Donor: US Chamber of Commerce and FedEx
Funding Information: The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program was developed in collaboration with FedEx and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This programme aids smaller businesses in disaster preparedness and provides emergency cash to such entrepreneurs when a disaster strikes their locality. It is anticipated that more than 100 awards of worth $5,000 would be given out between June 2024 and May 2024.
Eligibility Criteria: Everyone who own a business is eligible to apply for the award but before any disaster happens
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, social enterprises
Region(s): United States
Benefits: $5,000 in cash grant
Grant Website: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/small-business-readiness-resiliency-program
Grant Website: https://corporatecitizenshipcenter.typeform.com/to/EPuqSW3g?typeform-source=www.uschamberfoundation.org
https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fundApplication Deadline: Ongoing

161) Entreprenista 100 Inaugural Awards

Donor: Entreprenista
Funding Information: Entreprenista believes that although the number of women entrepreneurs continues to grow each year, they do not receive much recognition. The Entreprenista 100 inaugural awards celebrate and recognize women entrepreneurs who are changing the face of business. A panel of judges will select one winner for each of the 14 Top Award categories. Winners will receive the recognition they deserve in the form of shoutouts on social media channels, features in Entreprenista’s newsletters and website, and they will receive a digital badge. The top three winners will also receive $1,000 to reinvest in their businesses. Applications are due December 31.
Eligibility Criteria: Any woman entrepreneur with an idea or registered business can apply.
Focus Areas: Businesses of all industries and types
Region(s): Worldwide
Benefits: $1,000 + Media Coverage
Grant Website: https://theleague.entreprenista.com/100
Deadline: December 31, 2024

162) Evolve Small Application

Donor: Lenovo + AMD + Goodie Nation
Funding Information: This grant is for small businesses which have either a physical location or a physical product. The business must be owned in majority by a minority or founded by a minority entrepreneur of USA or Canada. The Lenovo Evolve Small initiative will be providing $10,000 grants and professional development to minority and woman-owned small businesses in the United States and Canada, through Goodie Nation.
Eligibility Criteria: Please follow the following eligibility criteria;
• Founder/majority business owner must identify as one of the following groups: Black/African, Latinx, Women, Indigenous, Native-American or other underrepresented groups
• Business must have either a physical location as part of the core business offering (ex. Bed & Breakfast, restaurant, etc.) OR produce a physical product.
• Revenue over the previous 12 months must be between $100,000 - $3,000,000
• Must not have raised more than $3,000,000 in investment capital
• Company must be a registered LLC, C Corporation, S Corporation, or similar Canadian company structure in the United States of America or Canada.
Focus Areas: Businesses of all industries and types which have a physical location or product
Region(s): United States + Canada
Benefits: $10,000 + Coaching + Networking + Partnership
Grant Website: https://goodienation.org/evolve-small/#apply
Deadline: December 16, 2024

163) StartOut Founders Program Scholarships

Donor: StartOut
Funding Information: They are providing free 12-month scholarships for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within our community.
• 12-month scholarships for Latinx/ Hispanic founders
• 12-month scholarships for Women/Non-Binary founders
• 12-month scholarships for Black founders
• 12-month scholarships for founders aged 45+
• Scholarships for DEI Founders
• They also offer 6-month scholarships to founders who can demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility Criteria: LGBTQ+ founders, startup owners, entrepreneurs
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, enterprises
Region(s): United States
Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://community.startout.org/login
Grant Website: https://startout.org/scholarships/
Email: info@startout.org OR (415) 275-2446
Deadline: Ongoing

164) Small Business Improvement Grant

Donor: NJEDA
Funding Information: This grant supports businesses and nonprofits by reimbursement of costs associated with capital improvements or purchasing and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.
Eligibility Criteria: Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Focus Areas: Facility improvements
Region(s): United States
Benefits: 50% of eligible total project costs up to $50,000
Grant Website: https://www.njeda.com/small-business-improvement-grant/
Grant Website: https://programs.njeda.com/en-US/ImprovementGrantList/
Deadline: Rolling (March 31st Predicted)

165) Start-Up Energy Transition (SET) Award 2024

Donor: World Energy Council & 44 Other Partners
Funding Information: Application is open for the SET Award. The 7th round of the SET Award is open for applications. Apply now to become one of the 15 top energy start-ups of 2024. The Start-Up Energy Transition Award (SET) is an international competition for start-ups worldwide that are working on ideas affecting the global energy transition and climate change.
Eligibility Criteria: Startups
Focus Areas: Clean Energy & Storage, Mobility & Transportation, Buildings & Construction
Region(s): Worldwide
Benefits: €10,000 & other benefits for three categories (winners, finalists, and applicants)
Grant Website: https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/current-award/
Grant Website: https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: 16 January 2024

Contact Us - We Help FIND & WIN FUNDING<

166) Make It Circular Challenge

Donor: What Design Can Do and IKEA Foundation
Funding Information: The Make it Circular Challenge is all about designing circular ways of living that help us tackle the root of the climate crisis. They are looking for ambitious, design-led initiatives and start-ups that reduce carbon emissions by cutting waste and rewriting the relationship between people, the planet, and all the species who call it home.
Eligibility Criteria: Small Businesses
Focus Areas: Reducing Carbon Emissions
Region(s): WorldWide
Benefits: €10,000
Grant Website: https://makeitcircular.whatdesigncando.com/
Deadline: 31 January 2024

167) EnrichHer Grant Program

Donor: Cocokind Impact Foundation
Funding Information: EnrichHER, the Black woman-owned fintech lender, is currently hosting a $5,000 small business grant contest. The $5,000 grant is open to U.S. businesses owned by women or founders of color. And the winner can use funds to cover various operating expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Must be a woman of color
• Your business must be owned by woman of color at least 51%
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses owned by women
Region(s): United States
Benefits: $5,000
Grant Website: https://enrichher.com/grant/
Grant Website: https://enrichher.com/
Email: hello@enrichher.com
Deadline: December 1, 2024
NOTE: This will cost you $37 for submitting the grant application

168) Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

Donor: US Chamber of Commerce and FedEx
Funding Information: The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program was developed in collaboration with FedEx and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This program aids smaller businesses in disaster preparedness and provides emergency cash to such entrepreneurs when a disaster strikes their locality. It is anticipated that more than 100 awards of worth $5,000 would be given out between June 2024 and May 2024.
Eligibility Criteria: Everyone who own a business is eligible to apply for the award but before any disaster happens
Focus Areas: Startups, small businesses, social enterprises
Region(s): United States
Benefits: $5,000 in cash grant
Grant Website: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/small-business-readiness-resiliency-program
Grant Website: https://corporatecitizenshipcenter.typeform.com/to/EPuqSW3g?typeform-source=www.uschamberfoundation.org
https://app.helloalice.com/grants/fedex-entrepreneur-fund
Deadline: Ongoing

169) DRK Foundation Grant

Donor: Draper Richard Kaplan Foundation
Funding Information: DRK Foundation awards grants to deserving small businesses with a variety of Funding Benefits throughout the year. To win this grant we need to apply through their online application portal.
Focus Areas: Small business, startup, social enterprise and non-profit organizations
Region: Worldwide, special focus on USA and African organizations and businesses.
Grant Website: https://www.drkfoundation.org/apply-for-funding/
Funding Benefits: Flexible
Application Deadline: Ongoing

170) National Black Business Pitch Competition

Donor: The National Black Business Pitch Competition
Funding Information: The National Black Business Pitch Competition provides funding to Black-owned businesses that pitch their products or services to a panel of judges. The competition awards a total of $50,000 in prize money to the winners.
Focus Areas: Black-owned businesses from any industry or sector
Region(s): USA
Eligibility Criteria: African American entrepreneurs
Benefits: $50,000
Grant Website: https://nationalblackbusinesspitch.com/
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024

171) Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition

Donor: Black Girl Ventures
Funding Information: The Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition is a grant program that provides funding to early-stage, Black and Brown woman-identifying founders. The program is designed to support women-owned businesses that are in the startup phase and need funding to grow and scale their businesses.
Focus Areas: The program does not have specific focus areas.
Region(s): USA
Eligibility Criteria: Black and Brown woman-identifying founders
Benefits: $5,000 & Donations from friends & family
Grant Website: https://www.blackgirlventures.org/apply-to-pitch
Application Deadline: Closed Keeping Checking For 2024 Application

172) Partner to Empower

Donor: Brookfield Properties
Funding Information: Partner to Empower is now accepting applications for our nationwide properties. Partner to Empower is a program dedicated to helping break down the systemic racial barriers that members of our communities face. This program will help business owners of color, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans, open brick-and-mortar stores in our malls by providing:
• One-on-one business planning and guidance
• Networking opportunities and resources
• Funding dedicated to store construction expenses
• A tailored, four-week Retail Workshop led by industry experts
Focus Areas: Open brick and mortar stores
Eligibility Criteria: Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans
Region: United States
Benefits: Expenses associated with the build-out and construction of a physical store
Number of Awards: Flexible
Grant Website: : https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-businesses/retail/leasing/business-resources/partner-to-empower.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pte23&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrTj8nnCjHrbE-OnNx8ZE14p7qessaeyn0t86lY1-mpDlIkAsqK0RxxoC-fMQAvD_BwE
Deadline: March 24, 2024

173) 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program

Donor: 500 Co.
Funding Information: This is an accelerator program that will give you startup funding, coaching and resources. They have a team of more than 500 investors from diverse backgrounds and they are investing since 2010. The applications are currently rolling.
Eligibility Criteria: Any entrepreneur with an idea or registered business can apply.
Focus Areas: Businesses of all industries and types
Region(s): Worldwide
Benefits: Startup Funding + Coaching + Networking + Partnership
Grant Website: https://500.co/funds
Grant Website: https://500.co/accelerators/500-global-flagship-accelerator-program/apply
Deadline: Ongoing

174) Wish Local Empowerment Program

Donor: Wish Local
Funding Information: Apply to receive between $500 - $2000 to help rebuild your small business. They are dedicating a $2M dollar fund to give up to 4,000 small businesses the financial support. The selected recipients will receive amounts between $500 - $2000. This program will only be open to Black-owned stores, to help promote equality and diversity in American business.
Business Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, you must fall under all of the categories listed below:
• You have a Black-owned business
• You are 18+ years of age
• Your store has 20 or fewer employees
• Your store is a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States
• Your store earns an average annual revenue under $1M
• If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local
Grant Website: https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment?hide_login_modal=true
Grant Benefits: $500 - $2000
Deadline: Till all the funds are consumed

175) BIPOC Small Business Grant

Donor: Annuity Payment Freedom
Funding Information: BIPOC Small Business Grant by Annuity Payment Freedom. This grant by Annuity Payment Freedom was created in response to the impact of the pandemic on BIPOC-owned businesses. There are both marketing grants to help drive traffic and micro-grant opportunities. These are awarded to businesses on a rolling basis, with winners announced on the last day of each month.
Focus Areas: All businesses
Region(s): USA
Benefits: Flexible
Grant Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO9xaqyz08PBWJiyogg9vLLeYd0ivMk8ckjI4a3IdypzAtCQ/viewform
https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Ongoing

176) National Grants

Donor: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)
Funding Information: National Grants are now open to provide financial support for fertility treatments at any fertility clinic that is a member of SART. The grant amounts will depend on the fundraising efforts from the previous year. While not all applicants will receive grants, partial or full grants can be awarded to selected recipients. The specific coverage details, such as monitoring, lab work, medications, and procedures, will be disclosed to each grant recipient at the time of the award. The funds from the grant will be given directly to the clinic and will be available to the recipients for a duration of twelve months.
Focus Areas: Fertility treatments
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all residents of the United States with no age or income restrictions. Couples must complete the application, provide a detailed history of fertility issues, demonstrate overall good physical and mental health, show financial stability including basic health insurance for mother/prenatal care, adequate living arrangements, and means for child support. Selected applicants may be required to allow the foundation to share their story with media personnel.
Benefits: Variable grant amounts based on fundraising efforts, with partial or full grants awarded. The funds can be used toward fertility treatments at SART member clinics.
Grant Website: https://form.jotform.com/230095293266155
Deadline: June 30, 2024

177) Casper Accelerate Grant Program

Donor: Casper Association
Funding Information: The Casper Accelerate Grant Program is a funding opportunity exclusively designed to support projects and developers who are building on the Casper Public Mainnet. With a grant fund of $25 million, this program aims to provide financial support for innovative initiatives related to the Casper ecosystem infrastructure, decentralized applications (dApps), and projects focusing on DeFi, Gaming, and NFTs specifically within the Casper Network and Casper-specific crypto research.
Focus Areas: Casper ecosystem infrastructure, decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, Gaming, NFT projects
Region: No specific regional restrictions mentioned
Eligibility Criteria: Projects and creators building on the Casper Public Mainnet
Benefits: Grant awards and support for innovative projects, access to the Casper community and ecosystem, potential networking opportunities with venture capitalists (VCs)
Grant Website: https://casper.network/en-us/lp/accelerate-grant-program
Deadline: Rolling basis, with updates on applications typically provided within 2 weeks

178) The Pinkerton Foundation Grant Program

Donor: The Pinkerton Foundation

About: The Pinkerton Foundation focuses on supporting programs in New York City that benefit young participants. They value organizations' autonomy in program development and execution, emphasizing the importance of successful outcomes and knowledge sharing within the field. While they generally avoid funding academic research, they may support community-based initiatives for testing or validating program effectiveness. The foundation also provides capital grants selectively to improve or expand supported programs.

Focus: Youth programs, program development, knowledge sharing, innovation.

Region: New York City (with national implications).

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Benefits: Flexible funding for programs consistent with the foundation's interests.

URL: https://www.thepinkertonfoundation.org/grant-guidelines

Deadline: Ongoing (Letter of inquiry required, grants awarded after biannual Board of Trustees meetings in May and December).

179) Public Engagement/Professional Development (July Deadline)

Donor: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

About: This grant opportunity is specifically tailored for literary arts centers, festivals, presenters, and other organizations involved in literary arts programming. It aims to promote and develop practitioners and audiences for the literary arts on local, regional, and/or national levels. Proposals may include activities such as reading series, festivals, podcasts, professional development activities for writers, collaborations, technology integration, community health initiatives, and capacity-building efforts for underserved groups and communities.

Focus: Literary arts programming, professional development, community engagement, capacity-building.

Region: United States.

Eligibility: Literary arts organizations and programs.

Benefits: Flexible funding for literary arts projects.

URL: https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects/literary-arts

Deadline: July, Ongoing

Contact: Jessica Flynn, flynnj@arts.gov or 202-682-5011

180) Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) 2024

Donor: Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)

About: The MIDP is an award program inviting non-profit NGOs and CSOs to submit project proposals focusing on improved service delivery and innovative approaches that can be scaled-up through a grant. Projects should target the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, aiming for rapid results and sustainable outcomes. Eligible projects must be at the implementation stage since July 1, 2023, with a focus on exceptionally marginalized groups in developing countries.

Focus: Innovative development projects, service delivery improvement, scaling-up impact.

Region: Worldwide (with a focus on developing countries).

Eligibility: Non-profit NGOs and CSOs with projects targeting marginalized groups in developing countries.

Benefits: Grants totaling US$125,000, including US$50,000 for two first-prize winners under each theme, US$25,000 for the second prize, and pairing with a Technical Advisor for grant implementation.

URL: https://www.gdn.int/gdac/2024/midp

Deadline: May 24, 2024

181) Sephora Accelerate

Donor: Sephora

About: A six-month program that supports female beauty entrepreneurs with mentorship,
education, and funding.

Focus: Female entrepreneurship, beauty industry, brand development.

Region: Global

Eligibility: Female founders of early-stage beauty brands.

Benefits: Mentorship, education, funding, and exposure.

URL: https://www.sephoraaccelerate.com/

Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in fall 2024

182) Bioelements Esthetics Entrepreneurial Kick-Start Program

Donor: Bioelements & Beauty Changes Lives Foundation

About: This program aims to support aspiring estheticians who are launching new
skincare/spa businesses. The program offers financial assistance, Bioelements
product credit, and mentorship to help recipients establish and grow their
businesses.

Focus: Esthetics, skincare, spa business, entrepreneurship

Region: United States

Eligibility:
Licensed estheticians opening a NEW esthetic skin/spa business within six
months after receiving the award.

Benefits: $10,000 cash award, $2,500 Bioelements product credit, business mentorship,
social media support, and PR opportunities.

URL: https://beautychangeslives.submittable.com/submit/089f5919-05a9-43b4-bb16-cf963ce6f1c2/bioelements-esthetics-entrepreneurial-kick-start-program

Deadline: September 8, 2024

183) Mount Vernon First: Small Business Grant Program

Donor: City of Mount Vernon

About: The Mount Vernon First Small Business Grant Program provides vital support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic while also attracting new businesses to the Downtown Business District. Grants are available for ground floor commercial spaces, aiding in renovations and attracting diverse businesses to enhance the community.

Focus: Small business recovery and downtown revitalization

Region: Downtown Business District, Mount Vernon, NY

Eligibility: Small business owners and property owners within the Downtown Business District, meeting criteria such as tax compliance, active business registration, and commitment to program requirements.

Benefits: Grant funding for construction and exterior renovations, with awards up to $25,000.

URL: https://cmvny.com/972/Mount-Vernon-First-Small-Business-Grant-

Deadline: June 24, 2024

184) Behind the Scenes Grant

Donor: Behind the Scenes Foundation

About: The Behind the Scenes Grant offers assistance to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill, injured, or in need of mental health support. The program provides grants for basic living expenses, medical expenses, counseling, and funeral assistance. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, including residing in the US or Canada and having at least five years of experience in the entertainment technology industry.

Focus: Assistance for seriously ill or injured entertainment technology professionals, mental health support

Region: United States, Canada

Eligibility: Entertainment technology professionals, seriously ill or injured individuals, mental health support seekers

Benefits: Grants for basic living expenses, medical expenses, counseling, and funeral assistance

URL: https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/who-is-eligible-for-a-grant/

Deadline: Rolling Basis

185) IT Arena 2024 Startup Competition

Donor: Lviv IT Cluster, Startup Depot, Ukrainian Startup Fund

About: The IT Arena Startup Competition is a prestigious event for tech entrepreneurs, investors, and business angels. It invites innovative projects with at least a demo version of their product and traction. Startups founded no earlier than 2021 and raised less than $1 million in investments (excluding grants) are eligible to participate. The competition offers a total prize pool of $60,000 and features a special track focused on defense technology and cybersecurity developments.

Focus: Tech entrepreneurship, innovation, investment opportunities

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Tech startups with demo versions of their product, founded no earlier than 2021, raised less than $1 million in investments (excluding grants), and have at least one representative available during the competition in Lviv.

Benefits: Prize pool of $60,000

URL: https://itcluster.typeform.com/to/xgoP6vnX?typeform-source=startupxs.com

Deadline: June 6, 2024

186) WFF Startup Innovation Awards

Donor: World Food Forum (WFF), in partnership with Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC)

About: The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by XTC, is a global competition supporting innovators and entrepreneurs leveraging technology to drive sustainable transformation in agrifood systems. It aims to address global hunger and achieve Sustainable Development Goals by recognizing startups creating impactful technologies for our planet and essential agrifood systems.

Focus: Technology, agrifood systems, sustainable development

Eligibility: Innovators and entrepreneurs leveraging technology to transform agrifood systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Benefits: Travel allowance for finalists, global visibility, capital raising opportunities, networking with global entities, chance to join WFF startup accelerator programs, and prizes totaling USD 30,000.

Region: Worldwide

URL: https://www.world-food-forum.org/innovation-lab/startup-innovation-awards/en/

Deadline: June 8, 2024

187) Copernicus Entrepreneurship Olympiad

Donor: Tech Dev Academy

About: A global entrepreneurship competition for students in grades 8 to 12, hosted on the Stanford campus in California. Participants will connect with successful entrepreneurs, engage in hands-on workshops, and compete for funding to support their startup ideas. The event spans four days and offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

Focus: Entrepreneurship

Region: Stanford Campus, CA

Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 12

Benefits: $25,000 total funding, with $5,000 awarded to each of the top 5 projects, plus mentorship from Synapses Ventures for winning projects.

URL: https://techdevacademy.com/entrepreneurship-olympiad/

Deadline: June 15, 2024

189) Youth Innovation Challenge 2024

Donor: Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) in partnership with Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration

About: The Youth Innovation Challenge 2024 invites young people aged 15-30 globally to propose innovative solutions for marine conservation, addressing issues like biodiversity loss and marine debris. It aims to foster active stewardship of marine environments and offers a $1,000 prize, global recognition, and an invitation to the award ceremony in Taiwan.

Focus: Marine conservation, biodiversity, marine debris

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Individuals actively managing, protecting, or restoring marine biodiversity, reducing marine debris, and promoting public-private collaboration for marine conservation.

Benefits: Expert evaluation, recognition as finalists, $1,000 prize for winners, invitation to the award ceremony in Taiwan with travel expenses covered.

URL: https://thegeep.org/youth-innovation-challenge

Deadline: June 12, 2024

190) Hume Business Awards

Donor: Hume City Council

About: The Hume Business Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of businesses within Hume City, recognizing their role in driving the local economy and community development. These awards provide businesses with the opportunity to gain recognition within their industry and the broader community. Applications for the 2024 awards are now open to businesses located and registered within Hume City. Various categories offer businesses a chance to showcase their excellence and success.

Focus: Business excellence, community contributions, local economy

Region: Hume City, Victoria, Australia

Eligibility: Businesses registered and located within Hume City, holding a registered ABN, possessing necessary permits and licenses, and complying with local, state, and territory laws. Ineligible businesses include chain stores, certain charities, and those involved with electronic gaming machines.

Benefits: Recognition across categories such as circular economy, customer service, and diversity.

URL: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Businesses/Business-Support/Hume-Business-Awards#section-4

Deadline: July 5, 2024

191) WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2024

Donor: WeXchange

About: The competition aims to identify and support innovative women entrepreneurs in STEM fields in Latin America and the Caribbean by connecting them with potential funding opportunities.

Focus: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

Region: Latin America and the Caribbean

Application Period: Until June 30, 2024

Demo Day: October 31 and November 1, 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Eligibility: Startups with at least one woman in a leadership role, actively raising capital or planning to do so within the next four months, with a high technological component or operating in a STEM-related sector, legally incorporated and operating in at least one Latin American or Caribbean country, highly scalable business models with potential for social or environmental impact, founders who have not been finalists in the last four editions can apply with a new company.

Benefits: Opportunity to pitch to investors at the IDB Lab Forum, visibility, press and dissemination opportunities, support to connect with venture capital investors, travel and lodging expenses covered for selected participants.

Selection Criteria: Profile of the founding team, differentiation of the proposed solution, growth potential & market size, viability of the business model, scalability potential, potential for social and/or environmental impact, performance and traction to date.

Additional Resources: Pitch practice sessions organized by Amplifica Capital, FAQs available for inquiries.

URL: https://wexchange.co/pt-br/convocatoria-2024/

Contact: sophie@avpventures.com, wexchange@iadb.org

Deadline: June 30, 2024

192) Reel Impact Grant Programme 2024

Donor: Reform Radio

Objective: The program aims to support mid to senior level Black and Global Majority individuals, as well as Black and Global Majority-led production companies and organizations in the film, TV, and cinema industry, addressing systemic racism and providing opportunities for under-represented talent.

Eligibility: Black and Global Majority individuals and organizations promoting anti-racist practices, production companies seeking to expand or sustain projects supporting Black and Global Majority talent, individuals looking to enhance their own or others' careers.

Application Period: Open from May 13 to June 30, 2024

Benefits: Grants of up to £10,000 for individuals and up to £25,000 for production companies.

Selection Criteria: Advocacy for anti-racist practices, project scalability and sustainability, career advancement, demonstrated expertise and experience.

Application Process: Apply online before June 30, 2024.

Deadline: June 30, 2024

URL: https://www.reformradio.co.uk/opportunities/grants-funding-reel-people/

Contact: Tuner

193) SLINGSHOT 2024

Donor: SLINGSHOT

About: SLINGSHOT 2024 is Asia's premier deep tech startup competition, inviting startups worldwide to compete in five emerging challenge domains. Selected startups will join the SLINGSHOT Top 50 Global Startups, receiving a sponsored trip to Singapore and the opportunity to pitch at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology 2024 for more than S$1.2 million in grant prizes.

Focus: Technology

Region: Worldwide, with a focus on startups from all regions

Eligibility: Startups with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) registered within the past 10 years in their country of registration, not subsidiaries of corporate entities

Benefits: Networking opportunities with global investors, accelerators, and corporates; immersion program in Singapore's startup ecosystem; collaboration opportunities; chance to pitch to a global audience and win grant prizes

URL: https://slingshot.agorize.com/en

Deadline: July 1, 2024

194) Texas Rural Woman Grant

Donor: Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman's University

About: The Texas Rural Woman Grant Program, facilitated by CWE, aims to spur economic development in rural Texas by supporting innovative projects initiated by rural woman-owned small businesses.

Focus: Grant

Region: Texas, specifically targeting rural areas

Eligibility: Woman-owned businesses in rural Texas with at least 51% ownership by one or more U.S. citizen women, legal business entities (for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships), up-to-date property and tax records, not involved in litigation, no felony convictions, not previous grant winners, located in eligible rural counties in Texas.

Benefits: Ten grants of $5,000 each, totaling $50,000 for selected businesses.

URL: https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/texas-rural-woman-grant/

Deadline: July 5, 2024

195) Administrative Supplements to Promote Diversity in Small Businesses-SBIR/STTR

Donor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health

About: This grant offers administrative supplements to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to enhance diversity in health-related research. It aims to recruit and support individuals from underrepresented groups and those with disabilities, enabling them to contribute to research projects within the original project scope.

Focus: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services

Region: United States

Eligibility: Small businesses primarily operating in the U.S. with less than 500 employees and owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, along with specific ownership criteria for venture capital, hedge funds, and private equity firms.

Benefits: Flexible funding to support project implementation and accommodate unforeseen expenses within the project’s scope.

URL: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/335652

Deadline: September 9, 2024

196) Fast Break for Small Business Grant Program

Donor: LegalZoom in partnership with NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League

About: Fast Break for Small Business offers $3 million in grant funding and services to small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs. This program aims to support both established and budding ventures by providing tools and resources for business growth. The grant opportunity includes a $10,000 small business grant and up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.

Focus: Business growth and support for small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs

Region: United States

Eligibility: Small businesses in operation for at least three months are eligible for the $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs who have yet to launch their business can also apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.

Benefits: Grants and LegalZoom products and services

URL: https://www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness

Deadline: September 13, 2024

197) West Virginia STEP Program

Donor: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development

About: The West Virginia STEP Program offers grant assistance to small businesses aiming to enter or expand in the global marketplace. Since 2015, the program has awarded nearly $1.4 million in funding, supporting over 80 West Virginia small businesses in export promotion activities. Eligible activities include participation in trade missions, trade shows, foreign market visits, website localization, design of marketing materials, and more.

Focus: Export promotion and international market expansion

Region: West Virginia, United States

Eligibility: Small businesses in West Virginia, regardless of their level of export development experience, can apply for reimbursement of export promotion activities. Eligible businesses must be organized or incorporated in the United States, comply with SBA size standards, have been in operation for at least one year, and meet other criteria outlined by the program.

Benefits: Reimbursement of up to $15,000 for export promotion activities, covering 75% of eligible expenses

URL: https://westvirginia.gov/export-promotion-guidelines/

Deadline: September 29, 2024

198) Tulane Business Model Competition

Donor: Tulane University Freeman School of Business

About: The Tulane Business Model Competition is open for early-stage ventures led by students. It recognizes and supports founders who develop viable business ventures by deconstructing an idea into critical business model hypotheses and testing them with customers. The top three finalists will share a cash prize of $125,000.

Focus: Supporting student-led ventures and fostering innovation in business models

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Early-stage ventures led by students, with at least one degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student from any college or university, are eligible to apply.

Benefits: Cash prize of $125,000 shared among the top three finalists

URL: https://freeman.tulane.edu/lepage/tulane-business-model-competition

Deadline: November 1, 2024

199) Hult Prize Challenge 2024

Donor: Hult Prize Foundation, Inc.

About: The Hult Prize Challenge 2024 invites young people to propose ideas for social enterprises aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encourages students to address pressing global issues through social entrepreneurship.

Focus: Social entrepreneurship and addressing global challenges

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Teams of 3-5 full- or part-time university undergraduate or graduate students aged 18 or older, enrolled in a degree program, are eligible to apply. Employees of the Hult Prize Foundation and its affiliates are not eligible to participate.

Benefits: The winning team receives $1 million USD in funding to implement their idea.

URL: https://www.hultprize.org/startup-pre-registration-is-now-open/

Deadline: December 31, 2024

200) Black Restaurant Accelerator Program

Donor: National Urban League in partnership with PepsiCo Foundation

About: The Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP) aims to support Black entrepreneurs in the food service industry by addressing systemic barriers to growth exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. BRAP provides direct grant assistance to 500 businesses and offers technical assistance, including entrepreneurial coaching and training on various topics such as back office systems, inventory management, marketing, and staff development.

Focus: Supporting Black-owned food service companies and fostering business growth

Region: Service areas of National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Washington DC

Eligibility: Food service companies located in the service areas of National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in specific cities listed above. Minimum revenue standards and other prerequisites apply.

Benefits: Direct grant assistance to 500 businesses, technical assistance including coaching and training on various business topics

URL: https://nul.org/program/black-restaurant-accelerator

Deadline: Rolling basis

201) Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)

About: The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is a prestigious competition for college and university students who own and operate businesses. Founded in 1998 by Saint Louis University and now run by the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), GSEA provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures, receive mentorship, and connect with a global network.

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students who own and operate a startup business for at least six months are eligible to compete. Students must be enrolled in a university or college at the time of application and be the owner, founder, or controlling shareholder of their company. Businesses must have generated at least $500 in revenue or received $1000 in investments.

Benefits: Competitors gain access to successful entrepreneurs, feedback, mentorship, and the opportunity to enhance their pitch skills. Finalists receive media attention, a paid trip to compete in the EO GSEA Global Finals, and a chance to win cash prizes. The global prize package is worth $25,000, with second and third place winners receiving $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. The total value of prizes, gifts, and services for all competitors is nearly half a million dollars.

Application Process: Interested students can apply by completing the online application form and participating in local competitions. Winners advance to national and global levels, with the ultimate goal of becoming the GSEA Global Champion.

URL: https://gsea.org/

Deadline: Ongoing (Check local competition deadlines for specific dates)

202) Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant

Donor: Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

About: This startup funding grant program offers reimbursement of up to 50% for qualifying Industry 4.0 technology costs, capped at $25,000. Eligible technologies include Artificial Intelligence, Robotics/Automation, Cybersecurity, and more. Companies must be manufacturers operating in Michigan and classified as startups & SMEs. They also need to complete an I4.0 Technology Assessment or provide documentation of a technology implementation strategy.

Focus: Technology implementation in manufacturing facilities

Region: Michigan, United States

Eligibility: Manufacturers in Michigan, classified as small businesses by the SBA, and members of Automation Alley

Benefits: Up to 50% reimbursement for qualifying technology costs, with a maximum grant amount of $25,000

URL: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industry4-0/grant/

Deadline: Ongoing

203) $100M PRIZE FOR CARBON REMOVAL

Donor: Musk Foundation (Funded by Elon Musk)

About: XPRIZE Carbon Removal aims to address climate change by rebalancing Earth’s carbon cycle. It's a four-year global competition inviting innovators worldwide to create and demonstrate solutions for removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or oceans sustainably and durably. Solutions must demonstrate the removal of at least 1000 tonnes of CO2 per year, model costs at a million-ton scale per year, and present a pathway to achieving gigatonne scale in the future.

Focus: Carbon removal solutions

Region: Global

Eligibility: Teams from various backgrounds including university groups, startups, companies, community organizations, families, or individuals

Benefits: Milestone prizes of $1 million each may be awarded after 1 year. The grand prize winner receives $50 million, and up to $30 million will be distributed among up to 3 runners up after 4 years. Additionally, up to $5 million will be awarded to student teams in Fall 2021.

URL: https://www.xprize.org/prizes/carbonremoval

Deadline: Ongoing (Competition ends on Earth Day 2025 - Tue, Apr 22, 2025)

204) Jobber Grants To Home Service Professionals

Donor: Jobber

About: Jobber Grants recognize excellence in home services by providing $10,000 grants to home service professionals. The $150,000 grant program is divided into four categories: Home Service Heroes, Career Builders, Smooth Operators, and Community Caretakers. Applicants must describe their business and how they excel in their field. The application process is quick, taking only 5 minutes to apply for phase 1.

Focus: Home services

Region: United States and Canada (excluding Québec)

Eligibility: Home service business owners or aspiring business owners, 18 years or older

Benefits: Fifteen $10,000 grants, spotlight on business story and impact

URL: https://getjobber.com/grants

Deadline: June 12, 2024

205) The Creative Business Boost Initiative

Donor: Hello Alice and Global Entrepreneur Network (GEN)

About: The Creative Business Boost Initiative, supported by Etsy’s Uplift Fund, awards 100 recipients with $5,000 grants and access to a 12-week Boost Camp coaching program. This program aims to empower creative entrepreneurs by providing financial support, educational resources, and community access to enhance their business growth and cultural contributions. Eligible businesses must demonstrate a need for funding and virtual business coaching.

Focus: Creative economy, art, culture, design, innovation

Region: United States

Eligibility: Existing businesses, U.S. residents

Benefits: $5,000 grant, 12-week business Boost Camp coaching program

URL: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/the-creative-business-boost-initiative

Deadline: June 21, 2024

206) Kluz Prize for PeaceTech 2024

Donor: Kluz Ventures

About: The Kluz Prize for PeaceTech seeks to recognize significant contributions to technologies that promote peace. The award is for established projects with proven impact in areas such as peacebuilding, human rights protection, conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and addressing basic human needs. The prize includes $20,000 to support further advancement of the winning project.

Focus: Peacebuilding, human rights, conflict prevention, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, basic human needs

Region: Worldwide

Eligibility: Individuals, organizations, entrepreneurs, engineers, programmers, scientists, startups, accelerators, big-tech, venture capitalists

Benefits: $20,000 award

URL: https://www.kluzprize.org/

Deadline: July 15, 2024

207) Accelerating uptake through open proposals for advanced SME innovation

Donor: European Commission

About: This grant supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to innovate in EU security domains. It facilitates market access and collaboration between SMEs, research organizations, and public buyers.

Focus: Fighting Crime and Terrorism (FCT), Disaster-Resilient Society (DRS), Resilient Infrastructure (INFRA), Border Management (BM)

Region: EU Member States and Associated Countries

Eligibility: SMEs, research organizations, technology providers

Benefits: Lump sum grants for technology development, market access support

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-cl3-2024-ssri-01-02?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate&keywords=business&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502

Deadline: November 20, 2024

208) IAC PROGRAM

Donor: Intellectual Property (IP) Collective

About: The IAC Program offers funding to SMEs to support their intellectual property (IP) development and growth. With multiple submission rounds throughout the year, the program provides grants to Full Members, Associate Members, and women-led companies. Full Member grants offer a pool of $200K per round, with individual awards ranging from $5K to $20K. Associate Member and Women in IP grants allocate $100K per round, with individual awards ranging from $5K to $10K. Additionally, the program offers IP credit, allowing members to use their annual fee towards IP spend, including trademark prosecution, patent filing, and IP consultation.

Focus: SMEs, intellectual property (IP) development, business growth

Region: International

Eligibility: SMEs, Full Members, Associate Members, women-led companies

Benefits: Grants ranging from $5K to $20K (Full Member), $5K to $10K (Associate Member and Women in IP), IP credit for IP spend

URL: https://www.ipcollective.ca/our-programs-ip-patent-generation/?utm_source=bbf-orae&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=FTF&utm_term=business_benefits_finder-outil_recherche_aide_aux_entreprises

Deadline: Ongoing

209) 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program

Donor: 500 Co.

About Funding: This is an accelerator program that will give you startup funding, coaching and resources. They have a team of more than 500 investors from diverse backgrounds and they are investing since 2010. The applications are currently rolling.

Eligibility: Any entrepreneur with an idea or registered business can apply.

Focus Areas: Businesses of all industries and types

Preferred Regions: Worldwide

Benefits: Startup Funding + Coaching + Networking + Partnership

Grant Page: https://500.co/funds

Application Page: https://500.co/accelerators/500-global-flagship-accelerator-program/apply

Deadline: Ongoing

210) INTUIT QUICKBOOKS GRANT PROGRAM

Donor: Intuit QuickBooks

About: The Intuit QuickBooks Grant Program offers 20 grants of $10,000 each to small business owners. Winners also receive free business coaching. The grant aims to support businesses in areas such as marketing, equipment upgrades, or hiring new staff. Applications require a short essay and must be submitted by June 30, 2024. Winners will be notified by August 15, 2024.

Focus: Small business growth, marketing, equipment upgrades, hiring

Region: United States

Eligibility: Small business owners, self-employed individuals, freelancers with businesses established by May 1, 2023, and less than 99 employees

Benefits: $10,000 cash, free business coaching

URL: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/grant-program/?cid=pr_sbsm_press-release__eng_

Deadline: June 30, 2024

211) Skip's Monthly $1k Instant Grants

Donor: Skip

About: Skip's $1k Instant Grants offers multiple $1,000 grants to US-based entrepreneurs who are 18 or older. Winners will be chosen live at 3pm ET on Tuesday, every month’s 18th. To participate, entrepreneurs must watch the live event on Skip's YouTube channel, have the Skip App to see their entry number and PIN code, and enter the PIN code in the comments if their entry number is announced during the live event. Additionally, if a user refers a new participant to Skip, and they win $1,000, the referrer will also win $1,000. The referral program is valid for new users who sign up with the referrer's link.

Focus: Supporting US-based entrepreneurs

Region: United States

Eligibility: US-based entrepreneurs, 18 years or older

Benefits: Multiple $1,000 grants

URL: https://helloskip.com/dashboard/opportunity/1k-instant-39

Deadline: Ongoing

212) ADP Grit & Wisdom Contest

Donor: ADP

About: The ADP Grit & Wisdom Contest offers small businesses in the United States the opportunity to share their best advice for a chance to win prizes totaling $75,000 or more. Small business owners are encouraged to share their insights and lessons learned, offering advice on various aspects of starting and growing a business, from hiring and retaining employees to financial management, customer service, and vendor relationships. Entries must be submitted by June 17, 2024.

Focus: Sharing small business advice

Region: United States

Eligibility: Legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, aged 18 or older, who own or are employed by a small business with a maximum of 100 employees

Benefits: Grand prize includes a business prize pack valued at $5,000 and a year of free ADP payroll services. Two first-place winners will receive business prize packs worth $2,500 each along with the same payroll service offer. Five second-place winners will get $1,000 worth of business equipment and free payroll service for a year. Additionally, ADP will award 100 semi-finalists $500 prepaid debit cards.

URL: https://d.helloskip.com/xUD9

Deadline: June 17, 2024

213) Skip $10k Summer Grants

Donor: Skip

About: The Skip $10k Summer Grants celebrate the commitments made by entrepreneurs to grow their businesses during the busy summer season. This $10,000 grant is open to all entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States, regardless of the stage or size of their business. To apply, entrepreneurs must complete the application questions under the "Application" tab and submit their application by June 25, 2024.

Focus: Supporting US-based entrepreneurs and small business owners

Region: United States

Eligibility: All US-based entrepreneurs and small business owners aged 18 and above

Benefits: $10,000 grant

URL: https://helloskip.com/dashboard/opportunity/skip10k-member-2

Deadline: June 25, 2024

214) CO—100 Awards

Donor: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

About: The CO—100 Awards recognize the 100 best small and mid-sized businesses in America, celebrating innovation, growth, and community impact.

Focus: Innovation, growth, community impact

Region: United States

Eligibility: Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S. for at least one year, with fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for 2022 and 2023.

Benefits:

• Ten businesses will receive $2,000.
• America's Top Small Business of the Year will receive $25,000.
• All winners get brand exposure, exclusive access to experts, VIP experiences, and a dedicated business profile on CO—.

Deadline: July 8, 2024

URL: https://www.uschamber.com/co/co100

215) ZenBusiness $5K Grant Program

Donor: ZenBusiness

About: ZenBusiness is offering grants to support small businesses. They will be awarding over 40 grants this year to businesses that have used their formation services within the last 3 to 6 months. Grantees will receive $5,000 to grow their business, ZenBusiness Money Pro access for 30 days, and ZenBusiness Banking free for the first month.

Focus: Small businesses

Region: United States

Eligibility: Current customers who are at least 18 years old and have used ZenBusiness formation services within the last 3 to 6 months. Businesses must be private entities registered in the U.S. and offer products or services that benefit their community.

Benefits: $5,000 grant, ZenBusiness Money Pro access for 30 days, ZenBusiness Banking free for the first month

URL: https://www.zenbusiness.com/grants/

Deadline: Ongoing (Entries accepted January 1 through December 31, 2024)

216) Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech

Donor: Milken Institute, Motsepe Foundation

About: This prize aims to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. It offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participants gain access to networking and pitching opportunities. The Grand Prize will be announced at the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles, California.

Focus: Access to capital, financial services, small businesses

Region: Global

Eligibility: Companies

Benefits: $1 million Grand Prize, $100,000 for each finalist, networking opportunities

URL: https://milkenmotsepeprize.org/fintech/

Deadline: Ongoing

217) Corporate Grants and Funding

Donor: American Express (AMEX)

About: AMEX offers various financial assistance programs for its cardholders, including lower interest rates, funds for vendor payments, and interest-free loans with a grace period. These opportunities are available specifically to U.S. residents.

Focus: Lower interest rates, vendor payment funds, interest-free loans

Region: United States

Eligibility: AMEX card holders, evaluated on a case-by-case basis, must be residents of the U.S.

Benefits: Lower interest rates, funds ranging from $500 to $150,000 for vendor payments, interest-free loans up to $15,000 with a six-month grace period before repayments start.

URL: https://smallbstrong.com/resources/corporate-grants-and-funding/

Deadline: Ongoing

218) NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant

Donor: NAACP and Leslie's Inc.

About: This grant helps entrepreneurs obtain essential business certifications like Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE). It supports small businesses in rural and urban areas, particularly those led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or located in HUBZones.

Focus: Business certifications

Region: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Texas

Eligibility: Small businesses 51% owned by African-Americans, people of color, women, or persons with disabilities, or businesses in HUBZones; sectors include consulting and food services

Benefits: $5,000 grants, 17 one-time grants available, funding for certification application costs

URL: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant

Deadline: Ongoing

219) Pennsylvania / New Jersey Job Creators Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC

About: A grant opportunity for diverse-led businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to 10 businesses. Recipients will also receive a scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program. Eligibility includes businesses led by Latino, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTA+, Military Veterans, or located in low to moderate income areas. Businesses must have annual revenues between $100K and $5 million, be B2B or B2G, have 2+ full-time employees, and the ability to add 1-2 new jobs in the next 12 months.

Focus: Diverse-led businesses, business growth, job creation

Region: Pennsylvania, New Jersey

Eligibility: Diverse-led businesses, $100K-$5 million revenue, B2B or B2G, 2+ full-time employees, job creation potential, Pennsylvania or New Jersey location

Benefits: $50,000, accelerator program scholarship

URL: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/pa-nj

Deadline: June 25, 2024

220) EmpowHer Grants

Donor: Boundless Futures Foundation

About: Grants for female entrepreneurs 22+ in the U.S. whose businesses address social issues. The business must not be older than 3 years and applicants must self-report credit scores and agree to a background check. Grants can be requested up to $25,000 for business support and are reimbursed post-payment proof. Business plans and detailed budgets required.

Focus: Poverty & Hunger, Sustainability & the Environment, Strong Communities

Region: United States

Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs, 22 years or older, U.S.-registered businesses, addressing social issues, not older than 3 years

Benefits: Up to $25,000, business advisory support

URL: https://theboundlessfuturesfoundation.submittable.com/submit

Deadline: June 17, 2024

221) Queer to Stay: LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative

Donor: Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in collaboration with SHOWTIME® and Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF)

About: The Queer to Stay initiative aims to support LGBTQ+ small businesses, especially those owned by and serving LGBTQ+ people of color, women, and the transgender community. Since its launch in June 2020, the program has awarded over $1 million in total distributed funding, benefiting over 100 businesses across the country. The initiative addresses financial challenges faced by LGBTQ+ businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and aims to preserve safe and affirming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

Focus: Supporting LGBTQ+ small businesses

Region: United States

Eligibility:

• US-based for-profit businesses
• Businesses primarily serving/catering to the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ Communities of Color, the LGBTQ+ Women's Community, and/or the Transgender and Non-Binary Community
• Businesses negatively impacted financially due to COVID-19
• Priority given to businesses owned by members of the LGBTQ+ communities, including queer people of color, queer women, and transgender and non-binary individuals. Priority also given to businesses that have not previously received funding from the Queer to Stay initiative.

Benefits: Taxed donation

URL: https://www.hrc.org/resources/queer-to-stay-an-lgbtq-business-preservation-initative

Deadline: August 31, 2024

222) RTC Women in Tech Fund

Donor: Goldman Sachs and Rewriting the Code

About: The RTC Women in Tech Fund, a $1.5 million collaborative fund between Goldman Sachs and Rewriting the Code, focuses on investing in degree completion for undergraduate women in computing who are facing financial obstacles to graduation. This initiative aims to disrupt gender and racial inequity in the tech industry by equipping and empowering college and early career women in tech.

Focus: Supporting undergraduate women in computing

Region: United States

Eligibility:

• Identify as a woman or non-binary individual
• Demonstrate low-income status, ineligibility for U.S. Federal student aid, or other evidence of financial need
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate computing-related degree at an accredited 4-year institution of higher education in the U.S.
• Within four (4) semesters of graduation (Juniors/Seniors) for the Emergency and Bridge Grant and within two (2) semesters for the Last Mile Grant
• Currently located in the United States
• Experiencing a time-sensitive financial need that threatens continued progress as a computing student
• Must have been a member of Rewriting the Code for 6 months (membership date will be verified as part of the application review)

Benefits:

1. Emergency Mini Grants: Up to $595 to help students overcome short-term obstacles to their progress
2. Bridge Grants: Up to $3,000 to overcome potentially catastrophic financial hurdles or access critical resume-building opportunities
3. Academic Grants: Up to $10,000 to cover tuition and expenses for the final credits to degree completion

URL: https://rewritingthecode.org/women-in-tech-fund/

Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

223) 2024 BGV Pitch Program Application

Donor: Black Girl Ventures

About: The 2024 BGV Pitch Program Application offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, or NYC to pitch their business ideas. This program aims to support and empower black and brown communities by addressing the challenges faced in accessing venture capital.

Focus: Entrepreneurship, Empowerment

Region: Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, NYC

Eligibility: Revenue-generating entrepreneurs in good standing, located in one of the specified cities

Benefits:

• 1st Place Winner: $15K
• 2nd Place Winner: $10K
• 3rd Place Winner: $5K
• Portion of funds raised from the audience’s votes on Raisify.co
• Membership to the BGV Connect Incubator
• Direct funding and access to a new network of business owners and investors

URL: https://blackgirlventures.submittable.com/submit/285446/2024-bgv-pitch-program-application

Deadline:

• Austin: April 26 (applications close), May 7th (program starts)
• Chicago: June 14 (applications close), June 24 (program starts)
• NYC: October 9 (applications close), October 17 (program starts)
• Los Angeles: November 6 (applications close), November 15 (program starts)

224) Beyond Open Small Business Grant Program

Donor: Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund

About: The Beyond Open Small Business Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative aimed at fostering economic mobility in the Charlotte community. It focuses on supporting diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The grants are intended to help businesses located within the Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte. Grant awards, totaling approximately $5 million in the third round, can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate.

Focus: Economic mobility, Diversity, Small business support

Region: Charlotte, North Carolina

Eligibility: Diverse-owned small businesses located within the Corridors of Opportunity in Charlotte

Benefits: Grants ranging from $5 million in each of three rounds, totaling $15 million, to support small businesses

URL: https://www.beyondopenclt.com/

 Deadline: Ongoing (Round 3 is currently open)

225) Giving Joy Grants Application

Donor: Giving Joy

About: Giving Joy Grants is a competitive grant program aimed at supporting women's empowerment and community development worldwide. The program is committed to fostering innovative ideas that positively impact women, girls, and families.

Focus: Women's empowerment, Community development

Eligibility: Women ages 18 and above

URL: https://givingjoygrants.org/grant-application

Key Dates:

1. Spring Grant Round: January 1 - April 30
2. Summer Grant Round: June 1 - July 31

226) Community Spirit Awards

Donor: First Peoples Fund

About: First Peoples Fund (FPF) provides monetary support and facilitates connections for Native artists and culture bearers. The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award, named after FPF's founder, offers grants of $50,000 to four to six Native artists annually. This grant recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to sharing their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts with their communities. It aims to support these cultural practitioners to continue their work and aid Native communities in healing and thriving.

Focus: Supporting Native artists and culture bearers

Region: United States

Eligibility: Native artists of any medium who have demonstrated a commitment to their art for at least 10 years and are deeply rooted in their communities. Nominees must be enrolled tribe members or provide proof of lineal descendancy of a U.S. federally recognized tribe, a state-recognized tribe, or be an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian.

Benefits: $50,000 grant

URL: https://www.firstpeoplesfund.org/programs/community-spirit-award

Deadline: July 8, 2024

227) Texas Enterprise Fund

Donor: State of Texas

About: The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) provides "deal-closing" grants to companies considering new projects in Texas that are also competing with out-of-state locations. These performance-based financial incentives aim to attract significant capital investments and new employment opportunities to Texas.

Focus: Capital investment, job creation

Region: Texas

Eligibility: Companies planning new projects including facility openings or expansions, with significant projected job creation and capital investment. The project must be in competition with at least one out-of-state site, and the company must not have made a final location decision.

Benefits: Cash grants calculated based on the average wage of new employees, hiring timeline, and number of jobs created. Award amounts are adjusted based on the company's total proposed capital investment.

URL: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-enterprise-fund

Deadline: Ongoing

228) The Second Annual Elevate Creatives Fund

Donor: Wave and the Shorty Awards

About: The Elevate Creatives Fund, jointly presented by Wave and the Shorty Awards, offers a $120,000 USD fund to remove financial barriers for creators and small creative business owners, fueling creative entrepreneurship. Shortlisted applicants will receive a feature on the Shorty Awards website and social media, along with free personalized bookkeeping and accounting coaching from Wave’s experts. The six recipients will each receive $20,000 USD to grow their creative business, free creative and/or business mentorship, a feature on the Shorty Awards website, social media, and podcast, and an invitation to the live Shorty Impact Awards in November 2024.

Focus: Supporting creative entrepreneurship

Region: United States and Canada

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. or Canada-based independent creators producing editorial, fine art, and/or commercial content, or freelance creatives providing services to brands, agencies, nonprofits, etc. Previous applicants who were not final recipients in 2023 are also eligible.

Benefits: $20,000 USD grant, free mentorship, feature on Shorty Awards platforms, invitation to Shorty Impact Awards

URL: https://shortyawards.com/elevate-creatives/

Deadline: Round 1: July 31, 2024

Round 2: September 15, 2024

Application administrative fee: Early deadline (June 30): $49, Late deadline (July 31): $99

229) Her Culture Micro Grant

Donor: Her Culture

About: Her Culture's micro grants aim to empower African and Caribbean women worldwide for social and economic development. They are offering a few $500 USD micro grants for the rest of 2024. These grants are open to women of African and Caribbean descent, including entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, and creatives, based anywhere in the world. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects positively impact culture and community.

Focus: Empowering African and Caribbean women for social and economic development

Region: Global

Eligibility: Open to Caribbean and African women, as well as women of African and Caribbean descent, who are entrepreneurs, creatives, and non-profit founders, based in their home countries or anywhere around the world.

Benefits: $500 micro-grant

URL: https://aboutherculture.com/micro-grant-opportunities/

Deadline: Rolling application throughout 2024

230) Climate Innovation Fund

Donor: Microsoft

About: Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund is a $1 billion investment initiative aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. The fund focuses on investments primarily based on four criteria: climate impact, underfunded markets, shared alignment, and climate equity. It aims to invest in emerging climate technology solutions that have early commercial traction and need capital to scale in the market. The fund also provides project financing to bring existing climate solutions to scale and invests directly in companies, aiming to scale new innovative solutions in the market and demonstrate the viability of new technologies. Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund does not provide grants or donations, lead an investment round, take a majority ownership stake in a fund or company, or fund publicly traded companies.

Focus: Climate impact, underfunded markets, shared alignment, climate equity

Region: Global

Eligibility: Companies and fund managers in the areas of direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets.

Benefits: Accelerated development and deployment of new climate innovations, increased access to capital for emerging climate technology solutions, and support for projects that address climate impact, underfunded markets, shared alignment, and climate equity.

URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/sustainability/climate-innovation-fund?rtc=1&activetab=pivot1:primaryr6

Deadline: Ongoing

231) Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward 2024

Donor: Progressive
Funding Information: The Driving Small Business Forward Fund, powered by Progressive, aims to support entrepreneurs by providing access to a commercial vehicle. Launched in 2022, this fund addresses the unique challenges faced by small businesses. Progressive is committed to empowering entrepreneurs by offering solutions tailored to their needs. This year, Progressive is allocating $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with $50,000 grants each. Recipients will also receive access to an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program, designed to equip business owners with tools and resources to achieve their growth objectives.
Focus Areas: Access to commercial vehicles, entrepreneurship support.
Region(s): Global.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to businesses worldwide with a demonstrated need for a commercial vehicle. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for full eligibility requirements.
Benefits: $50,000 grant, access to an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program.
Grant Website: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/progressive-driving-small-business-forward-2024
Deadline: June 15, 2024 at 3:00am GMT+5

232) Enabling Accessibility Fund - Small Projects Component

Donor: Employment and Social Development Canada

About: This funding opportunity aims to enhance accessibility in communities and workplaces across Canada for persons with disabilities. It supports projects that improve access to community activities, programs, services, and employment for disabled individuals.

Focus: Accessibility, community activities, employment opportunities

Region: Canada

Eligibility: Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, indigenous organizations, municipal and territorial governments

Benefits: Up to $125,000 per project (up to 2 years duration)

URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-small-projects.html

Deadline: July 23, 2024

233) Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge

Donor: Social Shifters

About: This challenge supports young people (18-30 years) worldwide with ideas, projects, or business solutions addressing social and environmental issues. Participants can receive grant funding, support, and mentoring to develop their submissions and make a positive impact in their communities.

Focus: Social issues, environmental issues, sustainable development

Region: Global

Eligibility: Individuals (18-30 years), project teams, social entrepreneurs

Benefits: Grants up to $10,000, free support, mentoring, feature alongside major brands

URL: https://www.socialshifters.co/global-innovation-challenge/

Deadline: July 31, 2024

234) Digital Equity Fund - Round 2

Donor: Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE)

About: The Digital Equity Fund aims to bridge the digital divide in Baltimore City by supporting community-led digital inclusion plans. Round 2 focuses on initiatives addressing gaps in digital literacy and skills. There are three funding categories: Tier 1 for digital literacy education, Tier 2 for advanced digital education and IT fundamentals, and Tier 3 for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces.

Focus: Digital literacy education, IT fundamentals, digital creatives, virtual makerspaces

Region: Baltimore City

Eligibility: Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Baltimore residents

Benefits: Grants up to $200,000 per category

URL: https://www.baltimorecivicfund.org/digital-equity-fund

Deadline: July 14, 2024

235) Mazars XFactory

Donor: Mazars

About: The Mazars XFactory is a specialized accelerator program designed by startups and for startups. It offers a unique opportunity for 10 selected startups to receive tailored support, mentorship, and access to a global network.

Focus: The program is open to entrepreneurial teams in the acceleration phase. It provides 6 months of personalized support, a dedicated mentor from Mazars, and access to their multidisciplinary expertise.

Region: Global

Eligibility: Open to all commercial entities, including startups. Employees of Mazars and Agorize, as well as their family members, are not eligible to participate.

Benefits: Selected startups will receive 6 months of tailored support, a dedicated mentor from Mazars, and access to their multidisciplinary expertise. Additionally, they will benefit from connections with other startups, alumni, partners, and Mazars' international network spanning 102 countries.

URL: https://challenges-mazars.agorize.com/fr/challenges/call-for-startups?t=UxtLq3vGt9bblYvplRKQhA&utm_campaign=agorize_thumbnail&utm_medium=listing&utm_source=agorize.com

Deadline: June 21, 2024

236) Zayed Sustainability Prize

Donor: Zayed Sustainability Prize

About: The Zayed Sustainability Prize aims to recognize and reward sustainable solutions in various categories such as Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Submissions must align with the goal of promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges.

Focus: The prize seeks innovative solutions that contribute to sustainability and address critical global challenges in the areas of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.

Region: Global

Eligibility: Open to individuals, teams, businesses, organizations, and schools worldwide. Submissions must be made through the online portal, and applicants should register an account to start the entry process. Submissions are accepted until June 23, 2024, 5:00 PM EST.

Benefits: The prize offers recognition and rewards for outstanding sustainable solutions. Exact benefits may vary based on the category.

URL: https://entry.zayedsustainabilityprize.com/ZSPRegistration

Deadline: June 23, 2024

237) Carbon to Value Initiative

Donor: C2V Initiative

About: Six-month accelerator supporting startups developing carbon-tech solutions (TRL 4-7). Provides funding, mentorship, and market access. Targets innovations in carbon conversion, capture, and sequestration. Not for established CO₂ uses like enhanced oil recovery or solely market-focused technologies. Participants must attend in-person events in Houston, New York, and Boston, with a $10,000 stipend for expenses.

Focus: Carbontech innovation, carbon conversion, carbon capture, carbon sequestration

Region: Global

Eligibility: Startups, early-stage ventures (TRL 4-7)

Benefits: Funding, mentorship, market access, $10,000 stipend

URL: https://www.c2vinitiative.com/year-4?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=

Deadline: June 21, 2024

238) National Black Business Pitch (NBBP) 2024

Donor: National Black Business Pitch
Funding Information: The National Black Business Pitch (NBBP) is a competition to connect Black-owned businesses with corporations looking to diversify their supply chain. The goal is not just to provide a seat at the table but to open doors and build long-term relationships that can lead to sustainable contracts. The competition consists of two phases:
Phase I (Deadline to Apply: June 3, 2024):
Open to Black-owned, founded, or controlled businesses in the United States.
Applicants submit an application, a capability statement, and a three-minute video about their company.
A panel of judges from the corporate supplier diversity community reviews submissions.
Thirty companies are selected to proceed to Phase II.
Phase II (August 21, 2024):
The 30 finalists pitch live in front of a virtual audience of corporate procurement and supplier diversity professionals.
Three companies are selected to receive cash prizes of up to $10,000.
Focus Areas: Connecting Black-owned businesses with corporations for supply chain expansion and diversification.
Region(s): United States.
Eligibility Criteria: Black-owned, founded, or controlled businesses throughout the United States.
Benefits: Increased exposure, networking opportunities, and a chance to earn new business. Cash prizes of up to $10,000 for three selected companies.
Grant Website: https://nationalblackbusinesspitch.com/
Deadline: Phase I - June 3, 2024; Phase II - August 21, 2024

239) The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund

Donor: FedEx
Funding Information: The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund is a collaboration between FedEx, Hello Alice, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). It aims to support entrepreneurs in the United States by offering them a total of $300,000 in grants and educational resources. The program's main objective is to provide necessary funding, resources, and networks to enhance the success of their businesses. This fund specifically targets entrepreneurs who either have a connection to the military or have disabilities. In this round, thirty grants of $10,000 each will be awarded.
Focus Areas: Support for entrepreneurs with a military connection, Entrepreneurs with disabilities
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses that are majority (51%+) owned and operated by entrepreneurs with disabilities or military-connected entrepreneurs (including military family members, spouses, active personnel, or veterans). Other criteria include having a maximum of twenty-five employees, annual gross revenues in 2024 of less than $7 million, and a demonstrated need for funding to support the business and serve customers.
Benefits: Thirty grants of $10,000 each
Grant Website: https://helloalice.com/grants/fedex

Deadline: Closed Keeping Checking For 2024 Application

240) Master’s Program Fundraising Accelerator

Donor: PenFed Foundation
Funding Information: The Master’s Program is the nation’s top accelerator program for Veteran and milspouse founders. The accelerator prepares highly-scalable, venture-backable startups to raise investor funds and scale. The program includes a four-day, in-residence retreat in Virginia, followed by a six-week virtual due diligence boot camp. After week six, founders return to Virginia to pitch to leading investors and funds at an in-person Demo Day.
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Startups, Fundraising, Business Scaling, Investor Pitching
Region(s): United States
Eligibility Criteria: Veteran and milspouse founders with highly-scalable startups
Benefits: Opening retreat for founders, Fundraising coaching & bootcamps, Networking with investors and entrepreneurs, Investment Opportunities
Grant Website: https://penfedfoundation.org/how-we-help/veip/
Deadline: July 15, 2024 for the Fall 2024 Master's Program Fundraising Accelerator

241) Visa Everywhere Initiative 2024

Donor: Visa

About: The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global competition designed to provide an opportunity for innovative fintech startups to showcase their solutions. Winners gain recognition and credibility, with a chance to participate in the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco. This year's competition will be held on October 28th, 2024. The program was initially launched in the U.S. in 2015 and has since become a global initiative. Nearly 15,000 startups have applied to the program to date, many of which now collaborate with Visa or its clients.

Focus: Fintech startups with innovative payment and commerce solutions.

Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Central Europe, Middle East, Africa.

Eligibility: Startups.

Benefits:

• Overall Winner: $100,000 USD.
• Audience Favorite: $20,000 USD (The overall winner is also eligible for the Audience Favorite prize).
• Global finalists will be hosted by Visa at the TechCrunch Disrupt Pavilion, with benefits including a standing demo table or kiosk in the Expo Hall for three days, a 11” x 14” tabletop sign with sponsor logo, founder pass, access to complimentary partner wifi network and power, access to the Startup Exhibitor Lounge, access to the TechCrunch Disrupt press list, and inclusion in the Disrupt mobile app.
• Local and regional prizes will also be awarded prior to the global finals.

URL: https://corporate.visa.com/en/visa-everywhere/everywhere-initiative/initiative.html#Terms_and_conditions-2139618902

Deadline: April 29, 2024

242) Women of Color Business Grants

Donor: Corporate Counsel Women of Color

About: The Corporate Counsel Women of Color Grant Program provides $2,500 grants to individual women of color entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses. The program aims to address the funding gap that women of color often face by empowering them with financial resources. The grant is awarded to five recipients who meet specific criteria, including operating a legal for-profit business in the US, having an EIN number, and generating over $25,000 in revenue since January 1, 2020.

Focus: Small business growth, economic empowerment, minority business support

Region: United States

Eligibility: Women of Color, legal for-profit businesses, established since January 1, 2020, with an EIN number, at least $25,000 in revenue, applicants 18 years or older

Benefits: $2,500 grant

URL: https://ccwomenofcolorentrepreneurs.org/our-programs/

Deadline: January 2024, January 2025

243) Florida Opportunity Fund Programs

Donor: Florida Opportunity Fund

About: The Florida Opportunity Fund provides various funding programs aimed at supporting early-stage companies and advancing Florida's innovation economy. These programs include:

1. Florida Venture Capital Program: Offers funding to emerging or early-growth stage companies with high growth potential in target industries.
2. Fund of Funds Program: Invests in early-stage venture capital fund managers to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
3. Clean Energy Investment Program: Provides venture capital funding for businesses focused on increasing the use of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
4. Equity Capital Program: Focuses on funding Florida-based technology businesses, including very small businesses.

The Fund emphasizes sectors like technology, software, life sciences, medical devices, clean energy, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other emerging technologies. They also offer bi-weekly open pitch sessions for startups, venture capital funds, and clean energy projects with a Florida connection to present their ideas and seek capital.

Focus: Early-stage funding, venture capital, technology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, emerging technologies

Region: Florida

Eligibility: Early-stage companies, startups, venture capital funds, clean energy projects, technology-focused businesses in Florida

Benefits: Venture capital funding, equity investment, support for technology and innovation-focused businesses

URL: https://www.floridaopportunityfund.com/

Deadline: Ongoing

244) Urgent Action Fund Security Grants

Donor: Urgent Action Fund

About: These grants support women, trans, and non-binary activists whose safety and security are at risk. The fund provides quick, flexible support for individuals or movements in urgent need. Grants must be applied for when situations are unexpected and urgent. Decisions are made within 1 to 10 business days, and funds can be disbursed within 24 hours to 10 business days.

Focus: Activist safety, women’s rights, trans rights, non-binary rights, security

Region: Canada, Central Asia, Europe, Middle East, Balkans, Caucasus, USA

Eligibility: Women, trans, or non-binary people as decision-makers; urgent, unanticipated situations

Benefits: Up to $8,000 USD

URL: https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/

Deadline: Ongoing

245) Urgent Action Fund Opportunity Grants

Donor: Urgent Action Fund

About: These grants are designed to support advocacy, awareness-raising, influencing policy, and changing public discourse around women's, trans, and non-binary rights. These grants are also for urgent, unplanned opportunities requiring quick action. Decisions are made between 1 to 10 business days, and funds can be wired within 24 hours to 10 business days.

Focus: Advocacy, awareness, policy change, public discourse, women's rights, trans rights, non-binary rights

Region: Canada, Central Asia, Europe, Middle East, Balkans, Caucasus, USA

Eligibility: Women, trans, or non-binary people as decision-makers; urgent and unanticipated actions

Benefits: Up to $8,000 USD

URL: https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/

Deadline: Ongoing

246) Aboutherculture Micro Grant

Donor: Aboutherculture

About: This micro grant is designed to support African and Caribbean women globally in their social and economic development efforts. For the remainder of 2024, Aboutherculture is providing several $500 USD grants to women of African and Caribbean descent who are entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, or creatives. The grant is intended to fund projects that have a positive impact on culture and community. Applicants must demonstrate how their work influences their communities and promote cultural awareness.

Focus: Social and economic development, culture, community, entrepreneurship, nonprofit

Region: Global (for women of African and Caribbean descent)

Eligibility: Women of African or Caribbean descent, entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, creatives

Benefits: $500 microgrant

URL: https://aboutherculture.com/micro-grant-opportunities/

Deadline: September 2024

247) Mary O’Neill Mini Grant

Donor: AFCPE®

About: The Mary O’Neill Mini Grant provides $3,500 for the development and implementation of innovative, high-impact financial education projects. The grant is available annually, with applications accepted from July to September. The recipient is chosen by a selection committee and announced at the AFCPE® Annual Symposium. The grantee must submit a 1,000-word summary and present their project at the symposium. Grant funds must be used directly for program development and implementation.

Focus:

• Financial education projects
• Innovation and impact

Region: U.S.

Eligibility:

Any registered AFCPE® Member

Benefits:

• $3,500 for project development and implementation
• Public recognition at the AFCPE® Annual Symposium

URL: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/grants/

Deadline: September 30, 2024

248) Community Development Grants

Donor: City of Chicago

About: The Community Development Grants (CDGs) by the City of Chicago support business and neighborhood development through various funding levels. These grants use funds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other sources to promote job creation and quality-of-life improvements for residents. Funding is available for small, medium, and large projects and covers a range of business-related investments, including office, retail, light industrial, cultural, institutional, and mixed-use developments.

Focus: Business development, neighborhood vitality, job creation, quality-of-life improvements

Region: Chicago, Illinois

Eligibility:

• Business owners
• Property owners
• Non-profit organizations
• Community developers
• Entrepreneurs

Benefits:

Small: Up to $250,000

Medium: $300,001 to $5 million

Large: $5 million and up

URL: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-development-grant/home.html

Deadline:

Small: November 8, 2024

Medium: February 14, 2025

Large: Ongoing

249) High Five Grant for Moms

Donor: The Mama Ladder

About: The High Five Grant for Moms supports mother entrepreneurs by providing financial support to help grow their businesses. The program aims to boost ambitious moms in their entrepreneurial journey, helping them scale their businesses and reach the $1 million revenue mark. Grants are available to women caregivers who own at least 50% of a for-profit business, have generated revenue in the past year, and are based in the U.S. or Canada. Since 2018, The Mama Ladder has awarded over $70,500 to mom-owned businesses through this grant program.

Focus: Women entrepreneurs, mothers, small businesses, business growth

Region: United States, Canada

Eligibility:

• Mothers (including expecting, stepmoms, and foster moms)
• Own at least 50% of a for-profit business
• Business revenue between $10,000 to $500,000 in the past 12 months
• Business headquartered in the U.S. or Canada

Benefits:

Grand Prize: $10,000 USD + professional services, workshop ticket, travel voucher, and health products

First Runner Up: $5,000 USD + health products

Second Runner Up: $2,500 USD + health products

Five Honorable Mentions: $1,000 USD each + health products

URL: https://themamaladder.com/grant

Deadline: September 30, 2024

250) WOCEWA Scholarship and Green Jobs Program for Women in STEM

Donor: International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada 

About: The WOCEWA program is designed to support gender mainstreaming in the energy sector across West Africa. The initiative, supported by a CAD 1.5 million fund, aims to increase women’s participation as both consumers and suppliers of clean energy. Through scholarships, it offers six women from West Africa the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees in energy-related fields, combined with internships in ECOWAS energy institutions. The internships are for six months, enhancing employability within the energy sector. 

Focus: Women, STEM education, renewable energy, gender equality, internships, energy sector employment 

Region: West Africa 

Eligibility: Women from West Africa, applicants for a master's program in 2024-2025, relevant academic background 

Benefits: Scholarships, 6-month internships, career opportunities in the energy sector 

URL: https://www.ecreee.org/wocewa-scholarship-and-green-jobs-program-for-women-in-stem/

Deadline: October 3, 2024 

251) Anzisha Prize Venture Building Fellowship

Donor: Mastercard Foundation 

About: The Anzisha Prize is a three-year fellowship aimed at supporting young African entrepreneurs aged 15 to 22. It offers resources and training to help grow their businesses. The fellowship includes storytelling initiatives to inspire others, tracks business performance, and provides access to short courses, cloud services, and cash stipends. At the end of the program, participants can pitch their businesses to win a share of $50,000. Prizes are awarded in categories such as job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and process integration. 

Focus: Youth entrepreneurship, business development, job creation, storytelling 

Region: Africa 

Eligibility: Ages 15-22, African nationals, existing businesses, founding members of the venture 

Benefits: Fellowship, business support, cash prizes totaling over $50,000, training, cloud services, networking 

URL: https://anzishaprize.org/apply/?anzisha_elig_judging_prizes_tab_content=64

Deadline: October 10, 2024 

252) European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/Eurostars: joint transnational call for proposals (CALL 7 of Eurostars-3)

Donor: InnovativeSMEs

About: Eurostars is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, co-funded by the EU through Horizon Europe. It supports innovative SMEs and partners (large companies, universities, research organizations) by funding international R&D and innovation projects. Projects must involve at least two independent entities from at least two Eurostars countries, led by an innovative SME. Funding is managed by national bodies, and eligibility criteria must be met.

Focus: R&D, innovation, international collaboration, product development, process development, service development.

Region: Eurostars countries, EU, Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

Eligibility: Innovative SMEs, large companies, universities, research organizations.

Benefits: Public funding for international collaborative R&D projects.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/4983?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390

Deadline: September 12, 2024

253) Development of high spatial-resolution monitoring approaches and geographically-explicit registry for carbon farming

Donor: European Commission

About: This grant supports the implementation of the Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe', focusing on conserving and increasing soil organic carbon stocks. It aims to enhance stakeholders' confidence in carbon farming certification schemes, establish reliable soil carbon benchmarks, improve decision-making in the LULUCF sector, and integrate market and social dimensions into EU carbon farming policy. Activities include developing innovative soil carbon monitoring systems, leveraging remote sensing tools, expanding digital tools, creating harmonization protocols, and evaluating market impacts. Projects should collaborate with other relevant projects and contribute to the European Soil Observatory.

Focus: Soil carbon monitoring, carbon farming certification, soil management, carbon sequestration, digital tools for soil data, market analysis of carbon farming.

Region: Europe

Eligibility: Researchers, land managers, farmers, forest managers, policymakers, certification bodies.

Benefits: Financial rewards, enhanced soil management performance, improved GHG inventories, digital marketplaces for carbon credits.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-miss-2024-soil-01-07?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=relevance&keywords=carbon&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390

Deadline: October 8, 2024

254) Accelerating uptake through open proposals for advanced SME innovation

Donor: European Commission

About: This grant supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to innovate in EU security domains. It facilitates market access and collaboration between SMEs, research organizations, and public buyers.

Focus: Fighting Crime and Terrorism (FCT), Disaster-Resilient Society (DRS), Resilient Infrastructure (INFRA), Border Management (BM)

Region: EU Member States and Associated Countries

Eligibility: SMEs, research organizations, technology providers

Benefits: Lump sum grants for technology development, market access support

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-cl3-2024-ssri-01-02?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate&keywords=business&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502

Deadline: November 20, 2024

255) HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-02-12

Donor: European Commission

About: This grant focuses on the development of direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) and bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technologies to help the EU achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Projects should advance these technologies, address environmental impacts, and involve societal stakeholders to enhance acceptance. They should also include a business case for commercial scalability. Collaboration with Mission Innovation countries is encouraged.

Focus: CO2 removal technologies, DACCS, BECCS, carbon neutrality, environmental sustainability, stakeholder engagement, scalability

Region: European Union

Eligibility: Legal entities (excluding China)

Benefits: Lump sum funding, opportunity to join the EU CCUS knowledge sharing project network

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-cl5-2024-d3-02-12?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390

Deadline: January 21, 2025

256) America's Top Small Business 2024

Donor: U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Iron Mountain and Dell Technologies
Funding Information: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the best in American small business through the America's Top Small Business Awards. The awards honor the achievements of small businesses and highlight their contributions to America’s economic growth. The awards are presented in partnership with Iron Mountain and Dell Technologies.
Focus Areas: Small Business Development, Economic Growth
Region: United States
Eligibility Criteria: Legal residents of the United States who operate a for-profit business primarily within the United States for at least one year. The business should have fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for both 2021 and 2024. Employees, officers, and directors of Sponsors and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families or individuals residing in their household are not eligible applicants.
Benefits: The winner will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize. Additional non-cash prizes, including prizes for finalists, are also available.
Grant Website: https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/americas-top-small-business/americas-top-small-business-guide
Deadline: July 14, 2024

257) Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants support innovative startups and entrepreneurs in Minnesota. The program is funded with $1.5 million for each fiscal year 2024 and 2025. The grants target businesses involved in innovative technology, business models, or products. They offer reimbursement for research and development expenses, direct business costs, and technical services, up to $35,000 on a 2:1 reimbursement basis (spending $2 gets $1 reimbursement). The program aims to foster growth and support the innovation ecosystem in Minnesota.

Focus: Innovative technology, startups, research and development, business expenses, technical services

Region: Minnesota

Eligibility: Innovative technology or business model; Headquarters in Minnesota; Operating for less than 10 years; Raised less than $1 million in equity; First-time recipient of the grant

Benefits: Up to $35,000 in reimbursement on a 2:1 basis

URL: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/launch-innovation/

Deadline: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024; November 1, 2024 – November 29, 2024; April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025

258) SBIR/STTR Matching Grants

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The SBIR/STTR Matching Grants provide financial support to businesses that have received Federal SBIR/STTR Phase 1 or Phase 2 awards after July 1, 2022. The grants aim to supplement federal funding and encourage research and technological innovation. Businesses can receive up to $35,000 for Phase 1 awards and up to $50,000 for Phase 2 awards. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Focus: SBIR/STTR, federal awardees, research, technology innovation Region: Minnesota

Eligibility: Registered with MNSBIR, Inc.; Federal SBIR/STTR Phase 1 or Phase 2 awardees after July 1, 2022; Minnesota-based operations and headquarters

Benefits: Up to $35,000 for Phase 1 awards; Up to $50,000 for Phase 2 awards

URL: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/launch-innovation/

Deadline: April 15, 2024 - May 31, 2024; June 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024; July 1, 2024 - July 31, 2024; August 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024; September 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024

259) Job Creation Fund (JCF)

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Job Creation Fund (JCF) provides financial incentives to businesses in Minnesota that engage in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, technology, and other eligible activities. To qualify, businesses must collaborate with the local government and meet certain criteria, including investing a minimum of $500,000 in real property improvements ($250,000 for Targeted Populations) and creating at least 10 new permanent full-time equivalent jobs (5 for Targeted Populations) within two years. The business must also pay wages of at least $15.87 per hour in 2024. JCF benefits are available to companies only if the project wouldn't occur without the fund's assistance. Projects must comply with prevailing wage requirements if they receive $200,000 or more in assistance. The benefits include cash incentives per job created and rebates on real property improvements. Companies apply for JCF through local governments, and successful projects are overseen by DEED in collaboration with the local government.

Focus: Manufacturing Warehousing Distribution Technology Real Property Improvements Job Creation

Region: Minnesota

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and technology-related businesses
• Local government support
• Investment of at least $500,000 ($250,000 for Targeted Populations)
• Creation of at least 10 new permanent full-time equivalent jobs (5 for Targeted Populations)
• Wage requirement of at least $15.87 per hour
• No undue harm to competitors
• Project must not have started before application approval

Benefits: $1,000 - $4,000 per job created per year ($2,000 - $5,000 for Targeted Populations) Up to a 5% rebate for real property improvements (Twin Cities Metro) Up to a 7.5% rebate for real property improvements (Greater Minnesota) Up to $2 million in total funding for large projects Flexible total funding

URL: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/mn-jcf/

Deadline: Ongoing

260) Minnesota Forward Fund

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Minnesota Forward Fund aims to increase business retention, expansion, and attract new projects in Minnesota. It provides grants and loans to businesses that require state matching dollars for federal funding programs like the CHIPS Act. The fund's goals include creating permanent private-sector jobs, stimulating private investment, improving local tax bases, enhancing job quality, and increasing economic opportunities for low to moderate-income residents. The program can be used to support capital investments in new and existing industries, including machinery, equipment purchases, infrastructure, and working capital. A total of $400 million was appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature for 2023, divided across various initiatives such as federal fund matching, bio-industrial manufacturing, and the CHIPS Act.

Focus: Business retention, business expansion, job creation, private investment, economic renewal, federal funding match, bio-industrial manufacturing, aerospace research, semiconductor industry

Region: Minnesota

Eligibility: Businesses making large private capital investments, projects requiring state matching for federal funding, support from local municipality

Benefits: Grants and loans up to $15 million per project, with a maximum of $10 million in grants; total project cost up to $75 million for CHIPS Act projects; year-round applications subject to fund availability

URL: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/forward-fund/

Deadline: Ongoing

261) Promise Act Grant Program

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Promise Act Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses and nonprofits in Minnesota that are located in communities affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, or economic challenges such as loss of population or limited economic diversification. A total of $86,480,000 is allocated for multiple rounds of grants. Funds can be used for working capital, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, equipment, and other business expenses. Grants are awarded based on the applicant's gross annual revenue, with amounts varying between $10,000 and $50,000. Eligibility requirements include maintaining primary business operations in Minnesota, having gross annual revenue of $750,000 or less, and being registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, except for sole proprietors. Nonprofits must meet specific revenue criteria to qualify. Applications are managed by partner organizations across different regions in Minnesota.

Focus: Small businesses, nonprofits, structural racial discrimination, economic diversification, working capital, business support

Region: Minnesota

Eligibility: Small businesses and nonprofits with gross revenue ≤ $750,000, located in eligible communities, registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, ongoing operations, affected by structural racial discrimination or economic challenges

Benefits: Grants up to $50,000 based on gross annual revenue, technical assistance for application submission

URL: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/promise-grant/

Deadline: Late Spring 2024 for initial applications; varies by partner organization

262) Promise Act Grant Program (Metro Grants)

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Promise Act Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses in Minnesota adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, lack of access to capital, or economic downturns. The program, with a total fund of $86.48 million, awards grants through partner organizations in multiple rounds. Businesses can use grants for working capital, payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, equipment, and other regular expenses. Eligible businesses in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area can receive funding in amounts based on their annual gross revenue. Grants range up to $50,000 depending on revenue brackets, with a cap for businesses earning up to $750,000 annually. Nonprofit organizations that operate similarly to for-profit businesses are also eligible if they meet specific revenue requirements. For the Metro area, grants are managed by the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC).

Focus: Small business development, economic recovery, racial equity, business operations support

Region: Minnesota (North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Saint Paul)

Eligibility:

• Located in Minnesota, primarily within eligible areas of North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, or Saint Paul
• Gross annual revenue of $750,000 or less
• Active business operations, filing taxes since 2022 or earlier
• Businesses affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, economic downturns
• Nonprofits earning revenue through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model

Benefits:

• Up to $10,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue of $100,000 or less
• Up to $25,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue between $100,000 and $350,000
• Up to $50,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue between $350,000 and $750,000

URL: https://www.mnpromiseact.org/metro-grants

Deadline: Late 2024 (Round 2); Future rounds to be announced

263) Promise Act Grant Program (Metro Grants)

Donor: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

About: The Promise Act Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses in Minnesota adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, lack of access to capital, or economic downturns. The program, with a total fund of $86.48 million, awards grants through partner organizations in multiple rounds. Businesses can use grants for working capital, payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, equipment, and other regular expenses. Eligible businesses in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area can receive funding in amounts based on their annual gross revenue. Grants range up to $50,000 depending on revenue brackets, with a cap for businesses earning up to $750,000 annually. Nonprofit organizations that operate similarly to for-profit businesses are also eligible if they meet specific revenue requirements. For the Metro area, grants are managed by the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC).

Focus: Small business development, economic recovery, racial equity, business operations support

Region: Minnesota (North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Saint Paul)

Eligibility:

• Located in Minnesota, primarily within eligible areas of North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, or Saint Paul
• Gross annual revenue of $750,000 or less
• Active business operations, filing taxes since 2022 or earlier
• Businesses affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, economic downturns
• Nonprofits earning revenue through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model

Benefits:

• Up to $10,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue of $100,000 or less
• Up to $25,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue between $100,000 and $350,000
• Up to $50,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue between $350,000 and $750,000

URL: https://www.mnpromiseact.org/metro-grants

Deadline: Late 2024 (Round 2); Future rounds to be announced

264) SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grants

Donor: MassVentures

About: START Grants support Massachusetts-based startups that have developed technologies through SBIR or STTR contracts. The program provides funding and business guidance to help these startups commercialize their technologies.

It offers three stages of grants: 10 Stage I grants of $100,000 each, 5 Stage II grants of $200,000 each to the top Stage I winners, and 2 Stage III grants of up to $500,000 each for successful Stage II companies.

Each year, the program helps to convert research into business opportunities and create jobs in Massachusetts.

Focus: Technology commercialization, job creation, business growth

Region: Massachusetts

Eligibility: Massachusetts-based startups with SBIR Phase II contracts

Benefits: Up to $500,000 in grant funding, business guidance

URL: https://www.mass-ventures.com/start-program-info

Deadline: February 1, 2025

265) MassCEC Catalyst & DICES Grants

Donor: MassCEC and MassVentures About: Catalyst and DICES grants are for clean energy technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-4. Catalyst offers up to 7 grants of $75,000 each to researchers and early-stage companies to demonstrate prototypes. DICES provides 3 additional grants of $75,000 each for projects led by women-owned or minority-owned startups. The program supports transforming new ideas into commercially viable technologies and includes access to networks, market insights, mentoring, pitch coaching, and business guidance.

Focus: Clean energy technology, prototype demonstration, diversity in cleantech

Region: Massachusetts

Eligibility: Massachusetts-based researchers and early-stage companies; women-owned or minority-owned startups for DICES

Benefits: Up to $75,000 in grant funding, mentoring, pitch coaching, business guidance

URL: https://www.mass-ventures.com/catalyst

Deadline: September 30, 2024

266) San Francisco Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund

Donor: MEDA and Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD)

About: Provides mini-grants up to $5,000 to San Francisco women-owned small businesses for transformative projects. Funds can be used for business operations improvements, marketing, visual merchandising, and space upgrades. Aims to enhance the business environment for women entrepreneurs and encourage collaboration with local technical assistance providers.

Focus: Business operations, marketing, visual merchandising, space improvements

Region: San Francisco

Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses operating full-time in San Francisco, with at least 40% revenue in the city, gross income up to $500,000, and active engagement with a city-funded technical assistance provider. Must complete 8 hours of consulting and commit to 6 months with the provider.

Benefits: Up to $5,000 per grant

URL: https://medasf.org/programs/fondo-adelante-community-loan-fund/business-development/san-francisco-womens-entrepreneurship-fund/

Deadline: Ongoing (applications not being accepted until further notice)

267) Southern California Job Creators Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC

About: Provides $50,000 in small business grants to 10 diverse-led businesses in Southern California. Grant recipients will also receive a scholarship for the Founders First accelerator program. To apply, businesses must complete an application with details about their company, financials, and a pitch video. The grant aims to support diverse entrepreneurs and help businesses add new jobs.

Focus: Small business growth, job creation, accelerator program

Region: Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego

Eligibility: For-profit businesses with annual revenues between $100K and $5 million, located in the specified Southern California regions, with 2+ full-time employees. Must be B2B or B2G model and have potential to add 1-2+ new jobs in 12 months. Diverse-led businesses or those with underrepresented founders are encouraged to apply.

Benefits: Up to $50,000 per grant, accelerator program scholarship

URL: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/socal

Deadline: November 11, 2024

268) Chicagoland Job Creators Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC

About: Offers $50,000 in small business grants to 10 diverse-led businesses in Illinois. Grant recipients also receive a scholarship for the Founders First accelerator program. To apply, businesses need to submit an application with details about their company, financials, and a pitch video. The grant supports diverse entrepreneurs and aims to help businesses add new jobs.

Focus: Small business growth, job creation, accelerator program

Region: Illinois

Eligibility: For-profit businesses with annual revenues between $100K and $5 million, located in Illinois, with 2+ full-time employees. Must be B2B or B2G model and have potential to add 1-2+ new jobs in 12 months. Diverse-led businesses or those with underrepresented founders are encouraged to apply.

Benefits: Up to $50,000 per grant, accelerator program scholarship

URL: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/chicago

Deadline: February 4, 2025

269) Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

Donor: Founders First CDC

About: Provides a total of $25,000 in micro grants to 25 veteran-owned small businesses nationwide. Each grant is $1,000. The fund supports U.S. military veterans who are running businesses and offers access to resources and webinars. Grant funds can be used for any business needs.

Focus: Veteran-owned small businesses, general business support

Region: United States

Eligibility: U.S. military veterans, CEOs, Presidents, or Business Owners with an active U.S. based business, annual revenue up to $5M, 2 to 100 employees, and at least 1 year in business

Benefits: $1,000 per grant, access to resources and webinars

URL: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/stephen-tadlock

Deadline: October 15, 2024

270) Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC) Grant

Donor: Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC)

About: Supports projects in New York City led by Asian American women or gender-expansive people using arts and culture to drive social change. Focuses on raising awareness and catalyzing action around issues affecting Asian American women, girls, and gender-expansive people. AWGC aims to fund 6-8 projects with grants of up to $8,000 each. Projects must demonstrate a clear strategy for social change, involve the arts integrally, and show a commitment to NYC-based communities. Individual artists can apply with a fiscal sponsor.

Focus: Arts, culture, social change, human rights, gender-based violence, immigrant rights, awareness-raising, community engagement

Region: New York City (exceptions made for exceptional merit projects)

Eligibility: AAPI women, gender-expansive people, projects with AAPI women/gender-expansive people in key roles, NYC-based, use of arts for social change, fiscal sponsor required for individuals

Benefits: Grants up to $8,000, 6-8 grants awarded

URL: https://asianwomengivingcircle.org/apply/

Deadline: June 2024 (Notification), October 15, 2024 (Application deadline)

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